Hotel and catering: how can I find a company for my work-study placement?

6/10/2023

Are you interested in a work-study program but don't know how to find a company that's hiring? Securing a work-study program in hospitality management can be a tricky business. To help you along the way, we've put together a list of the most effective tools and tips. Ready to get started? Let's get started!

What do you need to watch out for to land a work-study contract?

Work-study programs are the stuff of dreams for many students. And with good reason! This specific contract gives you a foot and a half in the world of work, while continuing your student life. But not everything about work-study is rosy. The first difficulty lies in finding a company willing to respect the work-study rhythm and offer an internship in line with your Bachelor's or MBA degree.

The second difficulty is that hotel and catering management is a buoyant sector, attracting many passionate young people every year. Work-study offers are quickly filled, especially from spring onwards. To stack the odds in your favor and land a work-study contract, you'll need to implement a proactive search strategy, using a variety of tools and being ready to apply spontaneously.

How do I find my work-study company?

Before you start, here's an important tip: knock on every door! Even those that seem closed to you. This is the time to show ambition and curiosity to discover new opportunities.

Second piece of advice: don't wait until you've found your company to apply for your bachelor or MBA in hospitality management. It's in your best interest to enroll as soon as possible, asÉcole de Savignac will support you in your search for a company. And if you don't find a host company before the start of the school year, you still have time to find a work-study program as a matter of urgency. This is made possible by the school's Careers Service . The main aim of this service is to offer students collective and/or individual support throughout their training.

The right tools for applying for work-study positions

There are several useful tools for applying for work-study positions. Find out more below!

Linkedin: the preferred social network for professionals

Linkedin is still a must when looking for an internship or work-study company.

Provided you have an optimized profile! It must make recruiters want to consult your page, and convince them in just a few seconds.

Upload a polished, professional profile photo, and take the time to work on your cover. Give details of your background and experience, and enhance your profile with recommendations to get yourself noticed. Don't hesitate to ask your tutors, teachers and internship supervisors. Follow the companies and personalities who inspire you in the hotel and restaurant business. In short, don't hesitate to put your skills and aspirations to the fore, so that you have every chance on your side.

Next, you need to be active! On Linkedin, you'll find a Job Search section where you can select your search criteria. Thanks to this function, you'll receive daily job offers that match your expectations.

But that's not all! You can also use the search bar to look for posts with the hashtags #alternance, #alternancerestauration, etc.

And if you're really motivated, you can try a more original strategy by publishing a creative post that's sure to catch recruiters' attention. Don't hesitate to ask your network to share your post. Who knows, you might just create a buzz!

The best websites for work-study placements

There are several websites that can help you find a company for a work-study program in the hotel and catering industry. Here are some of the best:

1. Indeed: this is one of the most popular job boards, with a special section for work-study contracts. You can find ads for positions in the hotel and catering industry.
2. L'Hôtellerie Restauration: this website specializing in industry news also offers job vacancies and work-study contracts in the hotel and catering sector.
3. Hotelcareer: this site offers a wide variety of job ads with work-study contracts in different areas of the hotel industry, such as catering, management, reception, etc. In addition to its job search functions, Hotelcareer also provides useful information on the hotel industry.
4. If you're looking to move into the luxury sector, Journal des Palaces may be of interest. This website lists job offers from prestigious establishments, mainly affiliated with major groups or owners of châteaux estates. It also features a number of work-study offers.

And there are many others.

Club Savignac: the alumni network

The alumni network can be an excellent resource for finding a company for your work-study program. Alumni may be able to recommend companies or put you in touch with professionals in their network.

At savignac, the alumni network brings together over 3,000 graduates worldwide. Thanks to their real-life experience and the excellence of Savignac'shotel management training, alumni give preference to Savignac interns and recent graduates within their companies, facilitating their integration into the job market.

Unsolicited applications to find your work-study program

You've looked at all the work-study offers out there, but you just can't seem to find the one that's right for you. Have you considered making an unsolicited application? Some companies are still unfamiliar with the advantages of work-study programs. Unsolicited applications can be an opportunity to remedy this situation and demonstrate your added value to a company that might not otherwise have considered recruiting a work-study student.