An international student who makes his dreams come true in the city that never sleeps.This student who just wants to be identified Chalfrom India.

She had formal training in engineering and computer science, but when she decided to leave her stable career as a server engineer at Hewlett Packard Enterprise and pursue a master’s degree in fashion, design and luxury management in France. , made a bold decision.

Talk about why you applied Grenoble Ecole de Management. “The fashion industry has always been a goal of my career. Engineering has become an option for me as unconventional careers in fashion, sports and entertainment are seen as high risk.”

A native of India, her desire to change perceptions of people moving from STEM to the arts has led her to a country rich in both history and culture.

Despite her optimism, Chal knew there would be setbacks and the road ahead of her was long and winding. But her goal of surviving in France and getting a job at the same time seemed elusive.

The Grenoble Ecole de Management was something of a second chance for Charu, who wanted to fulfill his dream of working in the luxury industry.Source: Chal

much needed change

Charu’s resilience knows no bounds. The 27-year-old Charu appeared to ease the transition from engineering to fashion design and management. “I had the skill and passion for fashion and was drawn to a career that required me to reveal my artistic side, so it was challenging.”

She said goodbye to her job as a server engineer because she was honest with herself. Charu never leaned into the engineering field and needed clarity on her career direction.

“I took a break after my first job and thought about what I could do with my technical and communication talents. I did,” she tells Study International.

Everyone smiles when Charu presents a business case study to Dior.Source: Chal

Entering the elusive luxury industry

Today’s brands are evolving in light of digital transformation and adapting to the digital age. As someone who enjoys creating stories and using creativity to promote and represent brands, it was this shift that Charu wanted to be a part of.

“When I searched for universities in France, there were many business schools in France. When I saw the complete course format, I knew that the Grenoble Ecole de Management course was what I was looking for.”

The course taught her all the basics of the profession and put her in touch with experts in the luxury goods industry. “The Grenoble Ecole de Management provides the foundation for all master’s degree programs, including topics such as accounting, human resources management, finance, sustainability, customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing. , would not have had the opportunity to present a live business case with Dior at the Dior Lab,” she adds.

After the international student graduated from the master’s program, things changed. Her ability to speak French stopped at an intermediate level, which soon proved to be an obstacle in her search for an internship. Indian-born Charu applied for nearly 200 jobs, but she struggled to get her foot in the door of the luxury industry.

Charu’s background in STEM prior to her master’s degree from Grenoble Ecole de Management impressed her current employer and led to an internship offer.Source: Chal

Use her STEM skills

Her search began in January of this year and ended in July. digital marketing manager.

Charu said applying for an internship was no easy task. What helped her land her dream job?Her answer is browsing LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a social media platform primarily used for professional networking and career development.

“The founder of the company contacted me and was impressed with my profile because he had expertise in both STEM and digital marketing,” says Charu.

of Sri Venkateshwara College of Engineering Since that day, alumni have learned to never regret majoring in college. Her STEM background, combined with her credentials to work in the luxury industry, did not work against her, but instead became the very reason why she is so successful today. rice field.

Charu now works in the beautiful city of Paris and is doing better than ever. “I love the atmosphere of the city. Paris has a loud culture, it never sleeps, there is no judgment here. You could even say that Paris welcomes people from all walks of life.”

If you have a desire to work in the luxury industry, Paris is the place for you. Source: Joel Saget/AFP

Studying abroad is never a waste

Asked for advice to students considering studying in France, Charu was the first to declare that it was surprising to her because she loved being in a multicultural environment. We strongly urge prospective students to improve their French as much as possible, even before they book a flight to their country.

Finally, Charu encourages those who aim to enter the luxury industry not to give up hope. Find your specialty and master it. Reach out to alumni, write letters to recruiters, and ask for help from experts in the fashion and luxury industries. ”