Being a young woman and carving out a place in traditionally male-dominated fields, standing out in competitive environments, daring to pursue ambitious goals… These were just some of the challenges explored by our students during workshops organised by NEOMA.

What was the event about? The Talent & Career team and the Corporate Relations department recently held three coaching workshops designed to help female students transition successfully into the professional world. Called Coaching Jeunes ProfessionnELLEs, these events—one per campus—gave around 60 students the opportunity to hear firsthand from professionals working in Tech and Finance, two industries where women are still underrepresented.

Who were they for? As the only women-focused event organised by NEOMA, these workshops were open to female students looking to better understand the norms and expectations in high-demand industries where gender diversity is still a challenge. In small-group settings with an informal approach, participants were able to ask questions freely and engage with inspiring professionals who shared their experiences and key strategies for standing out and advancing in their careers without self-doubt.

What were the benefits for students? These interactive workshops helped participants gain a clearer understanding of what recruiters are looking for and develop concrete strategies to reach their career goals. They walked away with actionable advice, valuable insights, and a renewed sense of confidence to pursue their ambitions. As one speaker put it: “It was inspiring to see their drive, their aspirations, their concerns—but above all, their determination to go after the careers they want.”

What did students particularly enjoy?

• “I really appreciated the discussions and the career advice, but also how reassuring and encouraging the speakers were. They reminded us to stay curious and ambitious!“
• “The quality of the insights, the practical and relevant advice, the informal nature of the event (no long presentations or monologues), and the way our concerns were really listened to. I left with great advice and fresh ideas for my future.“
• “I liked that it was more of an open discussion. There was no barrier between us and the professionals, which made it easy to ask questions. The advice they gave was incredibly useful and motivating. I hope there will be more events like this!“
• “The friendly and welcoming atmosphere, as well as how clear and insightful the speakers’ answers were. Their explanations were to the point and directly addressed my concerns, especially about how applications are reviewed and how to make our CVs stand out to recruiters.”

Which partners were involved?  Two of NEOMA’s corporate partners, Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale and Dassault Systèmes, stepped up to support this initiative. NEOMA alumni, managers, and HR professionals from these organisations joined the workshops to share their insights, advice, and a realistic view of the opportunities and challenges within their fields. One speaker shared her thoughts: “I really enjoyed this workshop, especially the depth of the students’ questions and the openness of our discussions.”