What have been your department’s main achievements in 2019?

This year was particularly noteworthy thanks to the development of several inspiring events for both students and graduates. The Career Connexion Week, which, over 4 days, gave 1,000 students the chance to meet with 50 companies, 40 graduates through 180 workshops aimed at helping them develop their career plans in line with the reality of the professional world. At Homecoming Day, promotion anniversaries were celebrated (5- and 10-year anniversaries), representing a total of 55 promotions throughout Audencia’s history. And in addition, the LEX, which, thanks to the support of graduates via the Foundation, provided the opportunity for 10 students to go on a learning expedition to the CES in Las Vegas, and to the heart of Silicon Valley in order to meet entrepreneurs and discover digital innovations. In 2019, real progress was made in providing increased international support, with nearly 1,500 hours devoted to career guidance for international students and students wishing to gain international work experience. And we must not forget to mention the first edition of Around the World: over 8 days, our international graduate communities organised 31 events based around the theme of Audacity. In 2019, 175 partner companies were very involved with the School, coming to recruit and engage with students and professors, to help them broaden their practices and design their own future, as well as to pass on their experience. These companies support the School’s development, in particular through the Audencia Foundation.

What is the outlook for 2020?

In 2020, we intend to demonstrate our commitment to increasing our career guidance service provision. With a 20% increase in activity, we will invest in the roll-out of a student mentoring programme suitable for our graduates and the launch of a career platform to facilitate the remote support of students and graduates. Although these targets are important, we must continue to provide a service that is tailored to the requests and needs of each individual, particularly when dealing with selective, high-potential sectors. In this respect, the involvement of graduates is crucial. This year also marks the Foundation’s 10th anniversary, which we will be celebrating with our corporate sponsors and private donors! This year we will continue to support research by focusing on research chairs with a high impact on society, companies, students and curricular innovation as well as social and cultural scholarships for our students.