Interview with the Dean of Corporate Relations on new Career Programme

Interview with Anne Zuccarelli on the recently launched "Talent Identification and Career Development Programme"

Anne Zuccarelli, Associate Dean for Corporate Relations and Careers EDHEC Business School Interview on the recently launched Career Development programme. Can you explain why EDHEC developed this programme? The programme is EDHEC's response to corporate demand for globally employable talent. Aiming at empowering our students with desired skill sets and preparing them to operate in the competitive business environment, it is inspired by graduate programmes recruitment processes and international talent & career development models.    Why has a French School chosen to develop such a programme? There are several reasons for EDHEC to follow the global internationalisation route. Firstly, 31% of EDHEC graduates (2007) found their first job abroad and 20% of our 18,000 strong alumni body currently works abroad - making EDHEC the French business school with the most graduates working abroad. Secondly, 80% of the partners of the renowned EDHEC Risk Research Centre are foreign corporates. Thirdly, we want to clearly position EDHEC as an international business school (25% of our students are international students), and underpin EDHEC's academic excellence & groom future international business leaders. Can you tell us more about the programme?   It pro-actively responds to corporate sourcing needs and strengthens corporate relations. As it is unique, it facilitates innovative tailor-made collaboration with top international recruiters. Student assessment and development is centred against a rigorous competency framework, with tailor-made developmental paths according to students' identified potential.   Upon joining EDHEC, students will first undergo the in-depth competency-based assessment. This entire process will provide EDHEC's Career Services with vital information, enabling tailor-made career guidance and allow our students to gain insight in their personal potential as well as familiarize themselves with the Anglo-Saxon recruitment process. It will also enable EDHEC to provide most professional career services to the acquainted companies. What's more, we are getting a lot of corporate interest, especially from City-based financial institutions that are interested in sponsoring the programme. Sponsors will be able to tap in the identified Talent Pool. A variety of sponsorship opportunities is available.   What are the plans for the future regarding this programme? The second edition of the programme is planned for September 2009, and it will accompany the launch of the new Master in Financial Economics (Nice campus). The Talent Identification & Career Development programme will be mandatory for all new entrants and will concern all MSc students in the subsequent years.