The VIE (International corporate volunteer) option

Why opt for the VIE French international internship scheme? Every year, EDHEC students opt for this route, as it represents a win-win situation.

The VIE scheme enables businesses to recruit talent in France or Europe for 6-24 month assignments abroad. These internships offer a fine opportunity for students to seal that first job, bearing in mind that VIE internships often evolve into permanent contracts. The advantageous administrative framework also enables students to set off from France with confidence.

Both large corporations and SMEs offer VIEs. You can consult the available vacancies via company websites, civiweb.com or the careers.edhec.com website. Note, however, that most VIEs are had through unsolicited applications or through the contacts you have managed to develop! It is not rare for a manager who has seen you progress and appreciated your abilities to write you a letter of recommendation for a VIE. This type of document can also be a big plus for direct applications to human resources departments.

Your choice from the vacancies available then depends on how much you are attracted by the country in question and the type of assignment proposed. However, you will have to compete with a good number of other new graduates just as interested in a VIE as you! Your conviction, motivation and legitimacy will be the key points in the recruiter’s final decision.

At what point in your studies do you need to apply? For those of you set to finish your studies, the VIE scheme is ideal in that it frequently ushers new graduates into a contract. During the VIE internship period, the company will ask you for certified proof of your degree… hence the importance of validating it as soon as possible (including the Master thesis) in order to maximise the potential from your VIE!

It is important to know that the VIE programme is open to all European Union citizens (+ Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein). For more information, visit http://www.ubifrance.fr/formule-vie/vie-en-bref.html