In a city as competitive as Singapore, finding an internship isn’t just sending out resumes on LinkedIn. Sometimes, it’s about showing up early, building the right skills, and being open to unexpected paths. Just ask ESSEC Global Bachelor of Business Administration (GBBA) students Vivien Cotier and Sude Petek Yavas, who secured roles with L’OCCITANE Group and Mercedes-Benz, respectively.

Here’s what we can learn from how they did it:

1. Use ESSEC’s career services early

Both Vivien and Sude started working on their career prep from Year 1.

Vivien took part in ESSEC’s career workshops to polish his CV, cover letter, and interview techniques.

Sude credits ESSEC’s career support and classes like project management for preparing her to hit the ground running during her internship.

Takeaway:

Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare. Use the school’s career tools, attend workshops, and actively seek feedback on how you present yourself.

2. Get involved outside the classroom

Vivien joined student clubs and worked as a Student Ambassador, sharpening his leadership and communication skills. Sude took part in ESSEC’s exchange program with SMU, giving her a chance to experience Singapore’s culture and business environment firsthand.

Takeaway:

Extracurriculars and exchanges build confidence—and talking points during interviews. Employers notice students who’ve stepped up, not just studied hard.

3. Be open to different industries

Vivien interned first at Sanofi-Opella, and then moved to L’OCCITANE Group—two completely different industries (pharma vs. consumer luxury).

Sude joined Mercedes-Benz, working on e-commerce and digital operations across global markets.

Takeaway:

Trying out different sectors helps you find your strengths. Don’t box yourself into one type of role. Internships are meant for exploration.

4. Make each internship count

At L’OCCITANE, Vivien supported five global brands in travel retail, analyzing sales data and refining price strategies.

At Mercedes-Benz, Sude supported the digitalization of the e-commerce business, coordinating with internal teams in Germany and around the world.

Both applied what they learned at ESSEC in real-world settings, and walked away with clearer career goals.

Takeaway:

An internship isn’t just a line on your resume. It’s a chance to test your skills, discover what motivates you, and clarify where you want to go.

5. Let your interests evolve

Vivien’s experience across two industries led him to develop a strong interest in digital transformation, fintech, and business development.

Sude’s global exposure sparked her passion for international digital strategy and cross-cultural collaboration.

Takeaway:

You don’t need all the answers now. Focus on learning and let your goals grow with each experience.

Vivien and Sude didn’t follow a set playbook. They took advantage of ESSEC’s resources, explored different markets, and learned by doing. Whether you’re targeting a luxury brand or a tech role, the path to a great internship isn’t always straight. It’s yours to shape!