The Junior Enterprise Movement
Created in 1969, the Junior Enterprise Movement is today the 1st Confederate Student Movement in France. It brings together more than 25,000 students spread across 210 Junior Enterprises located in major French business and engineering schools and universities. Junior Enterprises are non-profit student associations with an economic and educational vocation. Their main objective is to support different types of customers, such as entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized businesses, associations or even local authorities in order to best meet their needs. Junior Enterprises offer a variety of services, such as market studies, benchmarks, web applications, data visualization or even CSR diagnostics, depending on the type of school and its specialties in order to implement application of the lessons taught in their establishments in a real professional context. For each mission completed, the student is paid according to the difficulty and duration of his mission.
The National Confederation of Junior Enterprises (CNJE) is at the head of this movement. It supervises and supports Junior Enterprises in their development, by offering them:
- Training on key themes such as project management, marketing or communication.
- Tools and services to facilitate their daily management and their connection with potential customers.
- A network of experts and partners to support them in their projects.
The CNJE also plays an essential role in promoting student entrepreneurship and the professional integration of young graduates. Every year it organizes numerous events, such as forums and conferences, to connect students with companies and institutions. Each year, 4 conferences are organized, during which training is offered, as well as a unique networking opportunity.
The values of the Junior Enterprise Movement
- Professionalism : Junior-Enterprises are committed to providing their customers with impeccable quality services.
- The commitment : The students invest themselves fully in the missions entrusted to them and demonstrate great rigor.
- Team spirit : Collaboration and mutual aid are fundamental values within the Movement.
- Innovation : Junior Enterprises are encouraged to develop new and creative solutions to best meet the needs of their customers.
How are students selected?
Selection is a crucial stage during which interested students are chosen to join the association. To do this, they go through various tests which allow them to compete. Once selected, new members begin comprehensive training focused on the development of their technical and transversal skills, as well as their in-depth understanding of the services offered by the association. This training covers various aspects, including the history of the movement, ethical principles, different services and commercial prospecting techniques such as cold calling. Finally, the handover marks the passing of the baton between the old and new members of the association.
A professional association but above all a family
Beyond its professional aspect, a Junior Enterprise is above all a family. Team spirit and solidarity are fundamental values within the Movement. Throughout the year, Junior Enterprises organize events to strengthen ties between their members. Afterwork evenings, sporting or cultural outings, relaxing weekends… so many opportunities to get together and share friendly moments. This family spirit is one of the great strengths of Junior Enterprises. It allows students to flourish and have a unique experience. They learn to work together, support and trust each other, and these bonds of friendship often last well beyond student life.
This article was written by Shaïma Chryat, Internal Auditor and Marketing Manager of ICN Junior Conseil, and Nima Bagheri, Marketing Manager of ICN Junior Conseil.
