Meet an Alumna: apprenticeship is a good stepping stone for the first job

What was your undergraduate major before studying at EDHEC?

I studied for a bachelor’s in economics and management at Paris-Saclay University (Paris XI).

Can you briefly talk about your motivations to join EDHEC and its master's programme?

EDHEC is a top-ranked business school in France and even in Europe. The seniors in my undergraduate school also gave very positive feedback on their learning experience at EDHEC: 100% English teaching, a curriculum that is linked to the industry, multiple majors to choose from, and rich student life...

From the perspective of the French job market, it seems that well-known companies will be more inclined to business school graduates. Therefore, studying at EDHEC is also very beneficial for employment and network expansion.

I chose the Apprenticeship Track because it could help me accumulate rich work experience. Moreover, the company subsidise the tuition fees and pay wages, which is more convenient to maintain my financial independence.

What is the teaching style in the apprenticeship track?

The pace of the apprenticeship programme is quite special. In addition to the full-time teaching at the Lille campus in the first semester, from the second semester onwards, all courses will be taught in the Paris campus, and the rhythm will be more compact: three weeks a month working in the company and one week at the school. The academic schedule is still very tight (9 to 5). The content is the same as another programme, consisting of lectures, practical projects, group assignments, etc.

Have you communicated with faculty and staff?

Our professors, the staff from Career Centre and International Students Office are all very friendly. The teachers in the apprenticeship track follow us closely to see if we adapt well to the intensive work-school lifestyle.

Did you get to know students from different countries through the interaction in and out of class?

Being able to meet classmates from all over the world is what I like the most about my three-year student life at EDHEC. Everyone's different cultural backgrounds and experiences are very interesting. By communicating with classmates, our own vision and views will also be broadened.

Where did you work while on the apprenticeship track?

I worked in Aon for two years during my EDHEC master's degree. The arrangement of three weeks in the company and one week at school gave me enough time to understand, adapt and follow up on the work of the company. This experience not only tempered my practical working ability but also gave me a deeper understanding of the French working environment and corporate culture. I also thank this experience for introducing me to the reinsurance industry.

What is your impression of the Lille campus?

I spent my first semester in Lille. The facilities on the campus are very complete. In addition to teaching facilities, there are also a swimming pool, gymnasiums, lounges, restaurants, coffee corners, etc. There are also student dormitories on campus, but because the number of rooms is limited, it is recommended that students who prefer to live on campus apply in advance. The campus itself is on the outskirts of Lille, next to a park but 45 minutes from downtown Lille.

 
 
Do you feel comfortable living and studying in France?

The culture and lifestyle in France are indeed very different from how things are in China but adapting to a new way of life is also one of my goals for studying abroad. When I first came to France, the enthusiastic French property owner and kind local classmates helped me quickly adapt to the French way of life. Of course, keeping an open, curious mind is also important for quickly adapting to a new environment.

Where and in what position are you currently working?

After graduation, I chose to continue working at Aon as a reinsurance broker.

 
 
Was EDHEC’s Master helpful in finding this job?

Through the two-year apprenticeship, I got to know the reinsurance industry, and through the apprenticeship, I became familiar with Aon's work.

For students who want to apply for your major, what advice do you have on study and career?

For students who want to apply for an apprenticeship, my suggestions are:

Make sure that you have the right to work part-time in France by law, ensure that you can use French fluently and, think clearly about your career plan. Apprenticeship is a good stepping stone for the first job. Many students will choose to work directly in the same company after graduation. Choosing the industry and position you like will make better use of this shortcut. Finally, I would say: make your own choices. Each major and academic system has its strengths. Non-apprenticeship students have the option of double degrees, more possibilities for international exchange and more internships.