What are the advantages of a work-study program?

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Learning a trade while studying is a great asset for every student. A work-study program gives you the opportunity to gain experience, improve your networking skills and qualify for certain types of remuneration. Find out more about the benefits of this program below.

In summary:

  • Work-study programs enable students to deepen their knowledge of their specializations.
  • It offers the opportunity to gain professional experience before graduating.
  • It provides an opportunity to be recruited on a permanent basis once the apprenticeship contract has ended.
  • It enables you to finance your studies while qualifying for remuneration.

A first professional experience to enhance your CV

Work-study programs offer a host of advantages for students and companies alike. It enables you to acquire a first significant professional experience that will enhance your CV. Unlike conventional internships, it gives you real-world experience in your field of study, while being paid for it. This practical experience is highly valued by employers, as it demonstrates real involvement in the world of work and an ability to put into practice the theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom.

Learning the trade before signing your first permanent contract

Work-study programs offer students a unique opportunity to learn the trade before they sign their first permanent contract. By working in a company during their training, students gain an in-depth understanding of the realities of the job market and the specific requirements of their professional field. This immersion in the professional world enables them to hone their skills, discover the different aspects of the job and become familiar with employers’ expectations. As a result, after graduation, alternating students are better prepared to enter the job market and make a successful transition to their first permanent job.

Having a mentor

One of the most valuable advantages of a work-study program is the possibility of having a mentor. Working alongside experienced professionals, work-study students benefit from personalized supervision and sound advice to guide them along their career path. Mentoring enables you to benefit from the expertise and experience of seniors, develop technical and relational skills, and obtain strategic advice.

Practical and sought-after professional skills upon graduation

Work-study programs give students the opportunity to acquire practical professional skills as soon as they graduate. By working within a company while completing their training, work-study students have the opportunity to put into practice the theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom. This practical experience enables them to develop skills specific to their field of study.

Possibility of recruitment on permanent contract following a work-study programme

The work-study program offers students the possibility of being recruited on a permanent basis following their work-study contract. Indeed, many companies see work-study programs as an effective way of recruiting future employees. Thanks to their work experience and the skills they acquire during their sandwich course, students are often highly appreciated by employers. This enables them to be offered permanent jobs at the end of their work-study contract. This is a valuable opportunity for students to launch their professional careers under favorable conditions.

Possibility of recruitment on permanent contract following a work-study programme

The work-study program offers students the possibility of being recruited on a permanent basis following their work-study contract. Indeed, many companies see work-study programs as an effective way of recruiting future employees. Thanks to their work experience and the skills they acquire during their sandwich course, students are often highly appreciated by employers. This enables them to be offered permanent jobs at the end of their work-study contract. This is a valuable opportunity for students to launch their professional careers under favorable conditions.

Being paid while studying

One of the major advantages of a work-study program is the possibility of being paid during your studies. Unlike conventional internships, where students generally receive no remuneration, alternants receive a salary throughout their work-study contract. This remuneration enables them to support themselves and partly finance their training, while gaining significant professional experience. What’s more, this remuneration can be a real asset for students facing tuition fees or other study-related expenses.

Apprenticeship and professionalization contracts: what are the differences?

There are two main types of work-study contract in France: apprenticeship and professionalization.

The apprenticeship contract is mainly aimed at young people under 30, enabling them to acquire a professional qualification while following a sandwich course.

The professionalization contract, on the other hand, is aimed at a wider audience, including jobseekers. Its aim is to promote the integration or reintegration into the workforce of those looking for a job.

These two types of contract differ in terms of target audience, duration, remuneration and conditions of access.

Does ESCE offer work-study programs?

Yes, ESCE offers sandwich courses in some of its programs. Students have the opportunity to follow a sandwich course while working for a company. The program enables them to gain significant professional experience while continuing their studies.

The following Bachelors (bac +3 level diploma) can be taken on a sandwich course:

The following Masters (bac +5 level) are offered on a sandwich course basis at ESCE:

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Updated 7 May 2024