Every year, future professionals in the world of international business take on a formidable challenge: representing Walloon businesses on the international stage. This ambition is made a reality with HELMo's business mission, a structural programme that enables students in the second year of their bachelor's degree in International Business to develop their skills in commercial prospecting, communications and market strategy.
During Casa Valonia 2025, the unmissable event hosted in Spain that aims to foster synergies between businesses, universities and research centres in Wallonia and Spain, these students will defend the interests of Walloon businesses, establish strategic contacts and hone their skills in prospecting and negotiating. A full-scale exercise, supported by a partnership with AWEX, that prepares them for the realities of the professional world.
Immersive and cross-cutting training
There is a demanding and multi-dimensional training programme hiding behind this commercial mission. Throughout the first semester, students are immersed in cross-cutting teaching, combining theory and practice. Preparation is based on several pillars: specialised seminars, international marketing, commercial prospecting, managing customer relations, office automation and digital communication tools, market research and analysis (desk research), and language classes (English and Spanish), as well as intensive coaching to refine their business approach.
Through these modules, they gain a detailed knowledge of the challenges of international business and actively prepare for their immersion in the field.
Casa Valonia: a full-scale exercise for Walloon businesses
For the HEMLo students, Casa Valonia's mission is much more than just an event: it's a unique opportunity to put their strategic skills into practice. Everything they've learned in theory takes on a practical dimension.
For one week, the students are transformed into genuine commercial ambassadors. Their mission is to prospect, open up new commercial opportunities and convince their Spanish partners to collaborate with the Walloon businesses present at the event. This task requires an in-depth knowledge of Wallonia's economic fabric, commercial targets and local competition.
The event programme includes:
- Professional speed dating: in just a few minutes, the students must convince local businesses to collaborate with their Walloon partners.
- Commercial trade show: a dedicated space where, like true commercial representatives, they present the products and services of the businesses they're championing.
- Follow-up and post-mission analysis: feedback, summaries of the results obtained and strategic recommendations are recorded in a detailed report.
This exercise gives the students real professional experience, where they're faced with the challenges of the field, from business negotiations to adapting to the local business culture.
A strategic partnership with AWEX
As a key player in Wallonia's foreign trade, AWEX plays a central role in this initiative. Its expertise is very valuable, both in supervising and preparing the students. As soon as participants are selected, the agency provides strategic support: coaching on pitching, training on market analysis, and support throughout the project. On site, AWEX experts are there to supervise and advise the students, enabling them to refine their commercial approach.
This collaboration reflects a shared ambition to train the next generation of international business professionals, facing the challenges of a globalised market.
A springboard into the professional world
For these students, Casa Valonia is much more than a mere academic exercise: it's a chance to gain truly immersive experience before they enter the working world. This mission helps them develop skills that are highly sought-after in the job market.
Many participants extend the mission with business traineeships, or even recruitment opportunities. By forging solid links with partner businesses, they can build a strategic network and enhance their career journey.
Through this mission, HELMo confirms its commitment to providing professional training, closely linked to the realities of the market. By combining theory, coaching and real-world immersion, this programme goes beyond an academic project: it's a real springboard towards an international career.
