EDHEC organises the third edition of the Talents Prépas Bootcamp

The Talents Prépas programme is designed for bursary students in the second year of business schools preparatory classes. The eight-month programme seeks to overcome social, economic and cultural factors determining entry to such schools. “The programme helps these students prepare for the oral part of business school entrance exams”, explains Mathieu Geiler, Talents Prépas Programme Manager. “It comprises tutoring sessions run by EDHEC student volunteers, together with stress management and public speaking workshops, before culminating in the Bootcamp on the Lille campus. Throughout the year, participants learn to structure their discourse and present their experiences in the most impactful way, thereby gaining in confidence”.

During the first day of the Bootcamp, Hugues Contant, Director of Admissions and the EDHEC Competitive Admissions Process, presented the “trilogy”, which is the oral part of the School’s admission exam: an individual presentation, a business case to solve in groups and an individual interview. In the afternoon, after being split into groups, students practised in each of the exercises. “Participants had to put themselves in the jury’s shoes and understand their expectations”, underlines Mathieu Geiler. Facilitators were there on site to help the students and provide feedback on their performances. At the end of the day, the student members of the admissions welcoming team organised a visit to EDHEC’s campus. The team, tasked with accompanying candidates during the entrance process, presented the superb Lille campus, including its infrastructure and grounds.  

On the second day, the participants completed the three exercises of the trilogy in front of a jury. After doing so, the members of the jury gave their comments and suggested areas for improvement. “These practice exercises gave students valuable insight into the reality of the exam just a few days before the start of orals for entry to business schools”, concludes Mathieu Geiler.