Eric, 45 years of passion and commitment at Societe Generale

He embodies devotion and perseverance that characterises many Societe Generale members of staff. With 45 years of experience within the Bank, he has been there for many of its milestones and turning points. We delve into the inspirational career of Eric Desson, employee for Global Markets.

Eric Desson, Societe Generale employee

A career combining opportunities and perseverance

Eric began his career at Societe Generale when he was 17, undertaking three summer internships in bank branches, after which he grabbed the opportunity to stay at the Company with both hands. This decision marked the beginning of a unique career that has lasted over 45 years.

“My 45-year career can’t be summarised in a single word, but one thing is certain: perseverance counts and it’s decisive! That’s what I like at Global Markets. There are strong personalities, people who know what they want, who are enterprising, who have a real desire and a strong team spirit”, says Eric.

He expresses a profound gratitude for Societe Generale, which helped him professionalise himself and, while continuing to be an employee, to obtain qualifications such as the CAP Banque professional aptitude certificate and Brevet Banque GNVQ equivalent. 

A career from a bygone era?

“I think that a long career like mine is hard to imagine today”, Eric admits. Aware that the working world has changed since he entered the banking sector, he stresses that some qualities remain intangible and advises younger people to be inquisitive, attentive, observant, persistent and to foster interaction with others. 

Eric emphasises the importance of human relations: “Many procedures are done in writing, but a large company’s richness comes from the people in it, and many opportunities arise from the inquisitiveness and interest shown in a project and in the world around us”.

Would he recommend Societe Generale? Unquestionably. “The company’s size paves the way for an enormous number of different professions. Societe Generale is a company that gives young people an opportunity, the opportunity to change professions and meet extraordinary people. People like me, for whom joining the banking and finance universe wasn’t an inevitability, can absolutely find their place here and play their part.”  

Have these 45 years gone by fast?

Eric expresses his surprise at how time has flown by, recalling details of his early days at just 17. He evokes with nostalgia the major transformations the Bank has undergone over the last four decades. When he arrived in 1979, Societe Generale was still a state-owned bank. He experienced its privatisation, as well as the arrival of the computer age at the Bank.

He highlights the professional and personal impact the Group has had on him. Over the years, he has benefitted from a constant learning process. “What I’ve learned in IT, it was Societe Generale that enabled me to do so. My grasp of the English language was acquired thanks to Societe Generale. I’m very grateful for all that.”  

His career, as specific as it is, shows to what extent versability and open-mindedness are positive accelerators of change.