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Offering apprenticeship paths during the third year of a short program (a three-year bachelor’s degree) is a bold choice that prioritizes employability and experiential learning. With the launch of this additional opportunity for students enrolled in the Bachelor in International Business (BIB) program in 2024, IÉSEG enables its students to quickly make the connection between academic knowledge and the professional world, while maintaining the high academic standards of the degree.
A springboard to the professional world
Susannah Becquart took this gamble in her third year of her Bachelor’s degree in International Business. She explains:
« For me, the work-study program was an opportunity to gain more practical and longer-term experience to help me prepare for the world of work while maintaining links with school and my studies. I figured that this year would also allow me to make an informed choice about what to do next. If I continued my studies, it would confirm the field in which to pursue a Master’s degree. If I entered the job market directly, it would give me an extra year of experience and more clarity about what to look for in terms of a company and job. »
For Susannah, the apprenticeship path mainly allows for a gradual transition:
« The work-study program allowed me to put into practice and see the reality behind my two years of study. So it was not only a continuation of the previous two years, but also a whole new learning experience: that of the working world. The work-study program is a very busy and intense year. Honestly, it’s really not easy to balance work and school. It requires effort on both sides, and sometimes sacrifices, but it’s worth it because it’s a year full of discoveries and learning experiences. »
To succeed in an apprenticeship program, choose the right company!
The choice of company was also decisive in his career path:
« I had already completed a first internship at Cegelec Nord Grands Projets (Vinci Energies Group) and I wanted to continue working with them. I really enjoyed the work and knew that a year of apprenticeship within this company would be very rewarding. When choosing the company for my work-study program, I looked not only at the team and the tasks I would be doing for a year, but also at the opportunities that would be available to me at the end. At the end of my work-study contract, Cegelec Nord Grands Projets offered me a permanent contract to continue the missions I had been doing. This offer was in line with what I wanted, so I accepted with great pleasure! »
So, should you choose an apprenticeship path to complete your third year of the Bachelor in International Business?
« I think these experiences are a really interesting option for students. You learn a lot in a company, and it’s very different from what you learn at school. Having a rhythm that combines both (school and work) allows you to reconcile two different worlds and benefit from the best that both have to offer. In my experience, it allowed me to make a smoother transition from school to the working world. »
The company’s perspective: a win-win partnership
The success of this model also depends on the commitment of companies, which recognize the value that these motivated young talents bring. This was emphasized by her apprenticeship manager, Camille Thiriez – Innovation and Digital Solutions Engineer at Vinci Energies, and project manager for Circable:
« We had the pleasure to welcome Susannah for a first internship at the end of her second year of her bachelor’s degree, which was a very positive experience for both her and our team. The apprenticeship path was therefore a natural and logical follow-up to this successful internship. It allowed us to continue our collaboration while offering Susannah the opportunity to acquire new skills and deepen her knowledge of the job.
The rhythm of three weeks in the company for one week at school proved particularly suited to our needs. It allows students to become fully integrated into company life, to be entrusted with more ambitious tasks, and to see them progress over time. We were impressed by Susannah’s ability to quickly understand our challenges and those of our partners, as well as her interpersonal skills.
I am convinced that such a program promotes the professional development of young people, while bringing real added value to the company. That is why I recommend apprenticeship paths, particularly in the context of the IÉSEG Bachelor in International Business. »
Thanks to its work-study program, IÉSEG’s Bachelor in International Business is more committed than ever to its mission: to train graduates who are immediately operational, open-minded, responsible, and able to respond to the strategic challenges of their companies and stakeholders.
What Hassan EL ASRAOUI, co-academic director of the Bachelor in International Business, says
“The apprenticeship path in the third year of the Bachelor in International Business allows students to put the theoretical knowledge acquired in the first two years into practice and to acquire concrete professional skills.
This program facilitates the development of a strong resume and professional network, which are major assets for a successful start to one’s career. In the workplace, work-study students develop autonomy, time management, technical skills and interpersonal skills, all of which are essential qualities for success in working life or in pursuing a Master’s degree in apprenticeship.
Finally, apprenticeship paths increase the chances of being hired after graduation and immersion by demonstrating real experience, strong organizational skills, and a tremendous ability to adapt.”
