Testimony from Léa Fourignon, a work-study student in the Expert in Digital Strategy Master's program at Digital Campus Lyon.
What is your background?, , I earned my baccalaureate in the Economics stream with a mathematics option in 2007, then took a gap year in the United States followed by five years at a business school (including two international sessions — in the Czech Republic in 2011 and in New York City in 2013)., After obtaining a generalist degree, I wanted to refine my path with a specialisation. I was looking for a program that would not only help me enter professional life but also allow me to train in a field that was both promising and aligned with my interests., My gap year in the United States was a moment that meant a great deal to me — a year that allowed me to grow, discover myself, and lay the foundations for the adult I have become today. It was my first big step into the world, and it still brings me a great deal of positivity, both personally and professionally.

In your view, why is Digital Campus Lyon a unique school?

The school encourages us to develop personal projects and work on subjects we are passionate about. There is nothing better for feeling motivated and confident.

Digital Campus Lyon has the advantage of being connected to many networks of digital players. We ourselves take part in events and grow both our professional network and the school's. When you receive a diploma, it is important to add value to it. It is by being professional and creating new branches within these networks that we will enhance our school's reputation further.

Tell us about your internships and your work-study placement.

I have completed many internships — some in client relations, others in marketing, and more specifically in market research firms. In France and abroad, but always in human-scale companies.

I am on a work-study placement at Sanofi Aventis, a pharmaceutical group that was the leader in France and third in the world in 2013. I was recruited as a junior project manager within the digital team of the marketing centre of excellence. I work at an international level on both the creation of an internal digital community and on product launch missions when they take place across several countries.

I found this placement on the Sanofi corporate website via the Indeed search engine, where I had set up alerts for the positions and keywords that matched my profile.

The work-study contract was a decisive factor in my choice of program. I spend two-thirds of my time in the company and am recognised as a professional by my colleagues and our clients. Being seen as legitimate in your sector matters — on one hand I put into practice what I learn in class, and on the other I am trained on real business challenges.

What are your long-term plans?

I would like to be a project manager for a major group in digital marketing, launching products, working in a team, and contributing my share. I can see myself continuing my blog and perhaps taking on larger-scale projects and collaborating with international brands.

Any final words?

Things don't happen by accident. When you feel lost, it sometimes helps to look for the signs that guide you towards the right path.