How to Get an Internship in France and What it’s Really Like
Getting a master’s degree in France often entails more than just passing your classes. As a graduate student in France, you’ll likely have the opportunity to complete an internship at some point during your degree. Depending on your program, you may even have to find more than one! For example, my program in Logistics at the Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne includes two internships, while Maria’s Public Law program includes only one end-of-study internship. As is evidenced by both of our programs, the French higher education system puts a strong emphasis on obtaining relevant work experiences during your studies. Keep reading for my tips on how to apply for and land an internship in France.
Stay Up-to-Date
Before you start your internship search, take the time to update your CV and your LinkedIn with the most accurate and recent information about your schooling and work experience. Proofreading your French spelling and grammar, adding key words related to your desired field and position, and refining your professional image are important steps to take before you begin to look for a job in earnest.
Sell Yourself
Though we’ve all seen “Cover Letter Optional” on job applications, it’s important to remember that acquiring an internship in a foreign country isn’t about doing the bare minimum. Required or not, you should really be attentive when you’re drafting your cover letters. While a good CV will show what you are, an effective cover letter completes the picture by showing who you are and what you can do. Take the time to write eloquently about your accomplishments, demonstrated skills, relevant personality traits, and assets that you will bring to the company.
Staying Organized
Like with any job search, looking for an internship will require a lot of work. To avoid any missteps or complications, keeping yourself organized throughout the process is vital. I recommend making a spreadsheet that contains key information like which companies you have contacted, the statuses of your applications, and the responses you have received during your internship search. Keeping these details straight will help you avoid silly mistakes like applying to the same position twice or forgetting to check on an application you submitted previously.
Applying to Positions
When searching for a suitable internship for yourself in France, it’s important to make use of all the resources at your disposal. Start by checking websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Monster for internship offers or relevant companies to contact. Additionally, joining local and national Facebook groups dedicated to the internship search is a good way to find opportunities that aren’t posted elsewhere. If your university offers a career platform like Job Teaser or Handshake, sign up and use them! Stack the odds in your favor by exhausting every source of job postings and employer contact information you can find.
Ace the Interview
As with any interview, it’s best to be well-dressed and well-prepared. Cut down on feelings of uncertainty and stress by rehearsing your answers to common interview questions before the big day. This is especially important for interviews in your second language, as you should have the ability to talk about yourself and your capacities effortlessly. Speak politely, take your time, and have confidence in yourself.
My Internship Application Experience
I began my master’s degree in September 2020 and started searching for an internship three months later at the end of November. I knew my internship needed to begin in April 2021, and I wanted to give myself time to settle into my studies in France while also allowing ample time for the job search.
When all was said and done, I applied for internships at around 30 different companies. I responded to listings I found on job search platforms, applied directly on companies’ websites, and sent several candidatures spontanées, or “cold applications,” meaning I applied for an internship even when no available jobs were advertised by the company. In the end, several companies never got back to me, a few rejected my candidacy, and one asked me to come in for an interview. This interview was the result of a candidature spontanée, and I ultimately landed the job.
My Job Hunt Timeline
Here’s a real example of how long it took me to find an internship from the time I began applying to my first day of work.
- November 23rd, 2020: Began applying to jobs
- November 30th, 2020: Received first negative response
- January 9th, 2021: Received second negative response
- January 11th, 2021: Received third negative response
- January 18th, 2021: Phone call in response to cold application
- January 22nd, 2021: Interview conducted
- February 9th, 2021: Internship contract signed
- April 6th, 2021: First day of work
My internship has been an informative experience and allowed me to increase my knowledge, develop useful skills in my field, and get my foot in the door of the French professional world. As an intern in France, I worked alongside logistics professionals to solve real problems – to include some that I occasionally caused myself! Working as an intern in an authentic environment gave me a taste of what to expect after I conclude my graduate studies.
Do you have experience finding a job in France? What are your best tips? Share them in a comment!
One Comment
Anais
Thank you so much!
I am an international student here in france, Lyon and I have been searching for an internship since December and I have had a lot of negative responses, some dont even bother lol. I won’t lie, it has brought me down a bit and made think I should have planned for a plan B, since I thought it will be easy to get an internship.
Even with the School’s partners, it hasnt been easy.
Me reading this at 01am in the morning, shows how desperate I am.
Your article is what I needed at a time like this, will continue to push and apply.
Also read your other articles when I applied for visa and even on the plane lol!
Thank you so much and keep up the good work.