Opportunities too Good to Pass Up: Inès’s Journey from Intern to Analyst

Inès Punch is an Analyst with Alvarez & Marsal’s Private Equity Performance Improvement (PEPI) practice in Paris, France. She earned a master’s degree from École des Hautes Études Commerciales du Nord (EDHEC) Business School. 
 

In her full Q&A, Inès shares her journey from intern to full-time analyst, further reflecting on mentorship, the collaborative Paris office and how A&M’s culture of quality and growth has shaped her career.

Key Reasons to Join A&M 

What drew you to intern at A&M, and what inspired your decision to return full-time?

I was drawn to A&M after speaking with Pierre Demarquette, director, whose insights highlighted the firm’s unique culture. I valued that interns were given meaningful work and exposure, making the experience both challenging and rewarding. I returned full-time for three reasons: the pan-European culture and people I met, the firm’s dynamic growth and the sense I had only just begun to learn and contribute. 

Mentorship at A&M: Learning from Leaders and Colleagues 

Who have been some of your most impactful mentors at A&M, and what have you learned from them? 

Badr Ouabdelmoumen, Senior Director and my performance manager, has been an exceptional mentor whose guidance helped me overcome challenges and grow. Many colleagues in Paris, once interns themselves, also shared invaluable advice. Two lessons stand out: the power of clear communication to build trust and the 80/20 rule to focus on impact and drive team success. 

Company Culture at A&M: Collaboration and Team Spirit 

How would you describe the culture of your local office or team? 

The Paris office is open and collaborative, with everyone, from all levels and practices, willing to share expertise. Within the PEPI team, the dynamic feels like a sports team: driven, supportive and united by shared goals. We work hard to deliver results but also connect outside of projects through team lunches, after-work drinks and sports like the paddle tournament at our Deauville offsite. This mix of professionalism and camaraderie makes the office inspiring. 

A&M Core Values: Quality and Excellence in Action 

How does A&M’s core value of Quality resonate with you, and how have you seen it reflected in your work or team culture? 

A&M’s commitment to quality stands out. The caliber of projects and the effort invested under tight timelines reflect the firm’s dedication to excellence. Working with seasoned professionals has accelerated my growth, while colleagues’ values create an inspiring environment. I’ll never forget the pride of presenting my first final report; seeing our impact reaffirmed why I chose A&M. 

Work-Life Balance: Hiking Adventures and Recharge Strategies 

What hobby or interest outside of work energizes you? 

Hiking is one of my favorite hobbies. I had the opportunity to live in Seoul, South Korea, during my studies, where I embraced the country’s strong hiking culture. This experience deepened my appreciation for connecting with nature and the sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching a summit. There is something incredibly rewarding about gazing at breathtaking views after a challenging climb and reflecting on the journey. Hiking not only energizes me physically but also provides mental clarity and a renewed sense of focus. It has become an essential way for me to recharge and maintain balance, helping me approach both personal and professional challenges with a fresh perspective. 

To discover exciting career opportunities and begin your professional journey like Inès, explore our current job openings and apply today!