IMHI Internship or Apprenticeship? How to make the right choice

ESSEC’s world-class MSc in Hospitality (IMHI) program, prepares participants for a range of careers in hospitality. Not only are they provided with advanced instruction in all areas of management throughout the 2-year program, but they are also given the liberty to design their own journey. Participants choose from among 6 concentrations and also select their own hands-on and paid professional experience in the form of internship or an apprenticeship. Noémie Lambert, Career consultant for the IMHI program, explains:

Joining the internship or apprenticeship track is a big question. Each option has its advantages and challenges.

This article gathers information to help participants make an informed choice.

The 6-month internship is a full-time commitment and it takes place between years 1 and 2 of the coursework. Participants are free to consider an internship anywhere in the world, including opportunities in Boston, as part of the program’s partnership with Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration. An industry-recognized credential, the internship provides time to explore and deepen any professional projects and to invest time in an entrepreneurial project on the side. As an intern, the participant may not have a specific career plan in mind, and thus, throughout the two years, they may take advantage of various Talent Center activities and opportunities to help guide their professional exploration.

Internships are suited to candidates who are comfortable organizing their time throughout the 2-year IMHI program, from networking opportunities to participation in community life. While internships that last longer than 2 months come with a monthly stipend, students may consider taking on additional work, i.e. as an ambassador, in order to supplement their income. If completed as part of the degree course, this internship does not count towards the total hours of permitted work per year, so international participants would not face administrative or fiscal obstacles in taking on additional work.

Alternatively, the apprenticeship is suited to candidates who have a more specific career plan in mind. It takes place over the course of the 2-year program, in a work-study rhythm, and it is located in France. In the first and second years of their studies, apprentices “work” for 2 days per week while attending classes, and they transition to full time between the semesters and at the very end of their coursework. The apprenticeship is a way to gain two years of focused, professional experience, and is an opportunity to bolster theoretical learnings with practice. It’s a bigger commitment than the internship, so it does leave less room for participation in other activities like joining committees, taking electives or attending ESSEC or Chaire classes.

As a paid opportunity, the apprenticeship provides a monthly salary, which can grow from 43% to 75% of the French minimum wage (depending on the opportunity) between years one and two of the commitment. As a longer-term engagement, the apprenticeship provides significant professional experience and the possibility of continuing on to a permanent contract within the company. Depending on the contracted working hours and the participant’s nationality, the company may need to apply for a temporary work permit on their behalf.

For participants who are having a hard time choosing, Noémie Lambert has some encouraging words:

There are no wrong decisions, the right one will be the one you make.

And of course the Talent Center and academic advisors provide specific guidance to participants, helping them find, choose and prepare for the right opportunity, from sharing available offers to interview preparation.

To learn more about the IMHI program click here

Check the comparative Apprenticeship vs Internship table