Meet a student: Rohit’s journey in the Master in Business Management with insights and tips for students eyeing the luxury industry

During the gap year, you were an intern at L’Oréal and Moët Hennessy. Can you tell us about these experiences.

In the second year of the Master in Management - Business Management track, students have the chance to undertake two internships, providing them with invaluable professional experience highly sought after in the job market.

For my first internship, I experience L’Oréal’s distinctive approach, which involves entrusting interns with progressively higher responsibilities to evaluate their adaptability to the unknown. During my internship, I was given access to directly impact and publish content on the L’Oréal’s global home page – a responsibility aligned with my role as Assistant Digital Manager. This experience allowed me to observe and actively contribute to the evolution of various marketing strategies and digital initiatives, directly impacting the brand’s image. Interns also have the opportunity to experiment with new products and participate in diverse product testing sessions.

During my internship at Moët Hennessy as a Market Intelligence Assistant, my work was quite challenging, focusing on daily tasks centred around consumer insights analysis, competitor research, and monitoring market trends. This experience deepened my understanding of this industry from a supplier’s perspective. Additionally, Moët Hennessy organises social events on weekends, providing opportunities to network with industry professionals and HR representatives.

In your final year, you opt for the MSc in Marketing Management – Luxury? Why this choice? 

During my gap year, I discovered my passion for marketing and identified the luxury sector as an ideal match for my career aspirations. Opting for a master in marketing management with a specialisation in luxury was a strategic choice, as it provides specialised knowledge and skills tailored to this specific industry. This academic path aligns with my existing experiences in the luxury sector, enhancing the overall strength and relevance of my CV.

What are your plans for the future? 

I intend to stay in France after completing my studies, as it aligns perfectly with my career goals and personal preferences. The cultural immersion here is something I deeply appreciate. My goal is to secure a full-time position as an Event/Influencer Marketing Manager. Simultaneously, I aspire to cultivate my own fashion photography and event production company. Paris, with its vibrant atmosphere and dynamic industry landscape, is just the ideal spot for all of these plans to fall in place!

Working in the Luxury industry, did you find that French speaking is essential to work in that field? 

I am at a B1 level in French which I mostly learned through conversations with friends and watching numerous French shows. While proficiency in French can be advantageous in the luxury industry, it might not be an absolute requirement. However, I believe it’s highly important for networking. For instance, lunch break in France often extends beyond simply eating; they serve as opportunities for colleagues to socialise, discuss various topics, and build relationships. Similarly, after-work gatherings or social events are excellent for networking with other teams and, sometimes, upper hierarchies. During these occasions, even though some conversations might switch to English in more international or mixed settings, French is the default language. To avoid feeling left out, having at least basic French is essential.

I think the ability to communicate in French not only demonstrates respect for the local language and culture but also shows interest in forming genuine connections and establishing a personal bond with others.

What advice would you give a student who is thinking about applying for the Master in Management – Business Management track? 

If you are interested in developing business concepts and skills while also gaining a deeper specialisation, the Master in Management – Business Management track is the ideal platform. 
Additionally, the gap year addresses any potential lack of work experience and aids in fostering a clear vision of your career goals. 
EDHEC’s student support services and networking events undeniably contribute to simplifying your academic journey.

What advice can you offer to students aspiring to enter the Luxury industry?

Attend luxury industry events, conferences, and webinars to gain insights into the specific market segment you are interested in, whether it’s fashion, cosmetics, etc. Familiarise yourself with all the brands within that segment.
Leverage social media platforms, like LinkedIn, to connect with professionals in your targeted role or brand. Initiate meetings, such as for coffee, to build meaningful relationships. These connections not only provide insider insights but can also serve as valuable leads for entering the luxury industry.
For those not fluent in French, consider targeting roles that are more technical. Many of these positions are skill-based and require less or no communication in French.

If you had three words to sum up your EDHEC experience, what would they be?

Transformative - It sums up to a serious personal and professional evolution, where I didn’t just learn but also got a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me.
Embracing - diversity of perspectives, discovering new places, cuisines, and getting to work across different work place settings are priceless! 
Impactful – some life-altering events and meaningful connections I got during these three years are beyond what I wanted before coming here!