Employment Prospects

Postgraduate Study in France
Employment Prospects
The recruitment scene is not thriving in France at the moment, but for those coming out of the French educations system with good postgraduate qualifications, there are plenty of opportunities. Employers generally require graduates with fluent written and spoken French. Irish and EU students are free to stay and work in France after graduating, but other international students must apply to change their official status.

French universities may not have as extensive an official careers service for graduating students as their Irish counterparts. The ‘short programmes’ can include internships or stages with relevant business and industry. These can often lead to full time employment. Postgraduate programmes at the ‘Grand Ècoles’ and ‘Specialist Schools’ tend to be well attuned to the needs of industry and can have partnerships with recruiters and business to provide a smooth path straight into employment for graduates.

The French civil service was historically a major employer of French graduates, but changes in the French economy have reduced this somewhat. France's greatest areas of strength in manufacturing remain in sectors such as motor vehicles, pharmaceuticals, transport equipment and aerospace (civil and military). Agriculture and tourism are also very important. French social employment laws mean that the working week is relatively short [35 hours] and that workers are well looked after.

A significant number of Irish students decide to remain after their studies. Many find employment with international businesses based in France and others find work as language and teaching assistants.