French University Master’s Graduate Lands Job Before Diploma Awarded

A recent graduate of the IAE de Lille’s Master of Marketing program has secured a full-time position with Happn, a French dating application, before even receiving her diploma. Katelyn Ho’s success highlights a growing trend of French universities preparing students for the job market with practical skills and industry connections, rivaling traditional business schools.

From BTS to Master’s: A Focused Academic Path

Ho’s educational journey began with a BTS Management Commercial Opérationnel at Lycée Saint-Charles d’Athis-Mons (91). She continued her studies with a Licence in Commerce, Vente et Marketing from the Cnam. She then applied to approximately twenty universities through the “Mon Master” platform, initially considering IAE programs during her third year of undergraduate study but not pursuing them at that time.

IAE Lille: Bridging Theory and Practice

Ho was admitted to the Master Marketing Direct et Digital program at IAE Lille, drawn to the program’s alignment with her professional goals. The program emphasizes practical application, with students managing advertising budgets and developing websites. Ho noted the significant presence of industry professionals involved in the university program, a surprising benefit compared to expectations.

Alternating Between Academia and Industry

Ho gained valuable professional experience through internships at Yves Rocher during her initial studies and an alternating perform-study program at Safran as an administrative sales representative while pursuing her Licence. This practical experience proved crucial in her job search.

Securing a Role at Happn

In her second year of the Master’s program, Ho pursued an apprenticeship at Happn, which led to a full-time CDI (permanent contract) position. She now focuses on engaging recent users and optimizing their profiles to increase connections. Ho credits the project-based learning environment at IAE Lille, where she developed applications and online campaigns, with preparing her for this role.

The Rise of University Master’s Programs

Ho’s story reflects a broader trend of French universities strengthening their master’s programs to compete with business schools. Universities like IAE Lille are focusing on providing students with practical skills and industry connections, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional business education. She was accepted into multiple universities, including Toulon and Grenoble, but chose Lille for its proximity to Paris.