“I could no longer sit in a chair and listen to theory. “It seemed out of place with real life”: five students talk about their work-study program

Work-study training has made the most progress in post-graduate training: in recent years, BTS, licenses and other masters have become areas for apprentices. Five students agreed to talk about their daily lives and how they balance their personal lives, classes, and the demands of their jobs.

Rachel, Apprentice Pharmacist

Last year, on the same date, Rachel was reviewing training courses on Parcoursup. Today, she navigates between her CFA (apprentice training center) and the pharmacy that recruited her after her graduation. “Instead of pharmacy school, I thought field training would suit me better. It’s a good way to see if we really like the job,” explains Rachel, who chose to pursue DEUST (Diploma of Scientific and Technical University Studies), a two-year course, as a pharmacy technician trainer. Enrolled at the University of Poitiers (Vienna), she followed an apprenticeship course from the first year. “With no experience, I was afraid that no one would be interested in my profile,” recalls Rachel.

She was wrong: Pharmacists seemed delighted with the valuable reinforcement provided by the apprentice as several pharmacies responded to her application. To choose, the young woman remained pragmatic and chose a pharmacy not far from Jonzec (Charente-Maritime). “It was close to my house, in a very quiet environment. I don’t see myself starting in a big city right away,” explains the student.

If its course is taught in Poitiers, instead the abundant courses take place in the Saints of Charente-Maritime in its department. “There are so many things to learn, long lists of medications… you have to hang in there and not let yourself get behind,” Rachel confides. When she goes to work, goes to study during her break hours, always armed with her lessons, this young lady is able to acquire skills that go beyond the scope of training. “I was not particularly sociable, a bit shy. Talking to our patients every day, the interaction has become more natural to me. »

At the end of his DEUST, several options will be available to him. “Maybe a hospital or dermocosmetics training. Or join pharmacy school,” muses Rachel, who has plenty of time to think about it.

Between Marion, BTS and swimming

Marion is in the second year of the BTS NDRC (Customer Relationship Negotiation and Digitalization) at EM Normandy Competences in Caen (Calvados). It’s not two phases she juggles, but three: classes, her job and an intense sports life. Because the young woman has a demanding passion: ice-swimming or swimming in frozen water. Understand water at less than 5°C, in which you cover certain distances wearing only a swimsuit.

“I also swim in open water,” adds Marion, who, after completing her lifeguard diploma, put her studies on hold while preparing for a bigger challenge: crossing the Channel. “I had to train a lot. Then, the project was postponed due to a health crisis,” she recalls. In August 2022, Marion could finally begin. She completed the legendary crossing in 9 hours and 22 minutes – a woman’s world record.

He then “wants to work or study under the condition of receiving a salary, otherwise it would be unimaginable. » Seeing work-study job offers, the person caught his attention. He comes from the Carpiket Aquatic Center (Calvados) and is provided by EM Normandy Competences in Caen. The BTS will fit in perfectly with NDRC training. Customer relations and social networks are no stranger to this extreme swimmer, who has already mastered a few ropes. “I’m constantly looking for sponsors and partners, so I’m used to it. ,” she explains.

Because after inventing ice-swimming, Marion Joffle became a figurehead, winning multiple gold medals at the 2022 World Championships. “My work-study studies provided me with additional techniques and tools, which I use in my career. sports career,” explains. Champion, who plans to expand her BTS with a graduate year with a greater focus on communication.

She also welcomes her employer’s understanding and her training, who make the best possible arrangements to accommodate her schedule flexibility. “I am very lucky,” thanks the woman who in a few days will make another attempt to swim 1 mile (1609 m) to Ushuaia (Argentina) between the two glaciers of the Beagle Strait at the end of the world.

Erwan, in gastronomic lands

“At first, I wanted to be a veterinarian,” smiles Erwan Gaudout, “but it didn’t happen at all. » Captivated by his passion for pastry, the young man sees himself flourishing in gastronomy, “but not necessarily in pastry, I the overall vision of managing an organization wanted to get”, explains Irwan. The Fauchon school has just opened its doors in Rouen (Seine-Maritime), in partnership with Neoma Business School. This is a service management bachelor’s degree, offered in the gastronomy sector. “This course business education And it combines a lot of immersion in the field. It was perfect for me.”

During his first internship, Irvan met David Gallien, the starred chef, winner of season 11 of “Top Chef” and at the helm of the restaurant Le Jardin des Plumes in Giverny (Eure). “Four months in the heart of the kitchen, where I learned a lot,” he recalls. His internship is going so well that the chef suggests he continue the venture on a work-study basis for the rest of his bachelor’s degree, with another mission in perspective.

This year Irvan left the kitchen. He accompanies the chef on his travels, touches human resources and social networks, goes to the markets. “I love this versatility at work. There are many projects here! “, in the heart of the Giverny Museum, with its sights set on the opening of David Gallien’s new restaurant scheduled for April, delights the student.

Elodie, a fan of online courses

The switch allowed Elodie to change course. “After two years in architecture school, I could no longer stand on a chair listening to theory. It seemed far from real life,” says the girl. “Financial independence was very important to me. Also the desire to do something concrete. »

Even before targeting a field, the student knows that his training will be through apprenticeship. She began traveling to orientation fairs and open days, without preconceptions. “I talked to several students before targeting the right course,” she recalls. He opted for a Bachelor of Business Development and Marketing from ESCOD in Paris, which is taught entirely online. “This mode of operation suits me very well. It gives me real flexibility and autonomy in my organization,” says Elodie.

This year, she got a job as a marketing assistant at Miele, a manufacturer of household appliances in Blanc-Mesnil (Seine-Saint-Denis). “My position brings me into contact with many colleagues from different departments. I talk to both salespeople and technicians during regular exchanges with our headquarters in Germany,” Elodie rejoices. You’ll never hear an ISCOD student complain about the course-company rhythm being too intense. “If my two years of architecture gave me a If you want to learn something, don’t be afraid to do it! »

Laura, cyber security above all else

For Laura, the study has been a little long. After a five-year course in international relations, she returned to pursue a cybersecurity and cloud master’s degree from PST&B (Paris School of Technology and Business). “It wasn’t my intention to study, I started with a law degree,” admits Laura. It was also a work-study program that led the young woman to cybersecurity. “During a mission at the Ministry of Armed Forces, I had to look into OSINT (for Open Source Intelligence, research and intelligence methods on the Internet). It just fascinates me. »

Laura discovers that cyber security isn’t just for the tech-savvy. It also includes “for example, many aspects related to governance and digital law. » The lack of candidates in this area is significant. “Following my mission, I received many job offers, even though I have no diploma in cyber security,” she still says. is surprised.

Laura still feels the need to train for these professions, “to understand these technologies in depth and to be able to speak the same language as computer scientists. » While most existing training courses are “either too tech or too business” for his taste, this master’s degree from PST&B seems to offer him a good balance between the two worlds. Moreover, it is carried out alternatively.

Laura has no trouble finding her mission. She was appointed as a consultant at Salesion Cyberdefense, a specialized company in Esnires-sur-Seine (Hautes-de-Seine). And if the experience charmed her with its dynamism and richness of projects, this did not prevent Laura from launching a call to feminize a field that is still too reserved for men. “Women represent only 11% of cyber professionals. 11%… There is no valid reason for this! The field needs women and we have plenty of opportunities to offer. We totally relate! », declared Laura.