How one-year professional experience boosts employability

Employers Seek More Than Academic Qualifications

Employers today seek more than academic qualifications. They want candidates with practical experience. EDHEC Business School’s Master in Management programme, ranked #4 worldwide by the Financial Times 2024, stands out because it includes a one-year professional immersion. This structured work experience helps students bridge theory and practice while gaining a competitive edge in the job market.

A Career-Focused Education at EDHEC Business School

EDHEC’s MiM goes beyond traditional classroom learning by seamlessly integrating academic study with real-world business experience. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in today’s professional landscape. Covering essential topics such as finance, strategy, marketing, data, technology, and leadership, the programme provides a strong foundation in business while preparing students to tackle real-world challenges.

The Professional Immersion Year: A Key Component of EDHEC’s Master in Management to Boost Employability

The MiM at EDHEC is a two-year academic programme, but what sets it apart is the one-year professional immersion. This second-year work experience enables students to:

     ✓ Apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings

     ✓ Develop industry-relevant skills

     ✓ Expand their professional network

     ✓ Strengthen problem-solving and critical thinking abilities

By gaining early exposure to the corporate world, students accelerate their career progression and enhance their employability.

How EDHEC’s MiM Integrates Professional Immersion

EDHEC ensures that the one-year work experience is fully embedded in the Master in Management curriculum. Students undertake two six-month internships, following a structured path designed to maximise career readiness.

MiM Programme Structure:

• Year 1: Academic coursework covering management fundamentals
• Year 2: Professional immersion in a company via two 6-months internships
• Year 3: Advanced specialisation courses and electives by opting for the MSc programme of their choice

This structure ensures that students apply what they learn in real-world settings before completing their final year of studies.

Explore the structure of each track:

MiM - Business Management | MiM - Finance | MiM - Data Science & AI for Business | Global MiM - GETT

The Role of the Second-Year Professional Experience

The second year is fully dedicated to work experience. Students can choose from various options, including:

     ✓ Internships in leading companies

     ✓ Entrepreneurial projects

By working in real business environments, students strengthen their skills, build confidence, and develop career clarity.

The Benefits of a Full-Year Professional Experience

1. Enhancing Practical Skills and Industry Knowledge

A full-year placement bridges the gap between theory and practice. Students learn:

     ✓ How businesses operate in real life

     ✓ Industry-specific tools and technologies

     ✓ The expectations of employers

Unlike short internships, a 12-month experience allows students to take on more responsibility and contribute meaningfully to projects.

2. Expanding Professional Network and Career Opportunities

A strong network is key to career success. The immersion year helps students:

     ✓ Connect with industry professionals

     ✓ Learn from mentors and senior colleagues

     ✓ Gain recommendations that support future job applications

A strong network can lead to full-time job offers even before graduation.

3. Strengthening Employability in Competitive Job Markets

A year of work experience makes graduates more attractive to recruiters. It shows that they:

     ✓ Have practical, hands-on experience

     ✓ Understand corporate expectations

     ✓ Can adapt to real-world challenges

Employers favour candidates who require minimal training and can contribute immediately.

Bridging Theory and Practice Through Professional Immersion

Applying Classroom Knowledge to Real-World Challenges

Students often wonder, “How does this theory apply in real life?” The immersion year provides the answer. By working in companies, students apply their academic knowledge in practical scenarios.

For example, a student who studied financial modelling in class might use these skills to analyse company performance during their internship. This hands-on experience reinforces learning and improves problem-solving abilities.

Developing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

Professional environments are dynamic. Through real-world projects, students learn to: 

     ✓ Analyse problems and propose solutions

     ✓ Make decisions under pressure

     ✓ Work effectively in cross-functional teams

Learning from Industry Experts and Mentors

One of the most valuable aspects of the professional immersion year is mentorship. Students work with experienced professionals who provide:

     ✓ Guidance on industry best practices

     ✓ Career advice and development tips

     ✓ Exposure to emerging trends and technologies

These experiences help students refine their career aspirations and make informed decisions about their futures.

Real-World Success Stories from EDHEC Graduates

Many EDHEC graduates secure top positions thanks to their professional immersion experience. This year-long placement gives students a significant advantage by enabling them to:

     ✓ Demonstrate practical skills during interviews

     ✓ Showcase real-world experience on their CVs

     ✓ Build strong industry connections that lead to job offers

For example, some students transition from internships to full-time roles at their host companies. Others leverage their experience to secure positions in competitive industries like finance, consulting, and technology.

"Thanks to the internships that I have done I managed to obtain an offer for a full-time position, something which would have been impossible otherwise. In general, by exploiting the gap year in the best way, students can build a powerful network and show recruiters what are the technical skills we have acquired. It is the way through which we can personalise our curriculum and pursue our specific career goals after - or even before - graduation." Lorenzo Perlini - Graduate Programme at PwC France.

How Companies Value Candidates with Professional Experience

The Competitive Edge in Recruitment Processes

Employers seek candidates who can hit the ground running. A one-year professional immersion demonstrates:

     ✓ Adaptability to corporate environments

     ✓ Experience managing real business challenges

     ✓ Ability to work independently and in teams

Recruiters favour candidates with hands-on experience, as they require less onboarding and can contribute immediately.

Long-Term Career Impact 

The benefits of professional immersion extend beyond the first job. Candidates with early career experience often:

     ✓ Earn higher starting salaries

     ✓ Advance into leadership roles faster

     ✓ Develop long-term industry connections

A structured immersion year lays the foundation for long-term career success.

How to Maximise the Professional Immersion Year for Future Success

Choosing the Right Industry and Role

Students should carefully select internships that align with their career goals. With the support of EDHEC’s Career Centre—ranked #1 in France by the Financial Times 2024—students receive expert guidance to tailor their internship experience to their professional aspirations. The right placement provides:

      ✓ Relevant industry experience

      ✓ Opportunities to develop key skills

     ✓ A stepping stone to future employment

Turning Internships into Full-Time Roles

Internships are more than learning experiences—they are stepping stones to permanent jobs. Students can:

     ✓ Demonstrate commitment and reliability

     ✓ Take initiative to stand out

     ✓ Maintain professional relationships for future opportunities

Many EDHEC students receive job offers before graduation thanks to their performance during the immersion year. According to our Placement Report, 69% of contracts are signed before leaving school or less than one month after. This strong employability rate reflects the high value employers place on EDHEC’s rigorous academic training and hands-on professional experience.