A series of alumni testimonials about French colleges and universities. The alumni share their personal experiences about their courses, part-time jobs, internships, job search, etc. I have focused on alumni because it can help prospective and current students get a complete picture of the course and future opportunities.
In this particular article, Sajeev Sathishkumar was kind enough to share his Master’s experiences from Audencia Business School in Nantes, France.
Since 2020, A non-profit telegram group for Indian students is actively run by Indian alumni, who graduated in France. The group covers the various topics relevant to our Indian students enrolled in French colleges and universities.
Alumni & Course Information
| Name | Mr. Sajeev Sathishkumar |
| LinkedIn Profile | |
| Degree | Master of Science (MSc) “RNCP/CGE certified” |
| Course Specialization | Supply Chain and Purchasing Management |
| Year of Graduation | 2020 |
| College | |
| City | Nantes, France |
| Course Intake | September |
| Course Duration | 24 months |
| Course Fees | 16,500€ (check course website for latest info) |
| Funding for the course | Sponsorship from family |
| Monthly Expenses (Rent, utilities, etc) | 700€ |
| French level before the Course | A1 |
| French level after Graduation | B1 |
| Status after Graduation | Salaried Employee |
| Current Status | Internal Auditor |
Audencia Campus in Nantes city
- Located across from the Ecole Centrale de Nantes and on the banks of the Erdre River, the campus is Audencia’s largest.
- It houses the Grande École program, the graduate programs (Mastère Spécialisé® programs, Master of Science programs, International Masters, MBAs), the school’s general management, the Enterprise and Graduates, Academic and Research, and Human Resources departments, as well as a Knowledge Hub.
Course Information
Personal Experiences during the Course
- Initially, it was difficult to adjust to a very diverse group, but soon it turned out to be a fun group with a lot of learning.
- I used to have classes every day followed by numerous business cases and presentations.
- Also, I had the chance to take intensive French language courses at the university for free. The experience was a life-changing one in my life.
Return on Investment (ROI)
- As a part of the Covid pass-out group, it was very difficult to find an internship nevertheless a job after that. But consistent efforts paid well and helped me land a job within 5 months of passing out.
- I was able to pay back my parents in two years time the entire amount spent on my education. Roughly around €25k.
Multi-cultural Aspects of the Course
- A very tricky one, for two semesters it was 7 Indians vs 25 other nationalities and last semester was a bit rough with 47 Indians, 14 Chinese and 2 French.
Part-time Job Experience
- I initially worked in a restaurant for a month but realized that it was pretty hectic for my schedule and not value-adding.
- So I decided to shift and found a job as a babysitter wherein I took care of 3 kids around 10 years old, helping them out in English Maths, and Science.
- It also helped me create good networking where the family I matched to was working as the Head of Dell (VMware) France.
- Also not to forget the improvement in my French levels by working with the kids.
Internship Experience
- I initially received an internship offer at Danone in New Zealand but couldn’t go due to Covid. So, I found another one at ArcelorMittal Luxembourg.
- I would have to say that it was definitely the pivotal point in my life when I learned about real-life business in a megacorp.
- I stayed in Metz for 3 months followed by Luxembourg for 3 months. It was well paid at €1.8k a month without deductions and also helped me in creating networks for my next job.
Job Search Experience
- Job search is probably the toughest phase of a foreign study experience.
- For some, it could be a smooth butter ride, but for the most, it would be a roller coaster ride.
- Searching for a job itself was a full-time job. I used to relentlessly apply every day following a strict routine and keeping track of all the jobs applied.
- I used to edit CV for every single job. This was the toughest at the same time the most humbling experience too, wherein when you apply for companies and you face so many rejections, you become mentally very strong and prepared to face any kind of adversaries in your future role.
- Also, you get to learn a lot from every single interview you attend, the strategy changes and evolves every day.
- I was lucky to find a mentor who was a retired head of sales for AstraZeneca EMEA, who helped me in my late stages to really understand myself and mold my CV accordingly, post which I started receiving more interviews and offers.
Advice for Juniors
- The biggest advice anyone in France would give to a new person coming to study is “Learn French before coming” so I am going to give the same too, along with a new one “Gain work experience before coming”.
- Do not choose master as a gateway to escape the next part of life post-graduation back home.
- Gaining firsthand real experience in a company helps you a lot to navigate the job market here, may it be to find a job or may it be to tackle an interview.
- Once you arrive here, do not spend time only within a single community of people, try to explore and go out with people of different races, jobs, etc.
- It helps you grow your mind and also teaches you a lot about soft skills that are probably the most important other than the hard skills you possess.
- Also don’t forget to be patient, as many lose their patience immediately after two or three months of not finding a job, there are people who have had to wait until the end of their 2nd APS to find a job. Good luck.
Practical Information
Rankings & Accreditations:
- Current ranking
- Audencia is one of only 1% of institutions worldwide to receive triple accreditation from EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA for a maximum of 5 years, reflecting its commitment to teaching excellence.
Admissions:
- Applications are accepted until May 31 for the September intake or until the program is full. It is recommended that you submit your application by the early application deadline of March 1.
- To apply, please visit apply.audencia.com
- Documents required
- CV and Cover Letter in English
- Copies of undergraduate degree transcripts
- Undergraduate Degree Diploma
- English language test results less than 2 years old (TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS)
- Copy of identification (passport or ID card)
- More information at audencia.com
Entry requirements for 1 year MSc:
- Proficiency in English as demonstrated by one of the following:
- TOEFL iBT 84, TOEIC 650 or IELTS 6.5
- English-taught undergraduate program
- 4-year degree in business or engineering, or exceptionally, a 4-year degree in another field with business experience or academic honors.
- The 2-year MSc or Master in Management program is strongly recommended for applicants without a degree in business.
- You can apply during the last year of your Bachelor’s studies.
Entry requirements for 2 years MSc:
- Proficiency in English as demonstrated by one of the following:
- TOEFL iBT 84, TOEIC 650 or IELTS 6.5
- English-taught undergraduate program
- 3-year or 4-year degree in any field.
- You can apply during the last year of your Bachelor’s studies.
Final degree:
- Degree recognition: Grade Master, Visé BAC+5
- RNCP title number: 37936
- RNCP title: Niveau 7 – Diplôme d’Études Supérieures en Management Global
- Graduation level: Master of science
- Number of ECTS credits: 90 or 120
Campus Address:
- Audencia Atlantic Campus
8 route de la Jonelière
44312 Nantes
Tel. +33(0)2 40 37 34 34
Tram stop “Ecole Centrale – Audencia”
Disclaimer
- These are original testimonials collected from the alumni via Linkedin.
- Opinions expressed are from the alumni and so the author or the blog cannot be held responsible.
- These testimonials include both facts and opinions. Facts will not change but opinions might differ based on personal experiences, perspectives, etc.
