Young people take advantage of Paris while developing their international professional network
In the hospitality and gastronomy professions, which we know at fingertips at Talent Developer, as in other fields, the internship is an integral part of the training and must be carried out (and succeeded) in order to be able to obtain the diploma. The internship is therefore compulsory. But it is also a tool, as we will see in this article. It is important to know that in our country, if training, certifications and diplomas are very important, the first in company experiences are just as essential. So, let’s not rush and ask ourselves what the internship has to offer.
What is the purpose of the work placement?
Like a child who, before walking and knowing how to run, takes his first steps, the internship is usually the first stage of professional life. The one you can proudly display in your CV, an essential tool for any application. The internship allows me to put into practice what I learned during my studies, to rectify the small mistakes that can happen at the beginning, to acquire the right professional habits, but also, and one thinks about it less often, to discover a world that makes me dream. Because let’s be honest, if we choose a job in the hospitality or gastronomy industry, it’s to do a job of passion, full of flavour and ambition! In any case, at Talent Developer, that’s how we live our profession. Don’t you?
Will the internship allow me to find out what I really like to do?
My internship will allow me to verify that the field I have chosen suits me, but also that the actual tasks “hidden” behind a job title and description meet my expectations. All the more so as each job always contains a small dose of things that you like to do less (this applies to all jobs). For some, it’s the administrative duties, for others it may be the too abstract or, conversely, too operational aspect of the position.
Take this time as an opportunity to discover all the facets of your future profession and to confirm that you are making the right choice in your orientation by asking yourself these 3 questions:
– What do I like to do?
– What tasks are best suited to me?
– Is this company best suited to my profile?
This will save you a lot of time! If you apply this advice, which sounds simple, it is very likely that in 10 years’ time you will look back on your first internships as what launched your career. So, at Talent Developer, we can only advise you to go towards what attracts you most and to do everything possible to achieve success.
Practice makes perfect!
Is the internship also a chance to try out a position?
Yes, the internship has the advantage over permanent employment that it is a limited time to try out a position without certain constraints of the real job. Your employer is within his rights when he is looking for the most professional and efficient young skilled person but you, trainee, are also there to learn and you are not a machine! Thus, during the internship you will discover, in addition to what the mission itself implies, a working atmosphere and the philosophy of the “house”, which must correspond to your values (we suggest). Use this time to choose the company and the history in which you wish to commit yourself on a longer-term basis.
Why and how can I develop my professional network during my work placement?
One aspect that should not be overlooked when undertaking an internship is the fact that, in addition to confirming and acquiring skills, it allows you to start building a professional network. It’s a gold mine! It is this same network that will later allow you to be offered future work opportunities. So, pamper your network, be conciliatory and open-minded, maintain good relations with colleagues and clients, take care of your presentation, do your best, hang in there, breathe, and everything should work out fine.
Your internship tutor is also your first support in your professional network.
Can I be hired when I finish my internship?
You should be aware that it is common to be offered a fixed-term contract (CDD) or an open-ended contract (CDI) at the end of a successful internship, as this period when you are testing out the company and the profession is also revealing for the employer, who may wish to keep you on. We sincerely hope that will be the case for you. The company will always prefer to give a chance to someone who has already started to prove himself in an internship than to a complete stranger. It will save time in its recruitment and you will save time in your job search. A win-win situation!