La Table ESSEC: Three students committed to strengthening connections between students and alumni

[This translation was generated automatically]

Born from the initiative of three students from the Grande École Programme, *La Table ESSEC* has, over the past few months, multiplied its small-group meetings between students and alumni. Around breakfasts or informal dinners, the objective is simple: to offer students a privileged space to speak openly about career paths, professions, and the professional choices that lie ahead.

ESSEC Alumni: Could each of you briefly introduce yourselves?

Sévane Lepoureau (E27): I joined the ESSEC Grande École Programme in 2024 via the French AST track after completing a Master’s in Finance at the Sorbonne. I am currently completing a work-study placement in M&A at Rothschild & Co.

Enzo Peroumal (E27): I joined the PGE in 2023 after an ECT preparatory class and I am now on a work-study placement in strategy consulting at KPMG Advisory.

Amine Wadih (E27): I entered the PGE in September 2023 after an ECG preparatory class, and completed a financial audit internship at EY as part of my first gap-year period.

We are the three co-founders of *La Table ESSEC*.

EA: What is *La Table ESSEC*?

*La Table ESSEC* offers ESSEC students the opportunity to meet inspiring alumni during small breakfasts or intimate dinners. The aim is to create meaningful exchanges to discuss professional paths, share practical advice, and expand their network in a warm, informal atmosphere.

EA: How did the initiative start? Why did you want to create this project?

*La Table ESSEC* was born from a very simple observation: as students, we know just how essential it is to start building your network as early as possible. Yet many of us arrive at ESSEC without any contacts, and it is not always easy to approach professionals or engage in meaningful conversation with them.

Of course, we had access to conferences, but these formats rarely allow personal exchange, detailed questions, or tailored advice. We wanted to create something different — an intimate and authentic space where a handful of students can speak freely with professionals who have exemplary careers, alumni who themselves once started exactly where we stand today. And we are fortunate to have a wide variety of impressive alumni profiles.

Our ambition was to build a unique environment for genuine exchanges: to understand the realities of a profession, discover a sector from the inside, benefit from honest insights, and receive valuable guidance to make informed choices.

It was this desire to create connections, demystify career paths and facilitate transmission across ESSEC generations that sparked the project.

EA: What have the first months been like? What feedback have you received?

The first months of *La Table ESSEC* have exceeded all our expectations — we are truly delighted and proud of the success achieved so far. We have already welcomed around twenty ESSEC alumni from a wide range of sectors, and more than 150 students have taken part in these exclusive meetings.

The feedback has been extremely positive. Students have told us how much they enjoyed being able to speak directly and in small groups with alumni who have remarkable careers. One student recently told us that the dinner she attended helped her realise which sector she wanted to work in, and she chose her first internship accordingly!

Alumni, for their part, have thanked and congratulated us for the initiative — many said they would have loved to have had access to such a format when they were students. They greatly appreciated the opportunity to pass on their advice and answer the questions of the new ESSEC generation.

EA: What are your plans for Season 2?

For Season 2 of *La Table ESSEC*, we decided to take things a step further. We first expanded our team by recruiting two new students, Marwa Lasry (E28) and Léa Randrianasimanana (E28), who now help us with the daily management of the project — making us more efficient and more ambitious.

Our goal is to organise around one event per week to offer students a dynamic and regular rhythm of meetings. We are also working on broadening the diversity of invited alumni profiles to represent an even wider range of sectors and journeys.

EA: How do you imagine the future of *La Table ESSEC*?

We intend to continue this momentum into an even richer Season 3. We hope to make *La Table ESSEC* known to an even wider group of students, so that as many as possible can benefit from these moments of exchange.

We are also considering involving students more in selecting the alumni invited — allowing them to suggest profiles they would like to meet or sectors they want to explore. This co-construction approach would help align *La Table ESSEC* even more closely with the expectations of the student community.

Another important challenge will be preparing for what comes next. We want to make sure that *La Table ESSEC* continues after we graduate. The goal is to structure the project so that it becomes a lasting part of ESSEC life.

Did you know?

As ESSEC students, you have access to a wide range of ESSEC Alumni services designed to help you build your network and navigate the first steps of your professional journey: masterclasses, one-to-one exchanges with alumni, lunches with alumni… Available on campus in Cergy or online!

Discover the ESSEC Alumni services dedicated to students