Luxury Day: IE’s Flagship Event on Breaking into the Luxury Industry

IE Talent & Careers hosted Luxury Day on June 4, welcoming more than 300 students to Aula Magna at María de Molina 11–13 for a flagship event aimed at students interested in entering the luxury sector. The event brought together senior executives and recruiters from top global firms, including LVMH, Chalhoub Group, Estée Lauder, Richemont, and Suntory Global Spirits, to offer students direct insight into one of the world’s most aspirational and dynamic industries.

“While this is not a recruiting event per se (though some companies do have open roles), the aim is to give students direct access to experts in the field — to learn what it's really like to work in luxury, what skills are needed, and how to enter the industry,” said Rafael Herrera, Associate Director at IE Talent & Careers and the event’s lead organizer.

Inmaculada Herrera explained that the event was structured into three key components, each offering a different layer of insight into the luxury sector. 

●    Business Panel – featured senior leaders sharing their strategic vision, market trends, and leadership journeys.

●    HR Panel – offered guidance on hiring practices, in-demand skills, and how to stand out to recruiters in the luxury industry.

●    Networking Coffee – a more informal setting where students could connect one-on-one with company representatives.

During the business panel, Miguel Folque, sales director at TAG Heuer Iberia (LVMH), emphasized the human dimension of working in luxury.

“Luxury is a very personal industry,” he explained. “Whether you are in the office or in-store, it's all about human relationships. Unlike banking or consulting, every interaction has a story behind it. It’s also a broad field, so find a path you truly enjoy. If you love the product, it won’t feel like work; it’ll feel like a pleasure.” 

During the HR panel, representatives from Estée Lauder shared what they look for in early-career talent and what makes IE students stand out. Pilar León, HR Business Partner, stressed the importance of value alignment and collaboration in the luxury industry.

“We are looking for people eager to learn and willing to contribute wherever needed,” she explained. “IE students already have international exposure and are used to working in diverse teams—that mindset is incredibly valuable in a global company.”

Inmaculada Herrera, Recruiter Specialist at Estée Lauder, added, “In e-commerce, the international background is key. IE students often stand out because of their strong CVs and hands-on experience. The variety of events and learning opportunities they engage with gives them an extra layer of knowledge and confidence to succeed.”

LVMH’s Ana Paula Barquín, IE alumni of the Dual Degree in Master in Management and Master in Customer Experience & Innovation, and Candidate Experience & Balance Specialist, shared her personal journey from student to professional.

“IE helped me build the network that ultimately led to my internship and current role,” she said. “The quality of students here is top-notch, and the teamwork culture really prepares you for real life.”

Students like Nora Costea, an IE bachelor student in Economics, said they left with a clearer understanding of what it takes and what it truly means to work in this evolving, deeply personal industry. 

“Events like Luxury Day are incredibly valuable because they give us direct exposure to top industry professionals,” she said. “What I appreciated most was the honest advice. It helped me understand not just how to apply, but how to think like someone already working in the sector.”