Tips
Finding an internship, introducing yourself well, making the most of the week in a company: here are concrete tips so everything goes smoothly. This guide is addressed to the student, but you can read it together with them.
Prepare your approach
Before contacting companies
Think about what interests you
Which job makes you curious? Which sector would you like to discover? An internship must make sense for you, don't pick a company at random.
Make a list of 5 to 10 companies
Use the map and list on this site to spot places near you. Write down their name, address and phone number.
Prepare a mini CV
Even if you have no experience, a simple CV with your first name, age, class and interests shows that you are serious.
Prepare your opening line
In 20 seconds you should be able to say who you are, what class you are in and why you are looking for an internship. Practice out loud.
Ask an adult to review with you
A parent or teacher can help you fix your CV, improve your pitch and choose the right companies.
Have a plan B
It's normal for a company to say no. If your list has several, you'll be able to contact others quickly without getting discouraged.
The first contact
When you show up to ask for an internship
Pick the right moment
Avoid service hours in a restaurant, rush hour in a garage or end-of-day everywhere. A calm moment = a person available to talk.
Dress simply and neatly
No need for a suit: clean jeans, a proper shirt or pullover, shoes in good shape are enough. Take care of your hair.
Arrive 5 minutes early
Punctuality is the first thing a professional notices. Arriving early shows you respect their time.
Say hello looking them in the eye
A smile, a clear hello, a straight look: these simple gestures make a very good first impression, even if you are nervous.
Introduce yourself clearly
Say your first name, last name, school and class. Example: « Hello, my name is Léa, I'm in 3e at Peiresc middle school. »
Explain why this company
Say what interests you in this job or why you chose this company. Professionals appreciate students who know what they want.
Propose the internship dates
Know the exact dates requested by your school. The professional will be able to answer right away whether they are available.
Thank them, even if they say no
A « thank you for taking the time to answer me » always leaves a door open. Maybe for you later, or for another student.
What the professional expects from you
Common rules and those specific to your level
Valid for everyone
Always come prepared
Your notebook, a pen, suitable clothes, a snack if needed. Being ready every morning is already part of the job.
Carry yourself properly
Don't slouch in a chair, don't keep your hands in your pockets when someone talks to you, no chewing gum. Your body language speaks for you.
Speak like in class, not like on the playground
Avoid slang (« dude », « stuff », « whatever »…). Use complete sentences, even if it's not your usual way.
Respect confidentiality
What you see and hear in the company stays in the company. Don't post on social media without permission.
In 4e — Discovery internship
Discover a professionThe goal: observe and understand
You are not there to produce but to discover how a job works day to day. Watch carefully.
Compare with what you imagined
A profession is often very different from the idea you have of it. Note what surprises you, even what you dislike — it will help you later when choosing your path.
Stay focused even while observing
Watching someone work for an hour can feel long but it is valuable. Avoid taking out your phone and stay attentive.
Talk to several people, not just your tutor
The delivery driver, the apprentice, the receptionist… each one sees the job from a different angle. Multiple perspectives are the real richness of a discovery internship.
Accept the small tasks offered
If you are offered to help (tidying, opening a door, passing a tool), say yes with a smile. That's also how you understand a job.
In 3e — Application internship
Put skills into practice in a real workplaceThe goal: take part for real
In 3e you are expected to be involved in real tasks. Don't stay in the background, offer your help.
Be autonomous on assigned tasks
When you are given a task, try to finish it without being reminded. Autonomy is highly valued.
Learn the vocabulary of the profession
Every job has its technical words. Ask what the terms you hear mean and use them correctly. That's already being part of the profession.
Accept corrections
If you are given feedback, it's not an attack: that's how you learn. Listen, thank them, adjust.
Be reliable
When you say you will do something, do it. People must be able to count on you to see things through.
During your internship
Every day of the week
Respect schedules
Arrive on time in the morning and come back on time after lunch. Warn immediately in case of delay.
Phone on silent or off
Unless specifically allowed, keep your phone in your pocket or bag. Check it only during breaks.
Say hello to everyone when arriving
Not only your tutor: the whole team, colleagues, reception. You are part of the team for the week.
Share breaks with the team
If you can, go to the canteen or take your break with colleagues. It's often outside the tasks that you discover the real daily life of a profession and that the team truly adopts you.
Respect safety instructions
If you are asked to wear closed shoes, a helmet or a vest, do so without arguing. Your safety is the priority.
Keep a logbook
Each day, write down what you did, learned, observed. This logbook will help you write your internship report.
Thank at the end of each day
A simple « thanks for today, see you tomorrow » is enough. This gesture is appreciated and shows respect.
Send a message at the end of the internship
A short written thank-you note (email or letter) at the end of the internship is much appreciated. It may even help you later for a summer job.
If you're sick, warn early in the morning
Never at the last minute. A call or message before 8am, even just to say you will be late. The team needs to be able to organise without you.
Take care of your daily hygiene
Shower, clean clothes, brushed teeth. In some jobs (catering, medical, reception) it's simply mandatory — and in all others, it's a sign of respect for the team.
Tips
Finding an internship, introducing yourself well, making the most of the week in a company: here are concrete tips so everything goes smoothly. This guide is addressed to the student, but you can read it together with them.
Prepare your approach
Before contacting companies
Think about what interests you
Which job makes you curious? Which sector would you like to discover? An internship must make sense for you, don't pick a company at random.
Make a list of 5 to 10 companies
Use the map and list on this site to spot places near you. Write down their name, address and phone number.
Prepare a mini CV
Even if you have no experience, a simple CV with your first name, age, class and interests shows that you are serious.
Prepare your opening line
In 20 seconds you should be able to say who you are, what class you are in and why you are looking for an internship. Practice out loud.
Ask an adult to review with you
A parent or teacher can help you fix your CV, improve your pitch and choose the right companies.
Have a plan B
It's normal for a company to say no. If your list has several, you'll be able to contact others quickly without getting discouraged.
The first contact
When you show up to ask for an internship
Pick the right moment
Avoid service hours in a restaurant, rush hour in a garage or end-of-day everywhere. A calm moment = a person available to talk.
Dress simply and neatly
No need for a suit: clean jeans, a proper shirt or pullover, shoes in good shape are enough. Take care of your hair.
Arrive 5 minutes early
Punctuality is the first thing a professional notices. Arriving early shows you respect their time.
Say hello looking them in the eye
A smile, a clear hello, a straight look: these simple gestures make a very good first impression, even if you are nervous.
Introduce yourself clearly
Say your first name, last name, school and class. Example: « Hello, my name is Léa, I'm in 3e at Peiresc middle school. »
Explain why this company
Say what interests you in this job or why you chose this company. Professionals appreciate students who know what they want.
Propose the internship dates
Know the exact dates requested by your school. The professional will be able to answer right away whether they are available.
Thank them, even if they say no
A « thank you for taking the time to answer me » always leaves a door open. Maybe for you later, or for another student.
What the professional expects from you
Common rules and those specific to your level
Valid for everyone
Always come prepared
Your notebook, a pen, suitable clothes, a snack if needed. Being ready every morning is already part of the job.
Carry yourself properly
Don't slouch in a chair, don't keep your hands in your pockets when someone talks to you, no chewing gum. Your body language speaks for you.
Speak like in class, not like on the playground
Avoid slang (« dude », « stuff », « whatever »…). Use complete sentences, even if it's not your usual way.
Respect confidentiality
What you see and hear in the company stays in the company. Don't post on social media without permission.
In 4e — Discovery internship
Discover a professionThe goal: observe and understand
You are not there to produce but to discover how a job works day to day. Watch carefully.
Compare with what you imagined
A profession is often very different from the idea you have of it. Note what surprises you, even what you dislike — it will help you later when choosing your path.
Stay focused even while observing
Watching someone work for an hour can feel long but it is valuable. Avoid taking out your phone and stay attentive.
Talk to several people, not just your tutor
The delivery driver, the apprentice, the receptionist… each one sees the job from a different angle. Multiple perspectives are the real richness of a discovery internship.
Accept the small tasks offered
If you are offered to help (tidying, opening a door, passing a tool), say yes with a smile. That's also how you understand a job.
In 3e — Application internship
Put skills into practice in a real workplaceThe goal: take part for real
In 3e you are expected to be involved in real tasks. Don't stay in the background, offer your help.
Be autonomous on assigned tasks
When you are given a task, try to finish it without being reminded. Autonomy is highly valued.
Learn the vocabulary of the profession
Every job has its technical words. Ask what the terms you hear mean and use them correctly. That's already being part of the profession.
Accept corrections
If you are given feedback, it's not an attack: that's how you learn. Listen, thank them, adjust.
Be reliable
When you say you will do something, do it. People must be able to count on you to see things through.
During your internship
Every day of the week
Respect schedules
Arrive on time in the morning and come back on time after lunch. Warn immediately in case of delay.
Phone on silent or off
Unless specifically allowed, keep your phone in your pocket or bag. Check it only during breaks.
Say hello to everyone when arriving
Not only your tutor: the whole team, colleagues, reception. You are part of the team for the week.
Share breaks with the team
If you can, go to the canteen or take your break with colleagues. It's often outside the tasks that you discover the real daily life of a profession and that the team truly adopts you.
Respect safety instructions
If you are asked to wear closed shoes, a helmet or a vest, do so without arguing. Your safety is the priority.
Keep a logbook
Each day, write down what you did, learned, observed. This logbook will help you write your internship report.
Thank at the end of each day
A simple « thanks for today, see you tomorrow » is enough. This gesture is appreciated and shows respect.
Send a message at the end of the internship
A short written thank-you note (email or letter) at the end of the internship is much appreciated. It may even help you later for a summer job.
If you're sick, warn early in the morning
Never at the last minute. A call or message before 8am, even just to say you will be late. The team needs to be able to organise without you.
Take care of your daily hygiene
Shower, clean clothes, brushed teeth. In some jobs (catering, medical, reception) it's simply mandatory — and in all others, it's a sign of respect for the team.