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A one-of-a-kind experience marked the end of students’ Master’s program in Audit, Management Control, and Corporate Finance at IÉSEG recently. Initiated by their Academic Director, Elodie GARLOT FALGUIERES, the Class of 2024 had the opportunity to replace the traditional final thesis with an innovative format: a Learning Expedition. The idea? To design an off-campus seminar that would serve both academic and professional objectives, allowing the cohort to collectively wrap up two years of study in a memorable way.

“Two intense years of work-study, combining academic rigor with company assignments, certainly deserved an ‘out-of-the-classroom’ conclusion. Very early on, the idea of a Learning Expedition, perfectly aligned with IÉSEG’s Teaching & Learning Experience, emerged: a project combining cross-disciplinary skills and a human adventure!”

Elodie GARLOT FALGUIERES, Academic Director

Inspired by the concept, two students, Victor GOUZE and Carla CAMBETTE, volunteered to organize the event, applying the project management methodologies studied during their courses. Planning, budgeting, logistics, partnership management—every detail was carefully considered to create an experience that was both coherent and enriching for the entire class.

From the outset, the goals were clear: provide professional immersion, offer a window into the local culture, and create a strong team-building moment. The professional dimension was highlighted through a visit to PwC in Marseille, where students discovered new career paths, exchanged with experts, and expanded their networks, all while refining their understanding of the opportunities available in auditing and consulting, particularly in southern France.

Beyond the professional sphere, cultural activities and social moments played a central role in the success of the event, strengthening the bonds of a class already united by two years of shared effort.

“While the professional aspect was at the heart of this Learning Expedition, one activity that particularly stood out for students was the canoe-kayak day in the Calanques. Beyond the recreational aspect, this activity played a key role in group cohesion: mutual support, communication, and teamwork were essential to move forward together. It also offered a chance to take a breath after two intense years, strengthening friendships and leaving a lasting memory associated with the ending of their Master’s program,” explained Victor GOUZE and Carla CAMBETTE.

This experience aligns fully with IÉSEG’s pedagogy, which emphasizes “learning by doing” as well as the development of soft skills. The student organizers gained hands-on project management experience: planning, negotiation, logistical coordination, and fundraising. They also learned to use collaborative tracking tools and anticipate risks to secure every stage of the event—skills directly transferable to their future professional careers.

On a personal level, the experience was equally enriching. It allowed students to apply their communication skills, test their stress management, and adapt to unforeseen challenges. Working as a team to organize a seminar for the entire cohort strengthened their sense of responsibility while developing teamwork and leadership.

“Beyond the academic learning, this experience reinforced class cohesion and marked a real transition from student life to the professional world. It brought two years of the Master’s program to an end and further strengthened the bonds of this first cohort in Audit, Management Control, and Corporate Finance in Paris. At the end of the seminar, all students unanimously agreed to do a reunion five years from now with a similar weekend!”

Victor GOUZE

“The outcome of this Learning Expedition? A memorable moment — both for the students at the end of their program and for myself as Academic Director. None of it would have been possible without the commitment of the administrative teams. We experienced something truly extraordinary, both humanly and professionally, an experience that will remain etched in our memories,” adds the Academic Director.