Colette’s Journal: A Career Odyssey at the Bank
Colette B. began her career at the Bank in 1955, at just 21 years old, and went on to spend her entire professional life there. Her story, which spans the transformations of the banks that ultimately formed BNP Paribas and the changing landscape of the banking industry, has been chronicled in a notebook that she donated to the BNP Paribas Historical Archives. This enhanced life story allows you to hear Colette’s voice, read her personal anecdotes, and explore a wealth of contextual information through accompanying articles.
Dive into her life story!
1955-1966: My First Steps at the Bank
“I joined the Comptoir National d’Escompte de Paris (CNEP) in June 1955, after passing my entrance exam. My division manager assigned me to the Victor Hugo branch in Paris, where I started out working at the counter. This was the traditional starting point, and at the time, account records were still kept on small index cards. Although the work was tedious, I found it rewarding.
Then, the General Management decided to introduce mechanical machines to modernize account-keeping. Our branch was selected to pilot this new technology, and I was chosen to lead the implementation.
As part of this project, I was sent to the central branch on Rue Bergère in Paris for specialized training. It was a significant step forward in my career!”
The First Machine is Installed
(in French only)
The trial is a success, and the machines are rolled out to all branches in Paris and the surrounding areas. I’m selected to become a mechanography trainer, teaching others how to use these new machines.
Although I’m happy at my current branch, I have to move on. This marks the start of a new phase in my career.
My department head, who is a strong advocate for modernization, offers me his support. He reassures me and lets me know that he’s available to help me with any challenges I may face.
However, as a young woman traveling from branch to branch, I don’t go unnoticed…
At my third installation, at a Paris branch on the Rue du Commerce, the director leaves me standing in his office doorway for a few minutes, eyeing me from head to toe. It’s a reminder that, as a woman, I’m still an anomaly in this male-dominated field…
My next stop is Le Bourget, a small branch with a team of about 15 people, just north of Paris.
During my time here, I’m given the unusual task of carrying a revolver while I deliver payroll funds to the nearby factories.
The revolver
(in French only)
To be followed…
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