The Apprenticeship: fusing work and study (p.4)

Dominik Weiss

In the Apprenticeship-series on this blog, we follow our students who have successfully pursued an apprenticeship*. In
this final episode, Saint Gobain's Purchasing Department  apprentice Dominik explains his take on the value of the apprenticeship.

Before coming to ESSEC, doing an apprenticeship was not on my To-Do List, as I had already undertaken a Trainee Program before. Therefore, my plan was to complete an internship in France and then to finish the Master as quickly as possible.

In the end and against all odds I decided to do an apprenticeship. Why did I make this decision? The most important reasons to me were the language factor, the responsibility and the career opportunities.

As I want to start working in France after graduation, my French level has to have a certain standard which for me is not reachable through a six months’ internship. I have a lot of responsibility in my apprenticeship which was essential to me and the crucial factor to take on the position. Even though I have already worked for almost two years in a company, this was an experience and level of responsibility I haven’t had before. An apprenticeship is an investment of the company in you. This is a very valuable professional experience as it shows the added value that you bring to the company, especially while working in another country.

Personally I found my apprenticeship on the “Forum Campus”, which is a career fair organized once a year at ESSEC. I hosted Saint-Gobain during the Forum and had a chance to have long and interesting conversations with the company representatives. Even though I applied to different positions and companies online, the best way to create interest and get noticed is by talking to companies’ representatives in person. This also fastened the process and opened the door for my apprenticeship.

"...I found my apprenticeship on the 'Forum Campus'..."

So far it has been two months since I have started the apprenticeship and I really enjoy it. I have just started fulltime, as my semester ended, and I will get my new missions for the rest of the year soon. 

Based on the reasons mentioned above an apprenticeship for me is something that a student should always have on the back of his mind regardless of the fact that he might have already enough work experience to validate for the degree. In any case it is a great experience!

*An apprenticeship constitues a fusing of work and studying: the apprentice (the student) studies part time and works the rest of the time for a company. The company in return pays the tuition fees of the student and a salary. In the past, quite a few students have financed their studies this way. Read more on apprenticeships here.

The Apprenticeship: fusing work and study (p.3)

Aditya Vijay

In the Apprenticeship-series on this blog, we follow our students who have successfully pursued an apprenticeship*. In this episode, Sodexo's Corporate Responsibility Analyst Aditya explains how he sealed the deal.

I got my apprenticeship after about 2 months of intense job search. It was a bit challenging for me because I didn’t have business education background, any previous work experience and I don’t speak French. 

I received great help from Career Services. I spent about 2-3 days creating my cover letter and resume and got it reviewed by career services and a senior student. I applied for a number of jobs and realized that jobs in the career service section at myessec.com is the best source for me to find an apprenticeship. 

I gave few interviews but didn’t succeed because of my poor French skills. It is very important to analyze what stopped you from succeeding after each rejection. After getting an interview call from Sodexo I talked to ESSEC alumni who were working in the company and gathered information about company’s culture and possible interview questions to prepare well. 

After 4 rounds of interviews I got selected.  My suggestion to other students is that you should apply to a good number of jobs, talk to people who are working in the company you are applying for, spend sufficient time on creating your cover letter and resume and don’t get disheartened from rejection but take it as a learning lesson. 

*An apprenticeship constitues a fusing of work and studying: the apprentice (the student) studies part time and works the rest of the time for a company. The company in return pays the tuition fees of the student and a salary. In the past, quite a few students have financed their studies this way. Read more on apprenticeships here.

The Apprenticeship: fusing work and study (p.2)

Laetitia Hemery

In the Apprenticeship-series on this blog, we follow our students who have successfully pursued an apprenticeship*. In this episode, Arkema's Recruitment Officer Laetitia explains how she experienced the challenges of the apprenticeship.

I've been working as an apprentice for Arkema for now almost one year. Arkema is a designer of materials and innovative solutions. It shapes materials and creates new uses that accelerate customer performance in lightweight and design materials, bio-sourced materials, new energies, water management, solutions for electronics, and the performance and home insulation. Arkema is also a company that pays a lot of attention to its employees well-being and professional development. 

As an apprentice I really feel part of the company like every collaborator. Even on a very pragmatic (though highly symbolical) way I have the same compensation and benefits package than every other employee.

My job consists in hiring all interns and apprentices who are conducting a Master degree in France and abroad. It represents roughly 150 positions/year. I've also recruited 6 VIE since August. I was involved in several HR development projects and the projects on relationships with our targeted schools.

'As an apprentice I really feel part of the company like every collaborator'

One of the best things in my job is the autonomy. I am the only recruitment officer on this perimeter and I do all the HR part: from shortlisting CVs to conducting interviews. I really enjoy having so much responsibilities: I was sometimes in direct contact with CFOs of sister companies or some of our greatest researchers in the world!

I am grateful to my managers who have shown a lot of flexibility to adapt to the ESSEC requirements. They let me chose the courses I wanted and to join the ESSEC Leadership and Diversity Chair even though it was not always convenient.

They also offered me the great opportunity to change my missions for the second year of my contract: after an exchange semester at Stellenbosch Business School in South Africa I'll be working in Lyon, on our biggest plant in France, to discover an industrial environment and the daily life of an HR manager in this very particular context. I am thrilled to begin my new job!

Even though it was sometimes difficult to conciliate my student and professional life because of the weekly rhythm (2d at Essec / 3d at Arkema), I really enjoyed my first year and recommend choosing the apprenticeship.

*An apprenticeship constitues a fusing of work and studying: the apprentice (the student) studies part time and works the rest of the time for a company. The company in return pays the tuition fees of the student and a salary. In the past, quite a few students have financed their studies this way. Read more on apprenticeships here.

The Apprenticeship: fusing work and study (p.1)

Lois d'Iribarne

In the Apprenticeship-series on this blog, we follow our students who have successfully pursued an apprenticeship*. In this episode, Canal Plus' Recruitment and Talent Management apprentice Lois explains how she sealed the deal.

I found my apprenticeship thanks to the ESSEC annual forum in February. I gave my CVs to five companies, two of them called me back, and I was successfully hired by Canal Plus. It was a bit of a challenge because there were 5 rounds of interviews, some of them extremely close to one another, and I was doing the same with other companies at the same time. 

I think that the reason I was hired was because I really captured the vibe of the company. Canal Plus has a very dynamic environment, and the company`s culture is based on boldness and entrepreneurial spirit, so I tried to bring out the more natural and energetic aspects of my personality. It’s important to find a place that is compatible with your spirit. I, for example, refused a mission in another company, not only because I was not that interested in the task, but also because I felt uncomfortable during my interviews, didn’t bond with the people I met and talked to, and the spirit around seemed extremely uptight.

If I had one suggestion for other students going through interview rounds, it would be to be honest with your hypothetical employers. Most of the time, they can tell when people are being too fake. Secondly, if you change your personality completely, say whatever you believe the employer wants to hear, and pretend to love everything they talk about, even if they do make you an offer, it will not be an offer you like because it won’t match what you truly want, and you will end-up half-heartedly accepting, or refusing it all in all. It’s risky to be yourself because you take the risk of being rejected, but when you do get a job, you get a cooler job.

*An apprenticeship constitues a fusing of work and studying: the apprentice (the student) studies part time and works the rest of the time for a company. The company in return pays the tuition fees of the student and a salary. In the past, quite a few students have financed their studies this way. Read more on apprenticeships here.

Flat-Hunting in Singapore 2: Student Testimonials!

Student Ambassador Lucia Casagranda, currently in Singapore, has asked a few students to share their personal experience on renting an apartment in Singapore. In the previous post, Lucia explained what common obstacles you can expect and how to overcome them when searching for living space. In this second post, students tell you all about their personal situation. Are you coming to Singapore...? Then read on!

CHINESE GARDEN – Camille

“I live at Chinese Garden and I share a flat in a condo with other 4 people, each pays 615€. The district is pleasant enough since there is a big garden next door, but I believe it is quite far from the city center. So every time you want to do something, you have to plan in advance and really need to take the commuting time into account. I'm in Parc Oasis, it's 3 minutes to Chinese Garden MRT.”

Parc Oasis, Chinese Garden         

Parc Oasis, Chinese Garden

 

HOLLAND VILLAGE – Julie

“I really enjoyed living in Holland Village: this charming neighborhood is very calm but the area around the net station is filled with bars, coffee shops and an incredible number of restaurants which makes it so lively at night! It took me 20 minutes to go to Essec and 15 minutes to reach Botanic Gardens for a jog or a walk. I am staying in Fairlodge apartments, where many locals live. My flat is huge, with 2 master bedrooms, one junior master and one common room."

Fairlodge apartments

Holland Village is a very lively area of Singapore

                                 

QUEENSTOWN - Alice

“I live in Queens condo, strategically located one minute from Queenstown MRT (2 stops from ESSEC, and 15 mins to downtown). The rent here is quite expensive but I can say that the money are worth: the swimming pool and the gym are amazing, the facilities and common areas are always clean, the security is always present and happy to help you. Our flat is on the 18th floor and is very big and airy. The condo is close to 2 supermarkets, IKEA, restaurants and much more.”

Queenstown

TIONG BAHRU - Suraj

“I live in Emerald Park condo near Tiong Bahru MRT station. First of all, Tiong Bahru is a bit expensive because its a very nice neighbourhood. There are lot of hawker centres close by if you are open to Chinese food. Moreover, it is just 4 stops away from  ESSEC (8 minutes). It takes around 30-35 mins in total to reach. It is also near to Raffles Place and Little India. I’d recommend the area!”

PAYA LEBAR

Lucia: many, many, many ESSEC students decide to live in Simsville condo, at Paya Lebar. It’s very far from ESSEC (40 minutes by MRT + 10 walking), but it’s traditionally the condo where most of the French ESSEC students stayed over the last years.

- Victor 

“I live in Simsville condo, 5 minutes away from Paya Lebar MRT and 40 from ESSEC. It  is a very nice place to live in. All the advantages of living in a Condo (Fitness Room, pool, tennis courts) and a very nice Mall with a foodcourt right down the MRT. Affordable accommodation + lively neighbourhood = what else ?”

– Paul

“I am staying at Simsville – So i'm in Paya Lebar. I think that living closer to the campus is a better idea. But other than that, we have good facilities and are conveniently located close to the airport, so good for those who like to travel. More residential, But geylang is pretty close. So yeah you can get downtown in 20mn and to the airport in 30mn. But going to essec is a pain” 

- Capucine

"I have been living at Paya Lebar, Simsville Condo, for 5 months now, and I still enjoy each time I come back from ESSEC, and I pass through the secured doors, greet the guardian, walk inside the condo with its strange towers that have become so familiar, turn in front of the cutest swimming pool ever, and get to my apartment on the 7th floor. Simsville condo is not the closest place to ESSEC, but because there are many ESSEC here, and because there is a kind of solidarity spirit that has developed, it is a place where you definitely feel at home." 

Simsville

GOOD TO KNOW

●You cannot change the duration of the lease once you have signed: 

• Contrary to the French regulation, in Singapore there is no such thing as a leave notice 

• Therefore, make sure you sign up for the right duration.

●If you leave earlier than expected:

• You will not be able to shorten the contract 

• No daily rate for the remaining days

●If you want to extend, advise your agent at least one month in advance.
●Payment of monthly rental: If you pay your rental by transfer from France or Europe, arrange it a few days before the due date to avoid any late penalty fees.

●Aircon Servicing (= cleaning and maintenance of aircon by a professional) is compulsory every three months and at the tenant’s expense. Keep the receipt!

READY, SET, GO!

Now you are definitely ready to tackle the flat-hunting process: start your search, and good luck! 

Flat-Hunting in Singapore

                   Lucia Casagranda

There are many tracks that students at ESSEC can attend at the Singapore campus: the Core Track, the Financial Market Track and the Global Manager in Asia are some examples. If you chose to enroll in one of them, it’s time for you to pack your suitcase and move to the other side of the world: Singapore is waiting for you! 

However, finding an apartment in Singapore might not be as easy. Firstly, you'll have to decide on your budget, the area that you might like (but how do you know if you’ve never been there?), find flatmates and engage in a flat-hunting process by your own or through an agency. 

But don’t worry! 

I have made this useful Housing Guide to clear your mind and to give you tips and tricks in order to survive a stressful flat search!

GETTING STARTED

There are many websites that help you in finding a flat in Singapore. You can give them a look initially to understand the difference between the housing options, as well as the average monthly rent depending on the area. I suggest you to check out the following websites:

• http://www.propertyguru.com.sg

• http://singapore.craigslist.org 

• http://www.rentinsingapore.com

• http://www.easyroommate.com.sg/student-accommodation 

• facebook group: findyourroominsg or on www.findyourroom.sg

AGENT VS DO-IT-YOURSELF

The next step is deciding whether you want to tackle it personally or if you'll contact a local agent. In the first case, you’ll avoid the agent fees, but small risks linked to scams remain (although housing scams in Singapore are not very common). In the second case, relying on an agent is a great idea if you want a stress-free handling of the whole situation. Trusted agencies by ESSEC students in Singapore are OrangeTee and HSR Property Consultants among others. The agent would select some flats for you based on your necessities, and would show them on your arrival in Singapore. The downside is, you would have to pay agent fees, which usually amount to half-a-month rental for a 1-year lease or less, +7% tax (GST). 

I personally chose this second option, and contacted an agent on Property Guru working for OrangeTee. We created a Whatsapp conversation together with my other future flat mates, on which she often posted pictures of flats that we could have liked. We selected four and once we arrived in Singapore, we visited them together with her in one full day. At the end of the day, we decided the one that we liked and she helped us with the negotiation of the contract with the owner. The next day, we were already ready to move in! 

OPTIONS FOR HOUSING

Students have three main accommodation options amongst which to choose:

• Share a flat with ESSEC/non-ESSEC roommates in a condo or in Housing Development Board (HBD)

• Rent a room in a hostel/boarding school

• Stay in an expat family as au pair

The great majority of students at ESSEC go for staying with friends or locals in a condo: a typical residential skyscraper with many amenities, such as swimming pools, barbecue pits, gym, security guards and tennis courts.

CHOOSE YOUR BUDGET

Renting a flat in a condo will cost approximately between SGD4000,00 - SGD6000,00 per apartment with 3 to 4 bedrooms, depending on the location, size and condition of the apartment (prices are in local currency, Singapore Dollar). 

Flats situated near the MRT stations and closer to downtown (MRT Stations: City Hall, Raffles Place on the green line – see later) will cost more than the others. 

Internet and other utilities, around 30-50$ per tenant a month, are normally excluded from the rent, and need to be paid separately (though it depends from flat to flat!). 

WHAT IS THE BEST PLACE TO STAY? 

ESSEC Asia Pacific is located at Nepal Hill and can be reached easily by MRT. The nearest MRT stations are Buona Vista on the green line and One-North on the yellow line. There are also many bus routes that stop near the school, namely 74, 91, 92, 95, 191, 196, 198 or 200.

Most of the places of interest of Singapore, as well as restaurants, clubs and bars are positioned downtown. City Hall and Raffles Place MRT stations, on the green line, are located at the heart of the city.

Here you have the MRT System map. You can see highlighted in black the location of ESSEC as well as where downtown is. In blue the areas where most of the ESSEC students decide to live while studying in Singapore. 

In my opinion, the best compromise for you would be to live between ESSEC and Downtown, near the green MRT line. Condos near Queenstown, Tiong Barhu and Tanjong Pagar MRT stations on the green line are good choices, although they can be quite expensive.

Do you want to know more about what housing in Singapore is really like for our students...? And do you want to see what the houses look like...? Then stay tuned to this blog and our Facebook page for student testimonials on housing in Singapore!