Olivier Paiement

“My main goal was to work in sports media, so Concordia was my top choice because of its Journalism program in English.”

Although he was born and raised in Montreal, Olivier Paiement found a new home on campus. As a Journalism student, there were plenty of ways to get involved and step outside of his comfort zone. Now at the end of his degree, Olivier is an award-winning leader of Concordia’s Francophone Communication Games delegation, has produced a rap show and sports podcast at CJLO campus radio, written several articles for the Concordian and landed a job in his dream field.

Why Concordia?

My main goal was to work in sports media, so Concordia was my top choice because of its Journalism program in English. I was open to the idea of maybe one day working somewhere outside of Quebec, so having English as a tool is a must. As a journalist, you’re more skilled for interviews and press conferences if you know more languages. Coming to Concordia was a career decision to help develop my English in an academically structured way. I already knew how to speak English, but I wanted to learn how to apply it concretely.

Are you still pursuing sports media?

Yes, I’ve been working for the past year and a half at sports talk radio station here in Montreal called BPM Sports. I've done tons of different things there, including social media, journalism and producing. If you had told me when I started university that in three years, I’d be working in sports media, I would have been very happy.

Are you involved with any Francophone communities at Concordia?

I’m involved with Concordia's delegation at the Communication Games. It's a big interuniversity competition that’s entirely in French. It was a great opportunity for me to study in English but meet other Francophone students, develop professional skills in French and keep my Francophone side active instead of doing everything in English.

This past year, I became one of the three delegation leaders. As a leader, you’re responsible for the group, which involves recruitment, organizing practices and raising funds. It was a great experience because it balances what university should be – learning new stuff for your career, but also just having fun, meeting new people, and going to parties. It’s been a very rich experience and it’s always fun. We meet every Sunday for practice, which is a nice space where you can hang out with your Francophone buddies from Concordia before the school week starts.

Do you use any student services regularly?

Going to the Centre pour etudiant.es francophones has been a big bonus for the past year. I go once or twice a week to study and hang out. It’s nice to be in an environment where you have other Francophone students around to crack jokes, talk about stuff or help you out with things. I can feel that Concordia is trying to embrace its Francophone students more, and it adds to the richness of university life. You’re surrounded by so many people from different backgrounds who speak different languages. It’s nice that the school acknowledges that and lets people embrace it.

What other projects are you involved with?

Through the Communication Games, I met a Journalism student who is working to start up L’Organe – Concordia's Francophone student media. It’s been shut down for a few years, but I’ve joined the Board and we’re trying to start it up again this fall. We’re focused on video journalism, so students can make video projects in French. It’s very exciting and I’m happy that we’re going to be able to give this opportunity to students. The reality of the journalism market in Montreal and Quebec is that you need to be fluent in both languages if you want to work in the field.

Do you have any advice for Francophone students who are considering Concordia?

Study at the Centre pour étudiant.es francophones and try out the Communication Games! There's so many different activities and clubs in which you can really develop and fulfill yourself. When I started three years ago, I was shyer and more introverted. It’s uncomfortable to put yourself out there and force yourself to meet new people, but it’s the best way to grow. University isn't just about class.

Learn more about succeeding as a Francophone student at Concordia.