Choosing the apprenticeship track in the Master in Management means learning in context, not in isolation. Instead of alternating between study and short internships, you combine academic work with a long-term role in a company.
This format changes how you learn. Concepts covered in class are applied almost immediately, helping you retain and understand them more deeply. Over time, you gain not just knowledge, but experience which is something employers value from day one.
A Demanding but Rewarding Format
The format is demanding. You’ll need to manage coursework alongside professional responsibilities, often on a tight schedule.
But this challenge is part of the benefit. You quickly build discipline, organisation, and the ability to prioritise. Skills that are essential in any career.
Elias Orphelin, Class of 2021 confirms, “The apprenticeship track is a very enriching opportunity as it allows you to combine the best of two worlds: that of a student and of a working professional. It is also a great way to perfect your time management skills. It is definitely the best way to not only finance your studies but also to acquire professional experience that is highly valued by employers. In fact, I am now in a full-time position at Siemens, where I started as an apprentice.”
Financial and Practical Advantages
There are also tangible benefits. Tuition fees are covered, and you earn a salary throughout the programme. This reduces financial pressure while allowing you to gain independence earlier.
Alumna Chloé Vu states, “My time as an apprentice was one of the most rewarding experiences of my MIM programme. The apprenticeship not only helped me build a strong professional network but also significantly boosted my confidence in workplace settings. I probably wouldn’t have had this opportunity without the support from the ESCP faculty and staff who really guided me through the whole apprenticeship process, from CV and cover letter preparations to interview tips and contract signing support as well as general work/life balance advice. I highly recommend this path to future students as it is a great means to bridge the gap between academia and the industry one might want to join.”
Partner companies play a crucial role in the success of the apprenticeship programme. They provide a practical learning environment and invest a lot of time and energy in training future talents. Companies like Chanel, HSBC, PWC, and Clarins trust our students and often recruit apprentices for higher responsibility positions after graduation.
Real Responsibility, Not Just Exposure
Unlike short internships, an apprenticeship places you within a company long enough to take ownership of projects and understand how teams operate over time.
You’re not just observing, you’re contributing. This level of involvement gives you a clearer view of how organisations function and where you fit within them.
Hugo-Jean Martinez-Lavayssière, who went on to found a start-up after graduation, says: “I completed a year-long apprenticeship at Microsoft, specifically within the startup division. My role at Microsoft focused on sales, as a Business Developer in the partner team. I greatly valued this apprenticeship as it allowed me direct interaction with ambitious startups, both within Microsoft’s premises at Station F and throughout the broader startup ecosystem. I highly recommend pursuing an apprenticeship during the Master’s program. It not only offers longer-term work experience compared to a six-month internship but has also been an excellent transition from academic studies to the professional world.”
A Smoother Transition into the Workforce
By the end of the programme, you graduate with both a degree and substantial work experience. For many students, this makes the transition into a full-time role more direct and less uncertain.
Is It the Right Choice for You?
The apprenticeship track isn’t the easiest path – but it’s one of the most practical if your goal is to enter the workforce with confidence and experience already in hand.
