Discover how international students can gain professional experience and financial independence while studying business in France.
Studying abroad is more than just earning a degree; it’s an investment in your future. For many international students, it’s also an opportunity to embark on a journey that will make them grow professionally, gain independence, and experience cultural adaptation first-handedly. While full of exciting possibilities, this journey often means balancing books with real-world experience.
At EMLV Business School, with its main campus in Paris-La Défense, Europe’s largest business district, students gain technical and soft skills that strengthen their careers while being in close proximity to over 100 global companies that continuously seek fresh graduates. As an international student, you’ll have access to France’s thriving job market and discover multiple ways to work while studying, gaining both experience and confidence as you prepare for a global business career.
Why you might consider working while studying
Fair disclaimer: any student should always prioritise their studies. Having said this, for students abroad, balancing study and part-time work can be both practical and empowering. It helps develop key professional and personal skills that go far beyond the classroom. Moreover, doing so in a different culture allows them to experience a different integration into the local culture.
- Financial independence – Covering part of your expenses gives you more freedom to make choices. It teaches you to budget, plan, and manage your own life —essential skills for any business career.
- Career development – Every job, whether it’s in a local café or a corporate office, hones your professional skills. It equips you with communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and a heightened sense of responsibility.
- Cultural immersion – Working alongside locals accelerates your French (and your understanding of French work culture). It’s one of the fastest ways to feel like you truly belong.
Working legally as an international student in France
Good news: France is one of the most welcoming European countries when it comes to letting international students work. It also provides excellent conditions for those who wish to work while studying.
If you hold a student residence permit (for example, a VLS-TS étudiant visa) and are enrolled full-time at a higher education institution like EMLV, you are allowed to work up to 964 hours per year — that’s about 60% of a full-time schedule.
A few key rules to remember:
- Your studies must remain your main activity.
- You are entitled to at least the French minimum wage (SMIC).
- The employer must declare your work to the French authorities.
- Full-time work is not allowed during your studies, except under specific “alternance” (work-study) contracts.
This flexibility means you can take on a small job during the semester and work more during breaks, gaining real-world experience while keeping your studies on track.
Opportunities for EMLV students: from part-time jobs to corporate experience
EMLV students have access to a wide range of opportunities, both in La Défense and across the city of Paris. Thanks to the school’s strategic location in Europe’s largest business district, surrounded by multinational companies and startups, you’ll be in the ideal place to combine learning with hands-on work experience.
1. Part-time jobs in Paris
Paris offers many opportunities for students, especially in hospitality, retail, and customer service. Working in cafés, shops, or restaurants can improve your French and give you a firsthand view of Parisian culture. Even if, at first glance, you might think these roles have little in common with your desired profession, they can certainly provide students with deeper immersion in Parisian culture, thus opening the door to a better understanding of how the French eat, live, and work.
For business students, there are also entry-level roles in office administration, customer relations, or marketing that can offer valuable professional experience even before graduation. Keep in mind that having a good proficiency in French will open many more doors for you!
Why not work in a movie-like Parisian café?
2. Internships
For many business students, the most rewarding professional experiences come through internships, a module of minimum four and maximum six months where students fulfil a role in a company, allowing them to learn corporate culture while developing important soft skills for their future career.
At EMLV, these opportunities are built into the curriculum:
- All international programmes include at least one internship that connects students directly with the corporate world.
- The school’s strong network of corporate partners, including major names in finance, marketing, digital innovation, and consulting, ensures you can find relevant positions aligned with your goals.
- There are several career-oriented events planned throughout the academic year, all of them open for students to meet, pitch, ant network with experienced professionals and alumni.
After graduation: turning experience into a career
After earning your degree at EMLV, you may be eligible to apply for a temporary residence permit (Recherche d’emploi ou création d’entreprise), which allows you to stay in France for up to 12 months to look for employment or start your own business. Additionally, depending on your salary, you might be eligible for a Talen Passport permit (Passeport Talent), which is delivered to high-skilled Master graduates and is valid for up to four years.
By combining your business education, professional network, and the skills gained from part-time work or internships, you’ll have a strong foundation to start your career, whether you choose to do so in France, Europe, or beyond.
Moreover, thanks to EMLV’s strong network of partners, from major corporations to cutting-edge startups, students often land roles that align perfectly with their ambitions. Many even turn these experiences into full-time job offers after graduation.
Balancing your studies and work: practical tips for success
Working while studying certainly requires organisation and discipline, but it’s entirely manageable with the right approach. Here are some tips from EMLV’s international students:
- Stay focused on your studies – Make sure your academic commitments always come first.
- Manage your time carefully – Use planning tools to balance classes, projects, and job hours effectively.
- Seek jobs that complement your degree – A part-time role in marketing, sales, or business support might enrich your professional profile.
- Take advantage of EMLV’s career resources – The Career Center is there to help students consolidate their professional project, find internships, prepare applications, and navigate visa or work-related questions. Make sure to approach them with a plan you would like to set in action.
- Learn the language – Even basic French opens many doors in the job market and enhances your integration. What better place to learn French than the city of lights?
Remember: working part-time helps financially, but the real long-term value lies in the professional and personal skills you’ll develop along the way.
EMLV: a supportive and globally connected business school
At EMLV, international students are supported from day one. The school’s Welcome Desk assists with visa issues, housing, and adapting to life in France, while the Career Center helps connect you with internships and companies through job fairs, workshops, and coaching.
Most notably, the annual I Pitch & Meet event connects students with corporate representatives that provide powerful insights regarding their professional development in an international setting.
EMLV also holds the “Bienvenue en France” label, a national recognition awarded by Campus France, which consolidates a school’s commitment to welcoming and supporting international students all throughout their academic journey in France.
Ready to take your next step?
If you’re dreaming of studying business in Paris while gaining hands-on professional experience, EMLV Business School is the perfect place to start. At EMLV, your academic journey is also the beginning of your global career. Study, work, grow, and make Paris your classroom.
