Finding Your Path, Forging Your Own: Emma’s Story as an EFAP Graduate

Emma Lagarde’s Journey: EFAP Graduate and Entrepreneur

Behind every career, there is a story. Emma’s begins between Madrid and the Basque Country, continues on television sets, and today flourishes in entrepreneurship. A journey in which EFAP plays an essential role: a guide, a springboard, and a true family. Her experience proves it: at EFAP, the network doesn’t end at graduation. Internships, opportunities, professional support… even her very first client when she launched as a freelancer. An inspiring journey that illustrates the strength of a school and a community that continues to support its Alumni throughout their professional lives.

Hello Emma, what was your journey before joining EFAP?

I moved to Madrid at the age of 5 and lived there for ten years. I completed my middle school diploma before we returned to France and settled in the Basque Country. There, I pursued a dual French-Spanish baccalaureate in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Living there was very fulfilling. But soon, a big question arose: what could I do after the baccalaureate? I was passionate about languages, wanted to be a translator, a journalist… I had many aspirations without knowing which direction to take. Communication already resonated with me, and so did creativity. That’s when I discovered EFAP thanks to a former student with whom I am still in contact today. She now lives in Canada, and her testimony at the time made me want to explore this path.

Why did you choose to study communication at EFAP?

I attended the open house at EFAP’s communication school in Paris, then took my entrance exams in Bordeaux. Once admitted, I chose to study communication in Paris, mainly because I knew my internships would mostly be there. And… I wanted to leave the family nest. From the very first year, it was a revelation. I immediately felt at home. One of EFAP’s greatest strengths is the diversity of backgrounds: you study alongside people from all horizons. It enriched me enormously.

You quickly decided to move toward the audiovisual sector — can you tell us more?

From my first year, I directed my internships toward television. I joined Studio 89 for M6… even though I originally wanted to be a sports journalist!

I had a real crush on television. For five years, I gained experience on: The Voice, Les Enfoirés, La Chanson Secrète, prime-time shows for TF1… It was incredibly stimulating. I was everywhere, coordinating on set: I loved it. So I naturally decided to join the MBA in Communication and Audiovisual Production in my 5th year. I graduated and found a full-time position two months later.

Can you tell us about your professional journey after EFAP?

I was hired at AMP Interactive on a permanent contract. We worked in audiovisual production for corporate clients: short pieces for the Louvre, the Château de Versailles, EDF… Major institutions with small budgets and small teams, so lots of resourcefulness! I stayed two and a half years in Paris, but I always had in mind to return to Bordeaux. Production companies are rare there, but one had always caught my attention: Écrans du Monde. I had been following them for a long time. They opened a position for a production assistant, which I got. That’s when I dove into a new universe: documentary production. I worked on projects for France Télévisions, Arte… It was fascinating. I stayed with them for three years.

Then I became pregnant. After the birth of my child, I no longer had the same desire to return to a salaried position. I felt I had completed a cycle and needed more time for my family. So I went freelance.

I had always kept, in the back of my mind, the idea of creating my own communication agency… but I hadn’t dared yet, and it was certainly “not the right moment,” just after maternity leave… But then I realized the right moment would never come. So I went for it and created Pivoines & Pins, where I work on everything from social media strategy to content creation and community management — always with a business-driven approach: helping brands grow their visibility and attract new clients. My first client was an EFAP Alumna!

Based in New Caledonia, she was looking for someone to create her logo. She had posted a message in the private EFAP Alumni group on LinkedIn. I replied, she contacted me, I sent a quote, and she approved it the same day. We worked together despite the time difference, and the connection happened instantly.

Today, how do you look back on your journey and your relationship with EFAP?

I think my journey shows something important: you should never forget the school. EFAP is a lifelong attachment. When you join, you become part of a community. Proof of this: my very first client came from the alumni network. It’s invaluable support. And being welcomed today on the EFAP Bordeaux campus is very touching.

My journey is also that of a network that shines: when I take the leap and work on my own, the EFAP family is there!

“EFAP is a school for life.”

Learn more about EFAP’s Alumni Network