Doing an internship whilst studying: the complete guide

How can you find an internship, prepare for it effectively and turn it into a real stepping stone towards your future career? During your studies, an internship is much more than just a compulsory part of your course: it is an opportunity to discover what a profession is really like, develop practical skills and build your professional network.

In the fields of culinary arts, pastry management and hospitality and restaurant management, these experiences also help students clarify their aspirations and define their career goals more precisely.

Discover how Institut Lyfe places internships at the heart of its programmes and supports its students in making every professional experience a real asset for their future.

Internships: a key step in shaping your career plans

Bridging the gap between theory and practice

It is in the workplace that experience truly comes to life. During an internship, the knowledge acquired in the classroom is put to the test in real working environments, and each day brings a new opportunity to learn, experiment and progress.

Whether in culinary arts, pastry management or hospitality and restaurant management, in operational or support roles, students discover the demands of day-to-day professional life. Hands-on experience reveals aspects of a profession that cannot always be conveyed in the classroom. These experiences help students develop their skills, discover their strengths and personalities, and grow in confidence. Internships also provide an opportunity to develop soft skills such as listening, communication, adaptability and emotional management.

At Institut Lyfe, students prepare for this immersion in the workplace through the practical professional training experiences integrated into their programmes. As a result, they start their internships with a more practical understanding of the workplace.

Building a professional network from the outset

An internship is a first opportunity to establish professional relationships. A head chef, hotel manager, restaurant manager or any colleague could, over time, become a future recruiter, mentor or someone willing to recommend you. In culinary arts, pastry management and hospitality and restaurant management, building a professional network can make all the difference when starting your career.

According to a study by APEC on recruitment methods for management and executive positions, 66% of recruitment in the hospitality and restaurant sector takes place through the recruiter’s professional network, while 36% of appointments result from employee referrals. An internship therefore provides an opportunity to start building this network well before entering the job market.

Throughout the year, Institut Lyfe’s Career Centre organises events such as Career Match and Career Talks, giving students the opportunity to meet and speak directly with industry professionals. These events allow students to explore different career paths, gain a better understanding of employers’ expectations, make their first professional connections and discover potential internship and employment opportunities.

At Institut Lyfe, the network of 6,000 graduates is also a powerful career accelerator. Working in many leading establishments, alumni can welcome interns and act as mentors or points of contact throughout these first professional experiences.

Confirming or reconsidering your career plans

An internship allows students to put their career plans to the test in a real working environment. It can also help them explore a different role within the same sector if they discover that their initial choice is not quite right for them. It is an opportunity to find out whether they enjoy the pace of work, the working environment and the level of interaction with customers and colleagues.

Our support as Talent Managers is built around one clear objective: ensuring our students are employable in a career path that suits them and aligns with their individual goals. We support them through group workshops focused on professional conduct, as well as one-to-one personal development sessions. All these initiatives are designed to align each student’s personality with their professional ambitions. Our role is to guide, help them adjust their plans and advise them along the way.
Annabelle Warnier, Talent Manager at Institut Lyfe

At Institut Lyfe, career planning begins well before students enter the workplace. Our Talent Managers support students in defining and validating their career plans before they begin their internships. Through this personalised support, each student can gain a clearer understanding of their aspirations, identify the working environments that suit them best and approach their internship with clear objectives.

My experiences have taught me something essential: an internship should not be chosen solely for the name on your CV. A well-established, prestigious organisation can offer high standards, a strong attention to detail and a highly structured environment. A younger company may provide greater autonomy, a more varied role and closer involvement in decision-making. There is therefore no single ideal employer for everyone. What matters most is finding an organisation that matches what you need to learn at a particular stage of your journey.
Arthur Blanc, student on the Bachelor’s degree in International Hospitality and Restaurant Management

Internships at Institut Lyfe: how do they work?

When do internships take place and how long do they last?*

*Internship durations and dates are subject to change.