At IE University, we work relentlessly to give students opportunities to take their careers to the next level. From guest lectures to networking events, students can build their professional profiles and gain insights from top industry professionals. One such event is IE Marketing Day, a jam-packed day with top speakers, luxury brand marketing tips and industry updates.
At the most recent edition of IE Marketing Day 2025, students had the invaluable opportunity to hear from Inés Illes, a Louis Vuitton HR representative and IE Business School alum. As an expert in the luxury sector, Inés provided students with practical, actionable advice that can help shape their careers in marketing, particularly in the highly competitive luxury industry. We were able to attend a conference with Inés, where she shared her seven steps to success for aspiring marketing professionals.
7 steps to success in luxury brand marketing
1. Knowing your value
Self-awareness is important. It’s crucial to understand your strengths, weaknesses and motivations.
- Identify environments where you thrive—whether it’s a fast-paced multinational company or a startup where you can experiment.
- Be prepared for common interview questions like: “What’s your biggest strength or weakness?”
- Know your hard and soft skills to differentiate you from other candidates.
2. Building and owning your personal brand
Just like companies have strong identities, you need to establish and market your own brand. Think of it as an artist’s portfolio—it should clearly reflect your skills, experiences and values.
Here are a few ways to build your brand:
- Get involved on campus: Join clubs, take leadership roles or even start your own initiative. Being active in student life adds depth to your profile.
- Pursue personal projects: Use research, blogs or creative endeavors to showcase your interests and expertise.
- Develop key skills: Stay ahead by improving technical, digital and analytical skills. Whether you’re in marketing or finance, mastering tools like Photoshop or Excel will always further your career.
- Engage in competitions and case studies: Participate in challenges like the L’Oréal Brandstorm to gain hands-on experience and stand out.
3. Networking with purpose
A common misconception is that networking is about asking for jobs. Instead, it’s about building long-term relationships. You never know where one conversation can lead!
- Connect with classmates who share your career interests—you might work together someday.
- After events, introduce yourself to others. The person you talk to could be a future business partner or employer.
4. Connecting with opportunities
Job searching can feel overwhelming, so be strategic.
- Don’t limit yourself to one industry—be open to different roles that match your skills.
- Understand your first job won’t define your entire career, so focus on gaining transferable skills.
- Don’t be afraid to take risks—opportunities often come from leaving your comfort zone.
5. Job hunting smartly
Applying for jobs isn’t just about endless applications—it’s about making each application count.
- Optimize your resume: Recruiters scan resumes in under 15 seconds, so keep it clear, structured and quantified. Highlight key achievements rather than listing generic tasks.
- Tailor your applications: Adjust your resume for each role. If the job focuses on analytics, highlight your data-driven experience.
- Track your applications: Use tools like Notion or an Excel sheet to organize your job search.
- Leverage networking: Don’t just rely on submitting applications—reach out to recruiters and hiring managers on LinkedIn to express your interest.
6. Acing your interview
An interview is your golden opportunity to showcase your personality and enthusiasm. Here’s how to stand out:
- Master your elevator pitch: Don’t just list your experiences. Tell a concise and engaging story about what makes you unique.
- Prepare for common questions: Be ready with confident answers.
- Adapt your body language: Your energy and attitude matter.
- Practice for skills tests: If required for the role, prepare in advance.
And always ask questions at the end. It shows genuine interest and leaves a strong final impression.
7. Securing the offer and continuing to learn
Landing a job is great, but it doesn’t stop there:
- Seek feedback: Use constructive criticism to improve.
- Keep learning new skills: Adapt to industry trends and master new tools.
- Be flexible: You might start in one field and pivot to another. Embrace the journey!
A deeper look at IE Marketing Day
Inés’ insights and seven steps to success were just one of the incredible parts of IE Marketing Day. Her session and advice impacted students ready to take the next step in their journeys.
The day continued with several other sessions and networking opportunities designed to equip students with the tools and insights to succeed in marketing. From interactive workshops with other industry leaders to a recruitment fair and networking gala, the day provided a comprehensive look at the diverse paths available in marketing.
Workshops included titles like “The Art of Connecting: How to Transform Customer Data into Actionable Insights” with a representative from Decathlon and “Data-Driven Creativity: How Consumer Insights Shape Marketing Strategy” with representatives from Disney, Adidas and Singular.
Curating your future with IE Business School
IE Business School offers students unparalleled opportunities to grow and connect with industry professionals. Through networking events like IE Marketing Day, students can gain direct access to top industry leaders, build meaningful networks and enhance their career prospects with cutting-edge marketing programs.
Inés’ seven steps to success serve as a blueprint for aspiring marketers in the luxury brand marketing sector. It could very well be that the next step in your future includes curated learning to find the Next Best You.