When you decided to study fashion, all you could think about was working for a major fashion house. In this article, we're going to take you step-by-step through the process of working in the luxury goods industry.
What's your profile?
Before we give you the keys to joining a major luxury house, it's important to define what kind of job you're cut out for. Working in luxury offers a wide range of career opportunities. Depending on your personality, you may find yourself working in a specific sector of the fashion and luxury world.
You tend to be: creative and manual
If you're gifted with all ten fingers and have a real artistic flair, we advise you to go into the so-called creative professions. Stylists, jewelers and leatherworkers are just some of the professions of interest to the major luxury brands, and offer a wide range of career opportunities.
You're more of a: communicator with people skills
We don't have to tell you, the communication strategies developed for a luxury brand are essential to its brand image. The communications and marketing departments of luxury brands are always on the lookout for talented young people with a passion for fashion, who are up to date with the latest trends in marketing and digital communications. If you're dreaming of working in communications, the luxury goods industry has a lot to offer.
You're more of: a good negotiator
Do you enjoy working in the luxury sector, dealing with different suppliers and manufacturers, negotiating prices, or selling a luxury product to a wealthy clientele? Then a career in sales is for you. Salesman, saleswoman, product manager, buyerare professions you can easily turn to.
But also... some less obvious professions for working in the luxury industry
If you've studied law or business administration and you're passionate about fashion and luxury, don't panic, the big houses are opening their doors to you. In fact, just because you didn't go to fashion school doesn't mean you can't work in luxury. The major fashion houses have legal, administrative and human relations departments that regularly recruit for internships and work-study programs. Check out their job offers directly on the websites of the luxury brands you're interested in!
If you're not sure what your qualities are, and therefore which branch to choose, take our test to find out. which fashion profession is right for you !
Now that you know which industry suits you best, how do you go about working in luxury?
First and foremost, there are three key requirements for joining a major luxury house:
- English language skills. You need to have an excellent level of English - or even be bilingual - if you want to work in luxury goods. In addition, mastering a second language, such as Chinese or Italian, is often very much in demand by luxury brands.
- Be well-dressed. Without being John Galliano either, working in the luxury sector demands a certain level of dress code. Being presentable and knowing how to behave are qualities particularly appreciated by luxury brands.
- Speaking and writing well. Your spelling and vocabulary must be neat and without mistakes. Colloquial language or spelling mistakes in your e-mails will scare off luxury recruiters.
Once you're sure you meet these conditions, you can seriously consider working in the luxury goods industry. Our advice is to focus on companies whose policies, values and history are of particular interest to you. What regularly emerges from interviews conducted by HR managers at luxury brands is first and foremost a genuine interest in a personality, someone who is curious and passionate. It's a misconception to want to work in luxury just for the salary! You have to work your way up the ladder, demonstrating patience and self-sacrifice before reaching positions of high responsibility. People work in luxury above all for the love of textiles, leather goods or jewelry.
When can I join a luxury house?
If you've already embarked on studies that aren't related to fashion and luxury, don't panic: there are bridges after a degree in law, business or economics! In fact, you can try your luck at a MBA Marketing & Innovation or a Master of Fashion and Luxury Management . This comprehensive training program will enable you to join a luxury brand on a work-study basis. What's more, you'll benefit from in-depth courses to master two foreign languages to perfection.
Good news for the youngest among you reading this: you can work in the luxury goods industry right after your A-levels! In fact, thanks to a BTS specialized in the technical professions of fashion and luxury goods manufacturing, you have a good chance of landing an internship with Chanel, Hermès or Louis Vuitton.
What's more, you only need a CAP or BTS to enter the manual professions of luxury craftsmanship. We therefore advise you to start your training as soon as possible! Unlike other sectors, there are no bridges after a Bachelor's degree.
If you've always been sure you wanted to work in the luxury goods industry, in communications, sales or production, then we recommend you enroll in a three-year Bachelor's degree program directly after high school. This training will enable you to acquire the fundamentals of luxury professions.
ISAL Paris offers you a Bachelor in Fashion and Digital Marketing which will enable you to join a major luxury brand very quickly, thanks to a 2-month internship in the first year, 3 months in the second year, and 6 months in the final year, with the option of a 3rd-year sandwich course.
You now have all the keys to working in luxury. So go for it, jump into the deep end!
