How does EM Strasbourg help students reach their full potential? Léo shares his experience: through a co-op program, support services, and study accommodations, he is shaping his Programme Grande École (PGE) experience around his career goals while continuing to compete as an elite athlete.
In high school, Léo discovered his interest in taking action and working on practical projects by starting his own microbusiness. “That experience introduced me to the business world and made me want to pursue that path.” After graduating from high school, he naturally chose the Bachelor of International Business, which aligned with his desire to develop projects and learn in new ways.
A life-changing opportunity: the "Ouverture et talents" initiative
Now in his fourth year of the PGE, specializing in Negotiation & Sales Management, Léo is gaining professional experience while continuing his studies through a co-op program. Coming from a family for whom the cost of higher education was a barrier, he learned about the "Ouverture et talents" initiative during an open house. Based on income eligibility, this initiative allows 10 students each year to join the School without paying tuition for the duration of their program. He explains:
“It's an all-in-one package: five years of study with no tuition and no need to take another entrance exam when moving from the Bachelor to the PGE. It gives you peace of mind as you plan for the future.”
Beyond the financial support, he emphasizes the quality of the guidance he receives:
“What the school has really given me is comprehensive support: academic and social support, as well as help developing my career plan.”
Co-op as a springboard to the job market
Today, Léo is a business developer at Parc Sainte-Croix, where he works in a field he is passionate about: amusement parks. His responsibilities directly support his career goals: prospecting, B2B business development, building relationships with companies, and contributing to the park’s event strategy. As he puts it: “A co-op program is the ideal combination of theory and practice. I can apply everything I learn right away.”
In such a specialized field, Léo quickly realized how important it is to build a profile and create opportunities: “The hardest part? Breaking into the industry. Co-op is a real asset in making that happen.” Through his co-op experience and active engagement on LinkedIn, he is growing his network and raising his profile with employers: “I have met so many industry professionals that way!”