An internship is almost a mandatory step when you start your higher education. As your first foray into the professional world, it’s a unique opportunity to put into practice all the theory learned during your years of study. Whether it’s in communication, aeronautics, engineering, or aesthetics, regardless of your specialization and training, you’ll likely have the chance to complete an internship during or at the end of your studies.
Securing an internship in France may seem challenging, especially for international students. Choosing the right company is equally important. In this article, you’ll find all the necessary information to make your internship search successful. From the different types of internships available to the documents to prepare before applying, and the skills to highlight after its completion: you’re on your way to winning an internship ! Are you ready ? Let’s go !
Types of internships available
Whether it’s optional or mandatory, there are 3 types of internships we’re going to describe:
- Observation Internship
This type of internship is often undertaken in 9th or 10th grade. Before entering higher education, it’s mandatory. Lasting 1 to 2 weeks depending on the institution, it allows you to discover new professions without having to work. Yes, as the name suggests, you’re there just to observe the operations of different departments within a company, and that’s it. It’s a sometimes decisive first step.
- Operational Internship
This type of internship is probably one of the most common in your post-secondary education. Lasting 1 to 6 months, it’s an integral part of your academic curriculum. You may even have them at different levels, in undergraduate and master’s programs. Depending on your studies, these internships can help you determine the real direction to give to your professional career. If you’re in the field of communication, they’ll allow you to explore several of your interests like press relations, internal communication, or graphic design. This internship gives you a real role within the company you choose. Forget about making copies and coffee: these internships are designed to assign you real tasks. It’s a first experience before truly stepping into the workforce.
- Functional Internship
Finally, this last type of internship relates to end-of-study internships. Lasting between 4 and 6 months, it’s one of the most professionalizing internships. Although operational internships are equally professionalizing, these are often the only mandatory internship in your curriculum. As an intern, you’ll be truly embedded in the chosen company, considering yourself a full-fledged employee. You gain autonomy and responsibilities are entrusted to you. Perhaps this internship will lead to a fixed-term or permanent contract in the company you’ve chosen.
- Special Case
There’s another type of internship: the gap-year internship. Some curricula, especially business and engineering schools, offer their students a break year. A year during which students often choose to discover a new country. Whether it’s just for travel or also for training, if you’re in this situation, you can take a course, engage in civic service, join an association, or even do an internship !
The best websites for finding an internship
Knowing what type of internship to pursue is good. Knowing where to start is even better. There’s a multitude of websites specialized in internship searches. Here are our favorites and also the most comprehensive:
- Job Teaser:
A leading recruitment platform in Europe for the youth, JobTeaser has been integrated into the infrastructure of over 800 schools and higher education institutions. This tool allows you to more easily find internship offers that match your project and profile. You can directly tailor your searches based on the duration of your internship, desired start date, and even the main language of the internship.
- Welcome to the Jungle:
Trusted by over 5,500 companies, Welcome to the Jungle focuses on transparency. The company lays everything bare so that you have all the necessary and useful information about the company and the position. Interviews with employees, detailed offers with various required skills, annual statistics: nothing is hidden from you. Over 8,000 internship offers are available. You can search based on the desired duration of your contract, whether you want remote work or not, the size of the company, years of experience required, and the level of study to optimize your time and increase your chances.
- LinkedIn:
The professional social network is full of internship offers. In fact, it’s one of the most extensive databases. Whether you’re searching in the arts, medicine, aeronautics, or accounting, you’ll find several offers that match your profile and studies. LinkedIn is quite simple to use. You can filter offers by contract type, location, sector, and the number of applications already submitted for the same position. The contact information for HR or the person in charge of the offer sometimes appears, which is useful for starting a conversation. Another significant feature of LinkedIn: easy applications. This allows you to apply directly through LinkedIn. Just upload your CV, answer 2-3 questions, and you’re done! Don’t hesitate to leverage your network, another advantage of LinkedIn.
- iQuesta:
A French platform specialized for young students and graduates, you’ll find internship and work-study offers all over France. Divided according to different sectors and sub-sectors, it will be easier for you to navigate. There’s even a section with the most sought-after internship offers, giving you an idea of whether your sector is competitive. Numerous blog articles have been created and are available to guide you further in your search.
- Apec:
Apec is not only a website specialized in post-study jobs. You can also find internship offers, which you can sort by location (up to 5 maximum and abroad), desired sectors of activity, your level of study, as well as the duration and desired start of the internship. Pay close attention to the offers because some work-study programs might be mixed in with the internships…
Other online platforms exist such as Indeed, Talent, or Hello Work. Depending on your university curriculum and specialization, other specialized sites exist like ProfilCulture for professionals in the arts and communication fields, or FashionJobs for all fashion and beauty specialists (and for all positions).
Documents and preparations for an internship in France
Once you’ve found the right offer, it’s time to apply. Prepare your resume. Make sure that your previous work experiences are clearly visible and, most importantly, that they match the missions of the offer. If you don’t have sufficient experience, don’t worry. A cover letter will accompany your resume. In it, you’ll specify your project, what you hope to discover during this internship, and the interpersonal qualities that will be an asset for this position.
Know first and foremost that internships must be formalized through an agreement. It’s not possible to undertake one unless you’re affiliated with a training organization (school, university, employment center, etc.). If the internship you’ve found is longer than two months, you must be paid.
Landed your internship? Great! Now you need to prepare your file for the internship agreement. It must include all the elements that will facilitate the understanding of your internship for your school. They will also serve to attest that this internship is in line with your training:
- The dates of the internship
- The duration, in weeks
- The intern’s weekly hours
- The missions to be assigned to the intern
- The contact details of your future mentor (name, first name, position, contact)
- Benefits (meal vouchers, company restaurant, etc.)
- The company’s internal regulations
- The company’s identifiers (SIRET number, address, etc.)
Next, you’ll need to provide your future employer with the necessary identity documents:
- A photocopy of your ID card or passport
- A photocopy of your social security card
- A ID photo
- Your residence address
- Your phone number
- Your email address
If you’re an international student, the required documents will be somewhat different:
- A photocopy of your valid passport
- The tripartite internship agreement
- Proof of financial resources
- Proof of accommodation in France
If your internship lasts less than 3 months, you’ll need a short-stay visa. Conversely, if your internship lasts more than 3 months, you’ll need a long-stay visa that also serves as a residence permit. For guidance, quickly check out our dedicated article !
Optimizing your internship search, our tips !
Searching for an internship isn’t a complicated step. You just need to know how to go about it and have the right practices.
- Polish Your Application
Your resume is the first impression of you that the desired company will have. Ensure that your project is highlighted and that the recruiter knows exactly which internship you’re applying for. You need to be precise, and your presentation must be impeccable. Highlight your personal and professional skills. They’re all useful. Your cover letter should not be a copy-paste from the internet. It should reflect your personality while highlighting the connection between your experiences and the internship duties.
- Leverage Your Network
If there’s one method you shouldn’t overlook, it’s your network. Friends, family, school, etc.: your circle is bound to know someone looking for an intern.
- Speculative Applications
Can’t find an offer that suits you? Found a company but it doesn’t seem to be looking for an intern? Don’t panic. Many recruitment opportunities aren’t advertised. Speculative applications are a good solution, and they often work. The simplest way is to go to the company and apply in person. You can also attend student fairs or forums to meet and present yourself directly to recruiting companies.
- Organize Your Searches
To keep track of the applications you’re sending, there’s nothing better than making a spreadsheet. We recommend doing it online, using Excel, Google Sheets, or Notion. You can include the application date, the company you applied to, how (online or in-person), the progress of your application, the recruiter‘s contact details, whether you’ve coupled it with an email or a LinkedIn message, and future steps, including the interview. This will also make it easier to follow up.
After the internship: Report writing and skill valuation
You’ve completed your internship, gained knowledge, and developed new skills, but it doesn’t end there. It’s time to write your internship report.
This document reflects on your time at the company, assigned tasks, satisfaction level, highlights, professional growth, and future aspirations. Highlight the skills you’ve acquired and those you wish to develop in your next experience.
Your educational institution often provides a structure and guidelines for your report. Follow these closely, but don’t forget to inject your personality. This can be reflected in your report’s design or cover page, your writing style, or a unique twist you add. Remember to maintain professionalism.
Finding an accommodation in France for the time of your internship
If your internship takes you far from home, you’ll need somewhere to sleep. Finding accommodation for less than 6 months can be challenging, but don’t worry, we have a solution for you: coliving. You won’t have to spend days and nights searching for the ideal apartment. Coliving is perfect for short-term stays. With apartments in the heart of major French cities, Colivys offers the perfect setting for your accommodation during your internship, allowing you to focus on advancing your career without the hassle of additional procedures and associated costs 😉
In conclusion, an internship is a fantastic opportunity to embrace, especially if it takes you away from the comfort of your home. It will enrich you in every aspect. So, don’t stress because a wealth of resources awaits you online. Feel free to consult them and seek advice from those around you !
