Yuna, an MBA studentat 3A School, and her mentor Camille Edwardes, regional project manager at Kodiko, share their experiences of work-study programs. Their collaboration, which has been ongoing for two years, gives us an insight into the impact of work-study programs in an association and helps us understand how academic knowledge is transformed into practical skills in the field.
Yuna: a work-study student passionate about supporting refugees
Yuna is a first-year master's student at the 3A school. With a BTS degree in Management Support, she chose to continue her studies through a work-study program at Kodiko, an association dedicated to supporting refugees in Rennes. " Kodiko is an organization that speaks to me deeply because of its commitment to refugees, a subject that has interested me for a long time. Working in this association allows me to combine my studies with meaningful work ," she explains.
At Kodiko, Yuna is primarily responsible for mobilizing volunteers, a crucial role in ensuring that the association's missions run smoothly. She organizes information meetings, manages the posting of missions on engagement platforms, and follows up with volunteers, from their registration to their training. " What I particularly appreciate about this role is being able to really contribute to the organization of the association's activities and their evaluation. I also participate in projects such as Speed Meeting, an event where refugees meet volunteers for mock job interviews ," says Yuna.
Yuna also benefits additional training through her studies at the 3A school, which allows her to combine theory and practice. " The lessons at school give me a comprehensive overview of management issues, whether in the field or in companies. It's a real asset to be able to apply these concepts directly in my daily work at Kodiko ," she adds.
Camille Edwardes : a tutor who supports and guides Yuna's development
Camille Edwardes, regional project manager at Kodiko, has been supporting Yuna since the beginning of her work-study program. " Yuna quickly found her place at Kodiko. She volunteered before becoming a work-study student, which gave her a good understanding of our missions. She is a good listener and has been able to quickly adapt to the various responsibilities entrusted to her. What's interesting is that she has also been able to suggest improvements, thus bringing real added value to our projects ," says Camille.
For Camille Edwardes work-study programs are an excellent opportunity for young people to develop practical skills while continuing their studies. " We chose to take on Yuna as a work-study student because her profile perfectly matched the association's needs, particularly in terms of volunteer mobilization. She also contributed to event planning projects, which is essential for strengthening our impact ," she explains.
She points out that the work-study format is beneficial for the organization: " Having work-study students like Yuna allows us to bring in fresh ideas and new dynamics. It's also a great opportunity to help a young person become more professional while contributing to a social project ," adds Camille.
A rewarding experience for both parties
The work-study program at Kodiko is a beneficial experience for Yuna, but also for the association. Camille Edwardes emphasizes that the presence of two work-study students from the 3A Rennes school in the team has created a positive dynamic. " The work-study students, being in training together, support each other and their collaboration improves project management. It's a synergy that benefits both their training and Kodiko's missions ," she explains.
Yuna, meanwhile, makes no secret of her enthusiasm for this experience. " This work-study program is the perfect opportunity to learn and put into practice what I'm studying. I already feel like I'm taking charge of my professional career and my region. Working in such a locally rooted organization allows me to develop practical skills while contributing to a cause that is deeply important to me ," she concludes.
Embarking on a work-study program
Yuna and Camille Edwardes also share their advice for those who are hesitant to commit to a work-study program. Yuna encourages students to seize this opportunity to enrich their educational experience. " Work-study programs breathe new life into your studies. It's not just professional experience, it's also a way to experience your studies differently, to feel involved and motivated to learn ," she says.
Camille Edwardes, for her part, encourages companies to recruit work-study students. " Taking on a work-study student means giving a young person the opportunity to learn, get involved, and contribute to real projects. It also allows the company to innovate and benefit from new ideas ," she concludes.
Work-study programs at Kodiko represent a real bridge between education and the professional world. Thanks to the support of her mentor Camille Edwardes and her own motivation, Yuna is a perfect example of what work-study programs can offer: solid skills, practical involvement and real professional experience in the service of important causes.
