Changing courses: 5 steps to follow

You wish to change your training because your current training does not suit you for many reasons. Before taking the plunge, ask yourself the right questions about what you really want to do. Then, find out what training is available.

Step 1 – Take stock of your current training

Before changing to a new course, you should first take stock of the course you are currently taking. There are many reasons why you may decide to give up after a few years of study:

• insufficient opportunities offered by the sector;
• inadequate training for the desired occupation;
• Lack of awareness of the school;
• willingness to upgrade skills;
• willingness to specialize;
• target a specific area of work.

Step 2- Take stock of yourself

When changing direction, you need to ask yourself the right questions and do some soul searching. The following questions will help you find answers to the training project:

• Are you satisfied with your current personal life?
• what are you missing to be happier?
• can you achieve your dreams with the training you are taking?
• what do you think of your future professional life?
• can you make other choices?
• what are your real aspirations?
• what do you want to be?
• how can I finance my education and lifestyle?

Step 3- Find out about other schools

Changing courses means looking for a new university, new schools.

Engineering school, IAE, FAC

Engineering schools train students for engineering jobs. The disciplines offered are scientific and technological, in the areas of innovation, development and progress. One often enters by competition.

The IAE or Institute of Business Administration provide university training. There are 35 IAE in France that can give you access to a quality degree. The selection is often strong.

The university is a public institution dedicated to higher education. It offers a variety of courses, from Bac+1 to Bac+8, in a large number of disciplines, free of charge.

Private business school

Private business schools are not free and are accessible from the BAC to the BAC+5. They often have strong relationships with companies and are professionalizing and can be done in alternation.

The private business school INSEEC or INStitut des hautes Etudes Economiques et Commerciales is one of them. We are well known among students and companies and offer various training courses. Thus, you benefit from the Alumni network, a powerful network of INSEEC alumni. They offer internships, work-study programs and job offers. The alumni also give lectures and courses, and provide support to students in their professional projects.

Most of INSEEC’s courses can be completed on a sandwich basis. It allows students to link what they have learned with what they are doing. The work-study program is carried out as an internship, apprenticeship or professionalization contract.

Also, INSEEC offers students 4 training programs for a reorientation:

• BBA, post BAC, of 4 years duration;
• Bachelor, post Bac to Bac+2, in 3 years;
• Grande Ecole, post BAC+2/+3 or +4, from 1 to 3 years;
• MSc, post BAC+3/+4 program, in 1 or 2 years.

In addition, the reverse or staggered start of the school year in February/March makes it easy for students to reorient themselves during the year.

Step 4 – Apply for another course

It is always relevant to be open to other courses for future graduate years.

With Parcoursup

BBAs or Bachelors in Business Administrationare 4-year post-baccalaureate programs. The BBA offers a complete four-year course in business and management, with a strong international focus.

Without Parcoursup

There are courses offered by INSEEC for French or international students living in France:

• Grande Ecole: this Grande Ecole program is accessible via the BCE (Banque Commune d’Épreuve) program, which is intended for students in preparatory classes. There is also an internal competition (Evolution 1 & 2) for students who already have a BAC+2 or +3;
• MSc & MBA: in the first year of the INSEEC MSc & MBA, this program is designed for students in the process of obtaining a Bac+3 and for employees or professionals in transition. In the second year, this program can be followed by students with a Bac+4 or +5 and employees or professionals in reconversion;
• Bachelor’s degree: to apply to the INSEEC Bachelor’s degree program, admission to the first year is open to students in their final year of high school and those who have passed the Baccalauréat. The 2nd year Bachelor’s degree is open to students who have completed the 1st year of the 1st cycle. For admission to the 3rd year, the Bachelor’s degree is intended for students who have completed the 2nd or 3rd year of the 1st cycle.

Step 5 – Making the most of your new student life

By changing courses, you will be fully involved in your new student life. In this regard, INSEEC organizes conferences where you can meet companies and experts who will help you discover their daily life.

The associative life is not left out. It allows you to get involved in projects to enhance your knowledge and know-how on your CVs and to make the most of your student life.

Updated 16 October 2023