Professionalization contract, from’apprenticeship and long-term internship

Work-study programs and long-term internships starting in the third year of the bachelor's degree program

Work-study internships

The specifics of work-study programs

Follow work-study programs in France, has many advantages for students.

This type of program allows future professionals to quickly and easily enter the workforce. They are trained in marketing and digital communication, event planning, and merchandising, and discover exciting careers in fashion and luxury management, fashion design, and management.

This training system alternates between practical work experience in a company and theoretical study at the ISAL PARIS school. It is a real gateway to employment.

Depending on the type of contract, a work-study program has a specific schedule.

ISAL offers:

• The apprenticeship contract : The most common type of contract, depending on the program, involves four days at the company and one day of classes for 12 or 24 months. It can begin up to three months before the start date of classes and ends no later than two months after the final exams.
• The professional training contract : According to the program, this contract involves four days at the company and one day of classes for 12 or 24 months. Depending on the contractual provisions and the nature of the training program, the contract lasts a minimum of 150 hours.

Work-study programs at ISAL PARIS

Once you have your high school diploma, it's never easy to find the ideal course. As someone who is passionate about fashion, luxury goods, and management, what course should you pursue?

In the heart of Paris, there is a buzz of excitement. The capital of fashion, creativity, and luxury is famous for its fashion week and its big names in haute couture.

Nestled on the hill of Montmartre, ISAL PARIS opens the doors to a world in constant expansion. Through several training programs, it introduces each student to fashion and marketing professions.

What are our work-study programs ?

• The Bachelor in Fashion and Digital Marketing (3rd year work-study program): this program trains professionals in digital communication and e-commerce in the fashion and luxury goods industries. Students learn how to design and showcase fashion products, drawing on their knowledge of French techniques. They study English, Italian, and Chinese to immerse themselves in the international context and adapt to a globalized sector (textile/clothing/luxury/accessories industry). This bachelor's degree is ideal for those who want to become e-commerce managers or fashion brand managers.

• The Bachelor in Luxury, Fashion and Merchandising (3rd year work-study program): it is also possible to enroll in this program after obtaining a two-year postsecondary degree. Over the course of three years, students take charge of the commercial and marketing development of products and services for a company specializing in luxury goods. Through the bachelor's degree program, they learn the fundamentals of marketing, management, and communication and are introduced to careers in fashion. This is the ideal path for those wishing to become a boutique manager, VIP personal shopper, or marketing project manager.
• The Master's degree in communication and branding (2 years of work-study): trains professionals to master all aspects of a brand and its online communication. During the course, students learn about the business and technical challenges of brand promotion. They assimilate new market practices in France and internationally. This master's degree is very comprehensive for those wishing to become an image director or digital fashion planner.

• The Master's Degree in Management, Fashion, and Luxury Goods (2 years of work-study): Students with a bachelor's degree in fashion design, graphic design, management, or creative arts are eligible for this master's program. Over two years, apprentices define and steer the strategic direction of a business unit focused on customer relations, manage teams and create projects, and develop retail and wholesale management. This master's degree is essential for those wishing to become business developers or key account managers.

• The Marketing and Strategy Masters (2 years of work-study): each student gains a confident understanding of the fashion and luxury goods market and develops their knowledge in Marketing strategy, and in Product Marketing, drawing on the momentum of sustainable fashion and its expertise in digital communication and e-commerce. At the ISAL campus, this Master's program trains students for careers as fashion and luxury product managers, collection managers, fashion brand managers, and retail managers.

How can I find a work-study program?

The search for a work-study contract during your studies can be complex. Here are 7 tips from ISAL, the School of Business and Fashion Design!

• Plan ahead

Finding a work-study program is similar to a traditional job search. However, it is essential to take into account the pace of business and the academic calendar planned by the educational institution. It is recommended to begin your search at least three months before the start date of the apprenticeship or professional training contract. For example, if you want to start working in July with a view to beginning training in September, you should start your search in March.

• Customize your resume

Employers often receive generic applications that lack personality. A good resume should match the needs of recruiters. It is better to spend time on one resume and send it to five companies where the application matches the job requirements than to send multiple irrelevant resumes.

• Take care with your cover letter

Just like your resume, your cover letter should be personalized. It is important to explain why this company is a perfect fit for your profile. The letter should be proofread as many times as necessary to catch any spelling mistakes before sending.

• Seek to meet as many companies as possible

To find a work-study program, it is advisable to research companies that hire in the fashion, design, management, and styling sectors. To do this, consult the websites of targeted companies online, their LinkedIn pages, or their social media accounts. Recruiters can also be contacted directly.

Specialized websites for fashion companies such as Fashion Jobs or Fashion United.

Chambers of commerce and industry provide valuable information about companies hiring work-study students in the region or upcoming open houses.

For jobs in distribution and retail, it is essential to go directly to the field with a stack of copies of your resume and offer your services to store managers. This does not prevent you from also sending your resume to the group's HR department.

Reaching out to companies is essential! Professional events such as trade shows, forums, and conferences are also great opportunities to establish contacts and make yourself known.

• Submit unsolicited applications

There are many possibilities for exploration! Most of the time, a work-study contract is concluded within a small company with fewer than 50 employees. That is why it is wise not to target only companies with a strong reputation or whose name is familiar.

Less well-known companies regularly seek young students for work-study programs. Unsolicited applications are therefore ideal.

You need to tailor the type of position you are looking for to the size of the company you are targeting: often, a communications project manager position is easier to find in a company with 50 employees than in a large multinational brand (and you can find both!).

• Revitalizing businesses

Once you have submitted your application, you need to be proactive. If you do not receive a response within 5 to 10 days, it is advisable to contact the company, preferably by phone, or in person or by email, depending on the position, to find out where they are in the recruitment process and to confirm that you have submitted an application.

• Stay natural and be yourself

During discussions with recruiters, it is essential to remain true to yourself. Recruiters know that candidates have little or no professional experience. Personality and interpersonal skills are therefore assets that can help you stand out.

The advantages of work-study programs

Continuing your studies through a work-study program has its advantages:

1. Quick and easy integration into the professional world; ;
2. Autonomy and financial independence; ;
3. Putting into practice the theoretical knowledge acquired during the school's programs; ;
4. Extensive professional experience (and a degree equivalent to a master's degree); ;
5. An advantageous status; ;
6. Support from the school.

Our 7 tips for finding a work-study program.

1. Plan ahead

2. Customize your resume

3. Crafting your cover letter

4. Seek to meet as many companies as possible.

5. Submit unsolicited applications

6. Revitalizing businesses

7. Be natural and be yourself

Overview of the advantages of work-study programs.

1. Quick and easy integration into the professional world

2. Earning a salary while studying

3. Being supported by professionals

4. Quick familiarization with the world of work

5. Learn about your dream job

Choosing a work-study program: potential difficulties.

1. The difficulty of finding a company that accepts work-study programs.

2. A pace that can sometimes be difficult for a company to adopt.

3. A heavier workload than in a traditional training program.

What is the pace of change?

• 4 days in a company
• 1 day of training

(and several weeks of training throughout the year)

Our work-study programs:

• 3rd Bachelor's Degree in Fashion and Digital Marketing; ;
• 3rd Bachelor's Degree in Luxury, Fashion, and Merchandising; ;
• Master's Degree in Fashion and Luxury Management; ;
• Master's Degree in Communication and Brands; ;
• Marketing and Strategy Masters

Some companies in our network