From Paris to San Diego: Dual Degree Student Lucie Le Bitter '26 Builds Her Future

As a girl growing up in a small commune just 11 miles outside of Paris, Lucie Le Bitter decided that one day she would trade her rainy suburban streets outside the iconic city for the warm, sandy beaches of California. 

It’s here at the University of San Diego’s Knauss School of Business that Lucie realized that dream, working towards finishing her college education and setting the foundation for her future career post graduation. Pursuing a dual degree and double major from two universities, in an environment opposite from her own, she was determined to overcome the obstacles of being an international student.

Two Countries, Two Degrees, Two Majors 

Lucie Le Bitter started her college career at NEOMA Business School in the north of France but hoped to broaden her horizons. “I could have gone to other schools in Europe,” Lucie stated, “[but] I wanted to explore a new way of thinking— not just the European mindset, so that’s why I chose the United States.” Leaving behind the rain may also have been a small factor: “I wanted the sun and I always dreamed of going to California.” 

Lucie arrived at Knauss as a business administration major, but was hoping to specialize further in her dream industry. “I always wanted to do marketing. So for me, a double major in marketing was like a bonus,” Lucie recalled excitedly.  “It was hard at first, we thought that I wouldn’t be able to do it because of all the requirements, and then Diana actually found a solution for me.” With the help of her academic advisor, Diane Meza-Ehlert, she was able to meet the requirements to add marketing as her second major. 

Despite the workload of two majors, Lucie has been determined to make the most of her time at the University of San Diego. She’s joined organizations like the USD Tennis Club, playing competitively, and become a member of the San Diego chapter of the American Marketing Association to network within the local marketing community. 

Alumni Connections

As a requirement of the dual degree program, students have to complete an internship during their time abroad. This proved to be a significant challenge for not only Lucie, but all of the students. “I was getting a lot of no’s just because I didn't have a green card. It was a feeling of defeat and all of us were in the same situation,” Lucie explained.  With the deadline looming close, Lucie realized she needed to tap into her newfound network of alumni. 

Through one of her peers, she had befriended Line Benoist ’24 (BBA), a fellow dual degree and dual major, who had graduated a year before Lucie came to Knauss, and they became fast friends. Line worked for a company in the healthcare industry called Doc Delta. Understanding the tough situation Lucie was in, she offered to bring her resume into work in case they could take on an intern. 

Lucie’s friendship with Line ultimately helped her secure a valuable marketing internship with Doc Delta, focusing on data analytics and marketing material creation such as case studies and brochures. 

Scholarship Support

Securing the internship was an exciting step forward but the battle wasn’t won yet. Living as a student in a foreign country can come at a price and in order to stay here comfortably, Lucie needed to find additional support. It was then that she turned to Knauss to ensure she had all that she needed to spend her summer working while also enjoying all that San Diego had to offer. 

Luckily, Lucie recalled hearing about a Knauss scholarship fund created specifically to support students who need income while completing unpaid or low-paid internships, ensuring that students can gain professional experience even when dealing with difficult financial circumstances. “When I saw it, I told myself I should just try because I knew I would need support,” said Lucie. 

Thankfully through the donor-supported Student Internship Fund, Lucie was able to complete the internship requirement, building her resume and skills, while also enjoying her summer in America’s finest city. 

“It helped me pay for housing, supplies and food, but also to do activities outside of my job,” Lucie recalled. “[Without the internship] I would have had less freedom.” 

Through the internship Lucie was also able to narrow down her field of interest, determining that a creative role was more her speed. With this newfound knowledge she was able to better plan her last year at Knauss, focusing on classes that covered her desired career goals. After graduation, she plans to return to France for her master’s degree where she will continue to grow as a marketer in a creative role. 

Lucie's journey from a small French suburb to the shores of San Diego is a testament to her determination and the power of a supportive community. By leveraging the Torero network and securing vital scholarship support, she’s been able to navigate the challenges of international education. As she works toward the finish line, the foundation she's built at the University of San Diego prepares her not just for her career, but for a strong network across the globe. 

- Jess Applonie