Traineeships, work-study placements and civic service opportunities

Gain professional experience through a traineeship, work-study placement, civic service or professional project, and receive an allowance or salary while you study.

This site is currently being translated into English. Thank you for your patience.

Gain experience through a traineeship or work-study placement

What is a traineeship?

A traineeship is a period you spend in a professional setting, such as a company, an association or a public administration. It is a great way to gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills and apply what you have learnt in the classroom. It also boosts your employability, allowing you to enter the world of work more easily.

Many degree programmes include a compulsory traineeship, either in France or abroad. Every traineeship is formalised with a training agreement, and in France, all traineeships longer than two months must be paid.

Learn more about traineeships during higher education

To prepare for your traineeship, access:

Go to the Espace Avenir web page

What is a work-study placement?

A work-study placement (alternance) allows you to earn a qualification while working. You will sign either an apprenticeship contract, a professionalisation contract or a Pro-A contract with your employer.

Learn more about work-study placements

To prepare for your work-study placement, access:

Who to contact

Traineeships or work-study placements abroad

Find information and tools for going abroad on the intranet (Ernest), on the Prêt pour l'emploi platform and in the Espace Avenir Resource Catalogue (Catalogue des ressources Espace Avenir – CREA). You can also adapt your CV and cover letter for international applications using Europass. Espace Avenir, the university's central service for student guidance and career support, offers support services in English and German, including advice, CV and cover letter reviews and interview practice.

Find advice on securing a traineeship or a job abroad on the intranet (Ernest)

Browse a range of Club TELI opportunities each month online and in print at Espace Avenir reception desk.

Gain professional experience alongside your studies through civic service and professional projects

What is civic service?

Civic service is a voluntary placement in France or abroad, open to young people aged 16 to 25 with no qualifications or experience required. Participants receive a monthly allowance. 

If you complete a civic service placement during your studies, you may be eligible for a Flexible Study Scheme, allowing you to adapt your timetable. For more information, visit the official Civic Service website and the Étudiant.gouv website.

Browse the university's civic service opportunities

What are professional projects?

Professional projects (missions professionnelles) involve working in teams of three to six students to meet the needs of an external client or partner organisation. A tutor will guide you throughout the project and help ensure you complete it successfully.

Learn more about professional projects on the Institute for Educational Development and Innovation website (Institut de développement et d'innovation pédagogiques – IDIP)

Prepare your applications and find opportunities

Prepare your application

Learn how to prepare applications, get ready for interviews or make a speculative application on the Prêt pour l'emploi platform. You can also explore the resources and tools available in the Espace Avenir Resource Catalogue (Catalogue des ressources Espace Avenir – CREA).

The Alumni Network also organises career events where you can get advice and meet professionals. In partnership with Espace Avenir, it has created the “Zoom sur…” YouTube series, which shares practical tips to help you prepare for life after university.

Watch students share their views in the "Parlons réseautage" YouTube video

Find traineeships and job opportunities 

Find jobs, work-study placements or traineeship opportunities free of charge on the Alumni Network website. Highlight your profile in the candidate database (candidathèque) to be visible to over 3,500 recruiters. Set up alerts so you don’t miss any opportunities. 

Take part in career events to meet professionals in the sectors that interest you. You can also meet company representatives at the Forum stage & emploi and the Forum de l'alternance.

Find more opportunities in the Grand Est region of France on the platform Orient'Est.

You can also find opportunities across France on the following platforms:

Useful resources

Help and support

Online services and forms