Internships are an integral part of the educational experience at ITECH Lyon. Mandatory for all students, these internships are evaluated and contribute to ECTS credits. Our dedicated corporate relations officer works closely with companies to anticipate their needs, define project scopes, and assist in selecting the most suitable candidates. All internship opportunities are posted on our Career Center (JobTeaser platform), and each placement is formalized through a tripartite agreement signed by the student, the host company, and ITECH Lyon.
Engineering students
Students enrolled in the Master of Engineering in Applied Chemistry benefit from more than 10 months of hands-on experience in industry throughout their studies. Two internships are required, and an optional 12-month immersion between the second and third years allows for a deeper and more impactful professional experience.
Whether in France or abroad, these internships provide your company with access to promising young professionals already equipped with strong technical foundations and an awareness of your sector’s current challenges.
International internship (6 to 13 weeks)
At the end of their first year, students are required to gain international experience lasting between 6 and 13 weeks. This may take the form of an internship and, for many, represents their first time living and working abroad. Beyond professional development, this experience fosters essential soft skills such as independence, adaptability in multicultural environments, and improved language proficiency, which are skills that are increasingly valuable in today’s globalized workforce.
Technical internship (8 to 13 weeks)
Offered during the second year, this technical internship is a first professional step for our future engineers. Lasting from 8 to 13 weeks, it allows students to take on real responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to your projects. Guided by an industrial supervisor, they apply their theoretical knowledge to practical situations, gaining firsthand insight into the operational, economic, and human challenges of a working environment.
- Managing real-world projects: The student takes charge of assignments with time and/or budget constraints, providing direct support to your teams.
- Applying rigorous methodologies: They use technical and/or scientific approaches to address your company’s challenges.
- Analyzing data and results: They analyze, interpret, and summarize findings, contributing to informed decision-making.
- Solving specific problems: The student tackles one or more issues assigned by your company and develops concrete solutions.
- Planning and task management: They contribute to mission planning or independently plan their own tasks according to established priorities.
- Public speaking and communication: The student presents their projects, fostering stronger communication within your teams.
- Working independently: They work autonomously, either alone or as part of a team, with a level of independence suited to the assignment.
- Writing technical reports: A detailed, non-confidential report is produced to formalize the results and conclusions of their work.
Supervision and evaluation: This internship includes formal evaluation by the company supervisor, based on qualitative performance criteria. In addition, the student must submit a written report and deliver an oral presentation, both of which contribute to ECTS credit validation and provide a comprehensive assessment of their contribution to your team.
End-of-studies internship (5 to 6 months)
The end-of-studies internship (TFE for Travail de Fin d’Études in French) is a major undertaking completed during the third year of the engineering program, lasting 5 to 6 months. It is typically entrusted to a soon-to-be graduate engineer and serves as a pivotal step in their transition into the profession. This internship allows the student to demonstrate autonomy and the ability to successfully lead a complex project within an industrial setting taking into account scientific, technical, human, and budgetary considerations.
For your company, this internship is a unique opportunity to collaborate with a future engineer capable of addressing significant industrial challenges and delivering innovative, tailored solutions aligned with your specific needs.
- Industrial project management: The student organizes and leads a project while taking into account time constraints, budget limitations, and specific technical requirements.
- Document analysis and technological watch: They conduct in-depth research and analyze the latest scientific and technological developments relevant to your field.
- Technical and scientific decision-making: They bridge research and technical choices, integrating knowledge to guide project decisions.
- Applying rigorous methodologies: They use proven scientific and technical methodologies to ensure the quality of results.
- Problem analysis and resolution: The student identifies, analyzes, and solves problems encountered throughout the project.
- Task planning and monitoring: They plan project milestones, anticipate challenges, and adjust the action plan when needed.
- Communication and presentation: They lead meetings, present their findings, and defend their project to internal or external stakeholders.
- Considering economic factors: The student incorporates budget constraints and business objectives while remaining aligned with technical requirements.
- Cultural and social adaptability: They demonstrate sensitivity to social, personal, and cultural aspects when working with different teams and partners.
- Compliance with standards and regulations: They ensure that industry-specific regulatory requirements are integrated into the project.
- Comprehensive reporting: The student produces a detailed technical and scientific report, summarizing all their work and conclusions.
Supervision and evaluation: The TFE is assessed by an industry supervisor. The student also submits a written report and delivers an oral defense before both company and academic supervisors. Successful completion of these requirements leads to the awarding of ECTS credits.
The end-of-studies internship can also serve as a launchpad for entrepreneurial ventures. If a student proposes a business creation project, ITECH Lyon actively supports them by providing a nurturing environment for innovation and startup development.
Sandwich year in a company
Between the second and third year, students have the option to take a gap year: an ideal opportunity to refine their career goals or pursue a personal project. This year can be spent working in a company or in a research laboratory, offering your organization the chance to engage with a future engineer in a full-immersion professional context.
Advanced Master’s students
ITECH Lyon offers four Advanced Master’s programs, all taught in French:
- Advanced Master’s in Innovation Project Management for Industry 4.0
- Advanced Master’s in Innovation Project Management for the Circular Economy
- Advanced Master’s in Innovation Project Management for Sustainable Luxury and Eco-Innovation
- Advanced Master’s in Cosmetic Formulation and Industrialization
The Advanced Master’s program includes an internship in a company. Lasting between 22 and 26 weeks, this internship allows the student to carry out an individual project based on a topic proposed by the company in collaboration with the school. One or more industry mentors and an academic advisor are assigned to support the project. The internship culminates in a written professional thesis, which is defended before a joint jury composed of industry professionals and faculty members.
Formulator and Color Technician students
Upon completing the Formulator and Color Technician program, our students possess both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to integrate quickly and effectively into the professional world. Thanks to a strong academic foundation, they are fully prepared to apply their expertise and adapt with ease to an industrial environment.
The technician-level internship aims to put the student’s training into practice while fostering their autonomy through a hands-on experience within your organization. Lasting from 4 to 6 months, this internship can be completed either in France or abroad, offering flexibility to match the specific needs of your company, regardless of location.
At the end of the internship, the student will submit a detailed report and deliver an oral defense before their academic supervisors at ITECH Lyon, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of their work and achievements.
