Studying luxury is one thing. Building a career in it is another.
For international graduates in particular, the path into the industry can feel surprisingly opaque. What do luxury maisons actually look for when you don’t yet have years of experience? How do you stand out among equally qualified candidates? And once you’re inside, what does it take to build credibility and progress?
In this episode of Luxe Consumer IQ, I’m joined by Kaela Imani, who studied luxury management across Spain, France, the US and Australia and is now working in sales and communications at L’Objet in Paris.
We have a candid conversation about the transition from studying luxury to working inside the industry — what helped Kaela break in, what surprised her once she did, and the lessons she wishes she had understood earlier.
If you’re an international student, recent graduate, or in the first few years of your luxury career, this episode will give you a clearer view of how to approach those early career decisions, where to focus your effort, and what it really takes to find your place and build momentum in luxury.
INSIDE THIS EPISODE:
• Breaking into luxury without a long track record
• What can help you stand out early in your career
• Making the transition from luxury education to industry
• What maisons really look for in emerging talent
• Navigating the unspoken codes of luxury
• Building confidence and credibility when you’re starting out
• The capabilities that can accelerate your progression
• Finding the right place to begin your luxury career
• Navigating an international career in luxury
• What working in luxury in Paris is really like
CHAPTER MARKERS:
00:00 Luxury work isn’t glamorous
01:00 Meet Kaela Amani
02:43 Why showing up works
03:42 Instinct vs strategy
05:26 International advantage
06:15 What luxury industry employers value
08:28 Reality vs expectations
09:49 Unspoken codes in luxury
11:18 High expectations culture in luxury
12:05 Public speaking skill gap
16:34 Advice to business school graduates interested in luxury
17:54 Working in Paris
19:12 Day in the life
21:08 Wrap up
LINKS
Join the course waitlist https://www.luxeconsumeriq.com/waitlist
Newsletter: www.luxeconsumeriq.com/newsletter
