Meet an alumna: Starting her career with H&M’s Digital Growth Trainee Program
Trisha Puri will soon join the highly selective H&M’s Digital Growth Trainee Program for a year. She looks back at her master's years at EDHEC Business School.
You joined EDHEC’s Master in Management-Business Management in 2019. Why did you decide to study at EDHEC Business School? What did you study before joining EDHEC?
I am very happy with my decision to pursue a Master in Management at EDHEC. Multiple reasons played a role such as EDHEC’s reputation and ranking, the program structure, diversity, to name a few. I did not have any prior work experience before joining EDHEC, but the program allowed me to gain relevant experience in the professional immersion year. Additionally, what attracted me to EDHEC was its close partnership with leading companies such as Groupe SEB and Prisma Media.
Before joining EDHEC, I studied Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) at Amity University in India. The course laid a solid foundation in business management and administration for me.
Did you receive a scholarship?
Yes, I did, and I am grateful for it! I was a recipient of the EDHEC Excellence Scholarship. It allowed me to focus on my studies and motivated me to work hard. I would like to thank EDHEC for its generosity and I deeply appreciate the support.
During your professional immersion year, where did you work? What were your missions?
During my professional immersion year, I worked at Biotherm, L’Oréal in Paris, and at OYO Hotels and Homes in India. I worked in the Brand and Communications department. I was responsible for handling the social media presence for both brands.
At L’Oréal, I was the Digital Engagement and Social Media Project Manager Assistant. My missions included activation of the social media strategy, content creation, performance analysis, assistance with advocacy strategy implementation, and management of day-to-day operations with an agency for brief and content delivery.
At OYO, I was the Brand Intern. I was responsible for managing and monitoring the social media accounts for two brands – OYO Life and OYO Townhouse. Additionally, I was creating social media calendars and performance reports for improving content quality.
Did you seize the opportunity to learn French?
Before coming to France, I joined Alliance Française to learn French. After coming to France, thanks to the weekly French classes at EDHEC, I improved my level in French from A1 to B1. Additionally, the Language Resource Centre (LRC) at EDHEC offers lots of resources to improve the chosen language. I will continue to learn French till I achieve my goal. It is a beautiful language and I wish to be fluent in it!
What aspects of the MiM program have you enjoyed the most? Your favourite class? Professor? And why?
The “Learning by Doing” Concept. I absolutely loved working on projects and on case studies. Both of them helped to gain a greater understanding of the subject, keeping in mind the wider industrial and societal context. Projects with companies such as P&G, Galeries Lafayette, L’Oréal developed my problem-solving, analytical skills, collaborative, and presentation skills.
It is very hard to choose one among many subjects but if I had to, it would be, CRM for Luxury. In today’s time, Customer Experience and Customer Relationship are the top priorities for almost all companies. The learning material was coherent to reality. A special shoutout to Professor Arne De Keyser for teaching us this subject. He is the best teacher. His method of teaching was very interesting and kept us hooked throughout the lecture. He inspired us to learn.
You have joined the MSc in Marketing Management. What are the main highlights of your Master 2 at EDHEC?
The main highlight of my Master 2 at EDHEC was the Luxury Concentration. In the second semester, I have gained tremendous knowledge with respect to the operations, strategy, business models of luxury brands. Moreover, the courses were tailored to match the required professional skills at the moment. We studied Digital Marketing, CRM, Luxury Strategy, and Innovation to name a few.
Additionally, we were also given an opportunity to work on a project with Biotherm, L’Oréal. Our objective was to introduce a new product in the BodyCare segment, and my team came second in the challenge. We put into practice the different topics taught to us in our courses.
What has been the greatest opportunity you have had at EDHEC?
The greatest opportunity I have had at EDHEC is to realise my true potential. EDHEC has been supportive right from Day 1. There are professors, associations, centres, everything to help you in your journey onwards and upwards. There are lots of opportunities offered for taking professional decisions (Career Fairs, Job Centre, Career Coaching, EDHEC Alumni), for recreation, and for academic research (Library). I would like to give credit to EDHEC for my professional journey today. I have had the opportunity to intern at L’Oréal, the biggest cosmetic company in the world and I will join H&M as a Digital Growth Trainee, starting August.
How have you benefited from the EDHEC’s Alumni network?
With 50,000+ alumni around the world, I believe that one of EDHEC’s USP is its strong alumni network. I have received some of the best advice from my seniors which led me to make sound professional decisions. When I was in M1, I have spoken to numerous alumni working in different departments, companies, and countries which enriched my knowledge of the same and it clarified all my doubts. It also helped me to narrow down my career choices.
What are your career aspirations?
Now that I am about to be graduated, I would like to transfer my skills and experience gained at EDHEC to a professional environment. I wanted to join a Graduate Trainee Program as it gives you exposure to different facets of the business. My dream came true as I got an invitation to join the Digital Growth Trainee Program at H&M. I am thrilled to start my journey in Sweden!
When I think of my career aspirations, I think 10 years down the lane. I aim to evolve my skills in a challenging environment, work within a highly collaborative team, and provide efficient solutions. Within the first 5 years, I aspire to reach a managerial position that will allow me to make crucial decisions while applying my leadership skills. Eventually, I hope to have reached an executive position so that I can have an active and critical role in the company’s overall success.
Can you tell us about the career services you benefited from?
The Career Centre at EDHEC has been extremely helpful. From organizing workshops to one-on-one coaching, Career Centre has prepared me better for the interviews. As a part of the Career Booster program, we were assigned a consultant, who focussed on improving our resumes and guiding us professionally.
Last year, the monthly programs from September to December were a game-changer. There were tips and exercises which assisted me in refining my pitch and becoming ready for the Assessment Centres. I practiced from the resources available to clear my Assessment Centre at H&M.
What advice would you give someone who is thinking about applying for the program?
My first and foremost advice to the international students would be to learn French (minimum B2 level) as it would make it easier for them to live and work in France. Second, connect with EDHEC Alumni and add them to your network. There are lots of benefits of doing that such as enriching your network and expanding your professional knowledge. The third piece of advice would be to be mentally prepared to put theory into practice by way of multiple group projects and challenges. Be ready to live the best time of your life!
Your journey at EDHEC is almost over. How have your studies abroad changed you?
It feels surreal when I think about my journey at EDHEC. My studies abroad have definitely changed me for the better. It has made me a lot more independent. I have gained exposure to working in diverse teams, which has increased my intercultural awareness. It has broadened my perspective and made me appreciate the little things. It gave me the confidence to get out of my comfort zone. I learned a new language, travelled to beautiful places, and made lots of new friends. I would totally recommend students to have an experience of studying abroad.
Your EDHEC experience in 3 words.
Phenomenal. Practical. Memorable.
