Work-Study Guide
Whether you are a secondary school pupil, student or looking to change careers, this guide explains everything you need to know about work-study programmes in marketing, digital technology, finance, commerce, auditing, management or administration.
Why choose a work-study programme? To learn a trade in a practical way, enhance your CV and get paid while you study.
What is a work-study programme?
A work-study programme combines classroom learning with work experience. You prepare for a recognised qualification while gaining practical experience in the field.
Available to students who have completed their A-levels, it is a real springboard to employment: direct application of what you learn, skills development, networking... and paid work experience.
Marketing, digital, management, finance or auditing: work-study programmes offer direct access to the professional world. They are a strategic path that is increasingly valued by recruiters.
DISCOVER OUR WORK-STUDY PROGRAMMES
BENEFITS OF A WORK-STUDY PROGRAMME IN A BUSINESS SCHOOL
With a work-study program, you join a company while still studying.
The result: you learn your future job on the ground, develop professional reflexes, and get a head start over other students. By the time you graduate, you’ll already have 1 to 3 years of experience to highlight on your resume.
Yes — you get paid. Your salary depends on your age and level of study, but in every case, it’s a real financial boost that helps you gain independence.
In a work-study contract, your tuition fees are fully covered by your host company. No out-of-pocket expenses. You get trained for free and earn money at the same time.
At work, you gain hands-on skills recruiters look for: project management, digital tools, teamwork, autonomy...
WHO CAN ENROLL IN A WORK-STUDY PROGRAMME?
Thinking about a post-secondary business school and wondering if work-study is right for you? Good news: it’s possible from the very first year! It’s a great way to enter the professional world early and explore careers in marketing, digital, business, or management.
Whether you're in a BTS, a bachelor’s degree, a licence, or even a master’s program, work-study can be integrated at any point in your journey. It’s a great way to boost your studies, gain maturity, and take a real step toward a professional career.
Already earned a first degree and aiming for a master’s level (bac+5)? Work-study offers a strategic way to strengthen your profile with a specialization and solid on-the-job experience — a true asset in the job market.
Looking to change paths? Work-study programs allow you to learn a new profession while staying connected to the working world. It’s a fast, practical, and hands-on way to retrain without starting from scratch.
HOW DOES A WORK-STUDY PROGRAMME WORK IN BUSINESS SCHOOL?
A Tripartite System: School / Company / Student
The system is based on a contractual relationship between three parties:
The student attends theoretical classes at school while working at the company.
The school provides the training, validates the skills acquired, and ensures academic support and mentoring for the student.
The company employs the student, integrates them into a team, assigns real tasks, and monitors their progress within the organization.
This is formalized through a work-study contract, usually:An apprenticeship contract for young people aged 16 to 29.
A professionalization contract available to a broader audience (students, job seekers, etc.).
A Schedule Tailored to the Training
The work-study schedule varies depending on the school and level of study. In business schools, the most common models are:
3 days in the company / 2 days in class
1 week in the company / 1 week at school
3 weeks in the company / 1 week of classes
Or blocks of consecutive weeks (e.g., 2 months / 1 month).
This schedule is defined by the school and communicated to both the student and the company at the beginning of the academic year.
TYPES OF CONTRACTS: APPRENTICESHIP OR PROFESSIONALISATION?
The apprenticeship contract is primarily aimed at young people and allows them to follow a work-study program leading to a qualification (CAP, BTS, bachelor’s, master’s, etc.). It is governed by the Labor Code and the Education Code.
Objective: Obtain a professional qualification or diploma listed in the RNCP (National Directory of Professional Certifications).
Target Audience: Young people aged 16 to 29.
There are exceptions (no age limit for individuals with disabilities or those wanting to start or take over a business requiring the targeted qualification).
The professionalisation contract is more flexible and can be applied to a broader audience. It focuses on acquiring professional skills through a recognized qualification or title.
Objective: Promote professional integration or re-integration with a recognized certification or title.
Target Audience:
Young people aged 16 to 25
Job seekers aged 26 and over
Recipients of RSA, ASS, AAH, or those on subsidized contracts.
FIND AN APPRENTICESHIP
Before you start applying, make sure you have solid and personalized documents:
CV
Opt for a clear and concise CV with a neat layout.Highlight your skills, internships, student projects, volunteer work, and professional experiences.Tailor the CV for each application (especially the introduction and key skills).
Cover Letter
The letter should be brief, targeted, and personalized to the company.Explain why you are choosing an apprenticeship and why you selected this company.Avoid generic phrases and be sure to highlight your professional goals.
Practical Tools
Free Online CV Generator – CanvaExamples of Apprenticeship Cover Letters – Studyrama
Specialized Platforms
Welcome to the JungleJobteaser
L'Étudiant
Offers Pôle Emploi –
1jeune1solution
Personal Networks and Schools
Through your school: company forums, partnerships, internal platform.
Through your network: friends, family, alumni, professors, LinkedIn...
Social Media
LinkedIn is essential: posted job openings, unsolicited applications, private messages to recruiters or alumni.
Follow companies that interest you, comment on their content, and show your interest!
Practical Tools
Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile – CIDJCreate a Job Alert on Indeed
TIPS FOR SUCEEDING IN YOUR APPRENTICESHIP
Good organization is essential for managing your apprenticeship between school and work effectively.
Plan Your Weeks
Anticipate your time at the company and at school: Write down your working hours and classes to avoid scheduling conflicts.Set Priorities: Prioritize your tasks at work, school projects, and revision time.Manage Your Time: Use a digital or paper agenda to track deadlines and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Use task management apps like Trello, Google Calendar, or Todoist to track your tasks and priorities.
An apprenticeship is a great opportunity for professional development. Show your motivation and involvement at all times.
Show initiative: Don’t wait for tasks to be assigned to you—suggest solutions or take on additional responsibilities when possible.
Be Punctual: Punctuality is essential to build trust with your colleagues and supervisors.
Respect Company Rules: Follow the working hours, dress code, and company values.
Maintain good relationships with your colleagues, mentor, and managers. Be open to constructive criticism and demonstrate your desire to improve.
An apprenticeship is primarily a practical learning experience. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn everything you can't acquire in class alone.
Don’t limit yourself to your assigned tasks: If you’ve finished your work, offer to help with another project. It’s a great chance to explore other areas of the company.Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification; that’s how you’ll learn the most.Seek to Understand the Stakes: Get familiar with the company’s strategic goals to better understand your tasks.
Take regular notes on what you’re learning, the skills you’ve gained, and the feedback you receive. This will help you assess your progress at the end of your apprenticeship.
Networking: Build Professional Connections
An apprenticeship is an excellent way to develop your professional network.
Attend company events (meetings, conferences, team lunches) to get to know your colleagues and other people within the company.
Use LinkedIn to connect with your mentors, colleagues, and managers. The goal is to maintain relationships even after your apprenticeship ends.
At the end of your apprenticeship, ask your supervisors or colleagues if they would be willing to write a recommendation letter or leave a review for you on LinkedIn. This will strengthen your profile for future opportunities.
The Next Step: Prepare for Life After the Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is not just a stage in your studies, it can also pave the way for a permanent job. Here are some tips to prepare for what comes next.
If you’ve performed well and the company has needs, you may be approached for a full-time position at the end of your apprenticeship.Let them know you’re interested in a job offer, but don’t be too pushy.
Add the new skills and experiences you’ve gained during your apprenticeship to your CV and LinkedIn profile to attract recruiters.
Never stop learning. Take advantage of resources offered by your company, as well as online courses or certifications to boost your employability.