Paul, a student at KEDGE, found an internship through the network

 Paul, a student at KEDGE, found an internship through the network

What training programme(s) did you take at KEDGE? 

I started the International Business MSc programme to increase my skills and international contacts. The first year took place under “normal” conditions but my second year started during the lockdown, which made things complicated and rendered searching and getting an internship difficult.

The second year moved to remote learning very quickly, which necessitating organising my coursework differently. I was able to start my dissertation earlier, take different courses, and complete the different projects that had to be carried. It was easier to look for an internship, which was also less stressful.

In what sector did look for an internship, and why?

I started looking for an internship in the construction sector in November/December 2020 for a May 2021 start. I’ve been passionate about this industry for many years, and already possess a lot of knowledge from my personal and professional background. I also focussed my research on purchasing because I was accepted into KEDGE’s MAI specialised master programme in Paris. 

How did your search go? 

I started using the services provided by KEDGE Alumni because internships weren’t being advertised yet during this period. I targeted graduates from the MAI programme in order to determine which training I should pursue, as well as Alumni who were working in the top French construction companies (Bouygues and Vinci Construction, Eiffage Construction, and Spie Batignolles).

After I identified relevant individuals, I sent emails to two Alumni at each company. Luckily, I received fairly prompt feedback. Later, I had a discussion with a former MAI student, who was a buyer at BYCN. During our conversation, which lasted about 45 minutes, he told me about his background, his position, what he had studied, and answered my various questions. He then forwarded my file to an HR manager who contacted me. The recruitment process followed sometime later when the internship offers came out.

Which KEDGE services did you use to find your internship? How did they help you?

I used the KEDGE Alumni directory as well as the Job Board and LinkedIn. The network helped me look for former students in the field and industry that I was targeting so I could build my first network of contacts.

What opportunity(ies) did you find?

As a result of several interviews with the head of HR at BYCN, I found an internship as a Buyer (steel tunnel network) in Guyancourt. My next goal is to get a work-study position to finish my master degree.

Tell us what motivated you to look for a job in this sector?

I basically grew up in the building sector, in a family company focussed on air-conditioning, ventilation, and geothermal. I plan to take over the company in several years and make it grow. I’d like to cut my teeth in a major company as a buyer so I can acquire management skills.

What advice would you give to a student who is currently looking for an internship?

The business school networks are particularly a rich source, especially KEDGE’s. You must take advantage of it. There are lots of “invisible” opportunities out there. In order to find them, you have to know how to look for them. Reach out to members of the network and, if you run into difficulties, you can count on the KEDGE Alumni teams to provide assistance and advice. 

Anything to add? A message to pass on?

I would like to thank KEDGE Alumni for offering this service. In a few years I’d like to be able to offer my services to students, such as giving conferences and/or mentoring, to support them in their searches and various projects.

MACI