Association life at ESSEC Business School enjoys an excellent reputation, both inside and outside the School. More than 80 associations offer a range of cultural, sporting, humanitarian, and vocational activities to students of all programs. However, this impressive statistic is far from the only selling point. The International Newsletter met two key actors in association life – Hugo Coppier, President of the Student Council, and Hélène Setton, President of Esseclive.com,  who shared their experience and vision.

Hélène sees the general benefits of getting involved in associations as two-fold – they “offer an opportunity for students to enjoy themselves, certainly, but to participate in creating something at the same time”. This is true of the myriad of existing projects and actions, which promote everything from international awareness (Latin America, Argentina, China, Israel, Japan, Lebanon and Morocco are all represented by individual clubs) and corporate responsibility (Citoyens d’Entreprise) through to the performing arts (Musical and Comédia are just two examples) and specialized marketing and consulting services (Junior ESSEC Conseil and ESSEC Solutions Entreprises).

President of Esseclive, the on-line community of ESSEC student association life and listed amongst the France’s top 500 sites by Google News, Hélène is under no illusions as to the challenge faced by participating students: “what we don’t want are students who are just interested in the fun side of things. Successfully taking part in an associative project requires responsibility and a professional conscience. That’s why many students decide to opt for association work rather than doing an internship. You learn just as much, if not more in some cases”. This point is formally recognized by the option open to students to carry out 6 months in an association as part of the professional experience dimension of their diploma.

Assuming responsibility and gaining experience

Hugo Coppier, elected as President of the Student Council by his peers, also insists on the notion of responsibility, as well as the managerial skills that have to be learned quickly: “certain ESSEC associations have to manage hefty budgets, several hundred thousands of euros in certain instances. This requires training, maturity and strong organizational skills. Companies such as Total, PriceWaterHouseCoopers and Ernst & Young do not offer their support lightly”. Consequently, training and advice from professionals is offered early on.

The vital support of the Student Council

Interest in association life remains very high, as borne out by the huge traffic generated by Esseclive (by some distance the top student website in France). This is bolstered by the influence and support offered by the Student Council, the presidency of which Hugo considers “a huge undertaking that requires almost as much commitment and energy as your studies”.

The part played by ESSEC associations in organizing a number of the School’s Centenary events is testimony to the responsibility assumed by participating students. Long hours, budgetary decisions, and human resources management figure among the many challenges that lie ahead for those wishing to become actively involved. The desire of ESSEC students to contribute to their School community whilst acquiring professional skills continues unabated.