In a constantly changing environment, CIS Group is committed to promoting talents who contribute to its development on a daily basis. Today, we invite you to immerse yourself in the inspiring journeys of several employees who, after starting out on an apprenticeship, saw their efforts rewarded with permanent contracts at CIS Group headquarters. Through this interview, discover their experiences, ambitions, and vision for the future at CIS. Their authentic testimonials perfectly illustrate the importance of support and recognition of skills within our organization.

What made you want to pursue a work-study program, and why did you join CIS?

Léa, Corporate Management Controller: my journey has been somewhat unconventional… I initially pursued traditional studies, then spent two years at university while working simultaneously to gain independence. It was after this period that I discovered work-study programs, and it was a revelation: it’s truly the best way to learn a profession while gaining hands-on experience.

After completing a BTS and a bachelor’s degree, I felt I still needed a specialization, particularly in management control. While searching for a master’s program in a workstudy format, I came across a CIS job posting on LinkedIn. I wasn’t familiar with the company at the time, but as I researched more about it, I was instantly drawn to its industry and opportunities. I applied, and today, I am proud to have made this choice.

Maëva, Communications and Marketing Officer: before joining CIS, my professional experience was limited to internships. I chose the work-study pathway for its formative aspect, as it allows full integration into a company while developing skills and gaining experience.

CIS was an opportunity I discovered through my school, and I was immediately attracted to the Group. I knew I would learn a lot there, and this has been confirmed throughout my journey. Today, I am very proud to be a full member of the CIS family. I feel like I belong, both within the Group and in my team, Communication—a supportive and close-knit team that helps me thrive every day.

Laurie, Financial Auditor: during my studies, my main goal was to enter the professional world: being able to transition from theory to practice. Doing a work-study program was essential for me. What appealed to me about CIS was its ability to combine an international dimension while maintaining a human and family-oriented side.

What was your biggest challenge during your apprenticeship at CIS, and how did you overcome it

Elena, Group Procurement Manager: i would say that the most challenging aspect was to quickly understand the CIS purchasing processes, as they are very different from those in other companies.

From a trainee perspective, the biggest challenge was ensuring that my work met the expectations of my managers. To overcome this, I did not hesitate to ask questions whenever necessary and remained fully committed.

Jessica, Business Solution Engineer : my challenge was the work-study program, which involved a professional retraining from visual communication/graphic design to software development. I had to deconstruct and learn an entirely new logic to understand how deployed applications work, how to maintain them, and how to make them evolve; it really is about stepping out of the sandbox. I also had the chance to have a very good tutor—and now manager, who constantly shares his knowledge with kindness, and that helps immensely in overcoming challenges.

Béatrice, Bid Coordinator: i joined CIS on a work-study program in communication, which allowed me to discover the profession within an international company. My main challenge after my work-study program at CIS was finding my place in the sales department. Moving from communications to sales requires different skills and time to build trust with teams and management.

This was particularly evident in the rigorous coordination of responses to calls for tenders, a demanding role that pushed me to go beyond the image of a recent graduate.

What was your biggest challenge during your apprenticeship at CIS, and how did you overcome it?

Maëva: The most memorable moment of my journey was my first annual convention in 2018, just two months after joining CIS. As a member of the Communication team, I discovered the behind-the-scenes aspects and all the organization required for such an event. This experience also showed me the family spirit that reigns within CIS, and I have wonderful memories of it.

Dany, System & Network administrator: During my apprenticeship, the most significant moments were the gradual acquisition of responsibilities throughout my journey. This allowed me to improve continuously while avoiding being limited to certain tasks.

I would say that the trust placed in me by my team was a true source of motivation. It encouraged me to consistently develop my skills, seek solutions independently, and gain autonomy.

Louis, Market Intelligence Coordinator: The most significant moment was when I started to become truly involved in Market Intelligence topics and worked directly with several teams. Seeing that my analyses and feedback were being concretely used in discussions and decisions clearly marked a turning point for me. It allowed me to better understand CIS’s overall challenges and feel fully integrated.

In your opinion, what qualities are essential to succeed in the professional world today, and more specifically within CIS?

Elena: At the New Year’s dinner, I was described as pragmatic, so I would highlight that quality as well, along with being determined and resilient.

Béatrice In my view, three qualities are essential: diplomacy, empathy, and rigor. In an international and multicultural environment, clear communication is essential for effective collaboration with people who have different priorities. Empathy allows us to understand each person’s constraints and adapt our communication accordingly, while rigor ensures quality and reliability in all our assignments.

Louis: I would mainly say adaptability and curiosity. You need to know how to navigate fast-changing environments and take an interest in different roles and challenges. At CIS, team spirit and communication are also essential: we move forward a lot thanks to collective efforts, sharing information, and trust between teams.

What advice would you give to a student who wants to do a work-study program at CIS?

Léa: I would tell them to go for it without hesitation. CIS is a company where you learn an incredible amount, but more importantly, it’s an environment where you feel good. After two years here, I can say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made in my journey. The atmosphere feels like family, the tasks are diverse, and you are truly supported, whether by managers or colleagues. It’s an experience that has helped me grow not only professionally but also personally. Working at CIS means waking up every morning with the feeling of doing something meaningful.

Jessica: Be curious, patient, and attentive. Never rest on your laurels and persevere.

Dany: Acquire as much knowledge as possible: CIS is a company with a unique and, moreover, international context. The pace is quite intense, which means you never get bored. I think this environment is particularly favorable for work-study students who want to gain solid experience.

Laurie: Go for it! A work-study program is a valuable opportunity to gain solid professional experience. It’s a real asset for students who are curious and passionate about adventure! I had the chance to travel to Mauritania and Guinea, unforgettable experiences that enriched my life both personally and professionally.

In summary

• CIS Group values its talent by offering opportunities for advancement, particularly through apprenticeships.
• Several employees have testified to their successful transition from an apprenticeship position to a permanent contract at the Group’s headquarters.
• Apprentices benefit from an international and supportive environment that is conducive to learning and skills development.
• The challenges encountered, such as quick adaptation and the acquisition of new skills, are overcome thanks to the support of teams and managers.
• CIS stands out for its family spirit, personalized support, and recognition of skills, which enable young talents to flourish personally and professionally.

FAQ

What makes CIS’s apprenticeship program different from other companies?
The apprenticeship program at CIS offers immersion in an international environment while maintaining a human and family-like atmosphere. Apprentices receive real support and varied assignments that allow them to develop their skills in a dynamic and stimulating context.

What types of apprenticeship positions are available at CIS?
CIS offers apprenticeships in various fields: management control, communications and marketing, purchasing, IT solutions, financial auditing, etc. These positions cover a wide range of skills and meet the needs of a global environment.

What are the main challenges faced by apprenticeship students at CIS?
Challenges include adapting to CIS’s specific processes, quickly acquiring skills in an international setting, and managing increasing responsibilities. However, apprenticeship students are supported by their teams and have the opportunity to progress quickly.

Does CIS hire on permanent contracts at the end of apprenticeships?
Yes, CIS values its apprentices by offering them opportunities for permanent contracts. Several employees have testified to their successful transition from apprenticeship to permanent position.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to succeed in a apprenticeship program at CIS?
Our employees recommend curiosity, adaptability, perseverance, and rigor. They also advise taking full advantage of the opportunities for learning and collaboration within the Group.

The impact of apprenticeships on professional development: a CIS perspective

Apprenticeships at CIS are not limited to simple practical training: they represent a real gateway to a career. By integrating apprentices into projects and entrusting them with concrete responsibilities, CIS Group enables them to quickly transition from learner to active employee. Through experiences such as participation in international events, assignments abroad, and innovative projects. At CIS, we want to strengthen apprenticeship students’ confidence in their ability to meet the challenges of today’s and tomorrow’s professional world.