Meet an alumnus: a successful career change thanks to EDHEC’s master

You joined EDHEC’s MSc in Marketing Management in 2022. Why did you decide to study at EDHEC Business School? In France?

I started my journey at EDHEC because I was looking for a complete and heterogeneous programme that allowed me to deepen in the marketing field. I had already heard about positive experiences at EDHEC Business School, and when I started to investigate more about the institution I quickly felt aligned with EDHEC’s values and proposition. Its distinctive educational approach was recognised as well by several worldwide institutions, being included in well-known rankings. All these inputs definitely motivated me to apply and to start this exciting adventure.

I wanted to study in France because I had one major goal: I really wanted to specialise in the Fashion & Luxury industry, and France- as the birthplace and ‘cradle’ of many luxury companies, was the perfect location to do it. I had already studied French and travelled there many times, so I already knew that this country was a strong candidate for my studies.

Taking into account that the MSC in Marketing Management at EDHEC offered the Concentration in Luxury & Fashion, altogether with the fact that the school cooperated with companies in multiple projects- from which I could gain practical knowledge and make a career change, were factors that finally pushed me to live this experience. This programme was literally a tailored option for the professional path I wanted to take.

How did you adjust to life in Lille?

The initial procedures and bureaucracy to move to another country is always the worst part. There are a lot of decisions that have to be made without a lot of certainty and before moving there: ‘Where am I going to live; in a shared flat or in a residence? In the city centre or by campus? Am I going to have a good fit with Lille and its culture? What about the people? And the language?’.

It is completely normal to think and reflect about all these aspects; before making a life-changing decision that implies moving to another country there are always questions like this popping up in our head.

First of all, there are a lot of resources to find accommodation and platforms that help with the initial formalities. Of course, the International Student Office was really supportive with our own dilemmas and doubts. I think that the last month before I moved to Lille, I literally spoke with the team more than with my own family…  (just kidding!). At the end of the day, you end up understanding that all the students face similar situations at all levels, so this adaptation period is definitely something that makes you bond with the EDHEC community.

To start with, there is an immense calendar of international events in order to meet new students and to get to know better the facilities and the campus. For example, I remember that we started meeting EDHECs thanks to the Integration day, and the following week we got to know more students with the Sustainability Challenge. We also had the chance of joining several associations, which is another way of meeting people with the same interests as yours.

When it comes to the daily life, the adjustment was easy: Lille is a student city, full of life, culture and festivals such as La Braderie or the video Mapping Festival. It is comfortable to move in public transportation and there are always interesting plans to do. I strongly encourage to visit the ‘Palais des Beaux Arts’ or ‘La Piscine’ the first Sunday of the month (it’s completely free). Also, a cup of coffee from Elisabeth’s or a Cramique from Aux Merveilleux de Fred is never a bad idea. I’m already missing it so much!

Did you receive a scholarship? 

Yes. At the time I was accepted, and I received the Letter of Enrolment, I was awarded with the EDHEC Academic Excellence Scholarship, which covered part of my tuition fees. As every single applicant is eligible for this scholarship, I truly consider that this scholarship is a simple and effective way of receiving support from the institution.

Afterwards, I was graced with the BECA Avenir, one scholarship co-created by the Asociación Diálogo and the Embassy of France in Spain. 

I strongly recommend the prospective students to contact the Admissions Managers, as there is a wide variety of internal and external scholarships depending on the students’ country of origin and personal situation.

How was the application process?

The application process was relatively simple and fast. We also count with the help and support of the Admissions team. Once you send all the documents requested, the Admissions Committee will make a decision and will contact you as soon as possible.

In my case, I needed support during the process and Mélanie Colmart, the International Recruitment Manager (with whom I later had the pleasure of working with thanks to the EDHEC International Ambassadors team) contacted me almost instantly, making the process even easier.

When it comes to the application process itself, I think that the motivation letter is key to show your own motivations and singular attitude, and to highlight what makes you special, different from the rest of students. It is also a good way of demonstrating how and why you want to ‘make an impact’, and why EDHEC and the chosen program are a good fit with your profile.

You studied law before joining EDHEC. How has the school helped you shift your profile from law to marketing?  

In 2022, I finished my BBA and LL. B double degree in Valencia, having also completed my final internship in a Law firm. As soon as I finished this experience, I knew that this sector wasn’t for me, and that I was completely ready to follow my passion and to start building my trajectory in Fashion and Luxury. EDHEC was the perfect place to shift my career from the law world to the marketing field, with a focus in the aforementioned industry.

First, thanks to the Concentration in Luxury & Fashion (including subjects like Global Luxury Operations, Luxury Sales Management and Luxury Strategy and Innovation), we learned the fundamentals of the industry. Moreover, we were offered additional electives such as Luxury Brand Management in case we wanted to go deeper in different subjects concerning brand management and its specificities in the luxury market.

What also made of this experience a truly complete and authentic experience was the possibility of joining the Luxury Service & Hospitality Management’ Learning Expedition in Montreux, Switzerland, which was a study trip aimed at experiencing luxury first-hand.

Finally, I also developed my master's thesis about the fashion second-hand luxury market, which was a coherent way of concluding this program, conducting intense research on the field, and maximizing the knowledge that I had been acquiring throughout the programme.

All these little steps gave my profile the direction I wanted to take, and were also key for succeeding at the time I started with the internship processes.

What aspects of the MSc programme have you enjoyed the most? Your favourite class? Professor? And why?  

First of all, I really enjoyed the fact that the majority of colleagues and classmates came from different parts of the world and had completely different backgrounds. The diversity of profiles, interests and aspirations made this experience super enriching.

Another aspect that needs to be mentioned is the fact that we really put all the theory into practice, thanks to the different team projects and as well thanks to the different Challenges in which we participated. As a way of illustration, we had the chance of participating in the L’Oréal Brandstorm Challenge and in the Guerlain Retail Challenge, having a real approach to the challenges, management teams, and technological advances of the industry.

My favourite subject has been Luxury Strategy and Innovation, taught by Professor Michael Antioco. His proficient level of knowledge, great sense of humour (I still remember some of his famous quotes) and supportive advice made of this subject the most enjoyable one.

What has been the greatest opportunity you have had at EDHEC?

From a personal level, at EDHEC I had the opportunity of broadening my mindset and meeting fantastic people from all around the world, learning from other cultures and developing adaptability and resilience. This experience played a significant role in my development as a person, as it made me grow and mature at a faster pace.

Besides, I really appreciate the fact of having opened the doors of a challenging industry as it is the luxury one, thanks to the tools offered by the school but without forgetting the hard work, passion, and perseverance.

All in all, I had a truly immersive and holistic experience not only in luxury, but especially in fashion: at EDHEC I also had the chance of joining the model cast of Talons Aiguilles, the first fashion association in France.  

Who would have told me when I was studying law that I would one day model for a fashion association in France? The experience was surprising and super fun... hope they call me next year!

You joined the learning expedition in Montreux (Switzerland) during your personalisation period. What are the main highlights of this field trip?

The Learning Expedition trip was outstanding. There we had the chance of living a 360-degree experience focused on the concept of luxury and the paper of sustainability in this field, making all the attendants’ part of this uplifting journey.

There, we visited leading hospitality schools such as the Swiss Hotel Management School and The Cesar Ritz College, incredible hotels and we also spent one day at Piaget’s headquarters. In every institution that hosted us, there was a team of professionals (the majority of them part of the EDHEC Alumni community) willing to share with us their path, passion and dedication for their job.

But, apart from receiving interesting conferences and attending to different classes, we also enjoyed a ‘Table Setting’ and a ‘Mixology’ workshop, where we learned how to do the perfect cocktail… definitely, our favourite one. There is time for everything, right?

When you join EDHEC, you are part of the Alumni community from Day 1. How has EDHEC Alumni network been helpful to you? 

For me personally, the EDHEC Alumni network has been really helpful. It can sometimes be difficult to have a clear idea of the different roles in a specific industry or company, and the list of options we have once we finish our programme is pretty long.

The marketing field- as the luxury one, is quite broad. That’s why I contacted some Alumni, who now occupy managerial roles and have experience in companies that I was interested in and asked them for advice. We all have been in this position, so they were really willing to help and support us.

Did you seize the opportunity to learn French? 

Of course. Although the programme was entirely taught in English and Lille is very international, French is really important in your daily routine in France.

Apart from easing an early immersion in its culture and lifestyle, French is also relevant at the time you look for an internship. Being previously exposed to this language factor at EDHEC trains you and really push you to break your boundaries, helping to develop your French skills.

Apart from that, French in the luxury industry is essential as a big part of maisons were born in France, and their excellence spirit and savoir-faire is deeply rooted to the French heritage, tradition and commitment to craftmanship.

It is also important to mention that the programme also includes weekly French classes with native teachers so that we can also improve our level faster. At first it could be challenging but if you do not speak any French this is the best excuse to start learning it.

Can you tell us about the career services you benefited from? What are your career aspirations?

I started attending to some counselling sessions with the Career Centre since the very beginning of the programme. As I had already had professional experience in the law sector and I wanted to shift from one industry to another, I wanted to receive support in order to prepare my CV and to establish my next professional steps.

Furthermore, at the time I started with the different application processes I prepared with them the cover letters and received some advice regarding the interviews. This personalized service was also accompanied by different networking events, Fairs and a resourceful online portal.

My career aspiration is to start my journey in Fashion and Luxury, industry that I am passionate about and that I have previously studied in-depth. Over the next months I will have the chance to do it and to take a further step thanks to my final internship, with which I am very excited about.

You will join Christian Dior couture for your end-of-studies internship. What will be your role?

I will join the WRTW and Shoes department as a Merchandising Assistant.

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about applying for the programme?

My advice is to ask and get in touch with former students of EDHEC, and with people who have professional careers that seem attractive and interesting for them. What programme have they studied and where? What steps have they taken? In what ways do I see myself reflected on them?

For me personally, I believe that making this impactful decision implies a previous reflection concerning our passion, our dream, and the realistic and practical ways thanks to which we can make it real. In this context, contacting the Admissions Centre is also helpful as they will help you to make the right choice and to see if the programme fits your specific needs.

This is the way I did it, and I don’t regret it at all. I really encourage the prospect students to be curious and to never stop learning, to keep up with the last trends and news, and most importantly, to trust their guts and to always believe and fight for their projects. As someone told me this year, ‘Your Attitude, not your Aptitude, will determine your Altitude’.

EDHEC’s motto is make an impact. How do you intend to make your impact?

On a personal level, I really want to make an impact trying to inspire and to motivate my environment. From an early age I distil a passion and a strong determination for the Fashion and Luxury industry, and the fact of having accomplished one of my lifetime goals makes me realise how important it is to support and to be at the service of others- just as we would like.

Also, in the past I have had other experiences in the law field that make my unconventional profile quite analytic, oriented to detail, and heterogeneous. That is why I want to take these skills and contribute to the field’s commitment to excellence.

In the end, our attitude is what sets us apart, and I really intend to contribute my own mindset to this industry, embracing fashion as the art of self-expression and fighting for a diverse, creative, and inclusive space.

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

Enriching, empowering, and inspiring.