Tanuja Susarla’s passion for luxury and design led her to pursue a Master in Management (MIM) and MSc. in Luxury and Design Management at ICN Business School. France, as the global hub for luxury brands, was the perfect destination for her to gain an in-depth understanding of this niche field. From iconic fashion houses to world-renowned design agencies, the country’s rich heritage in luxury made it the ideal place to study and work.
Tanuja shares her experience navigating the academic process, finding opportunities with the support of Campus France, and her current role as an Assistant Product Manager in a design agency serving a U.S. client.
What drew you to study in France, particularly in the luxury and design sector?
France is the origin and hub of luxury brands, making it the best place to gain real-world exposure in this industry. The country’s deep connection to luxury design and fashion houses aligned perfectly with my career goals. I knew I wanted to be immersed in an environment where I could learn from the best.
How did you find the process of applying and securing a place at ICN Business School?
The process was actually quite smooth for me, thanks to the help I received from Campus France. They made the entire application and visa process so much easier, guiding me step by step.
You’re currently working in a design agency as part of your career. Can you tell us more about your role?
I’m working as an Assistant Product Manager at a design agency that handles clients from various parts of the world, including the U.S. My job involves managing design projects, ensuring that our client’s needs are met, and collaborating with different teams to deliver the best results. It’s been a great learning experience, and being in France has certainly added value to my understanding of global luxury markets.
What advice would you give to students aspiring to work in the luxury and design sectors in France?
My advice would be to learn French — it’s incredibly important for both social and professional integration. Even though my work is primarily with international clients, knowing the language makes day-to-day interactions much smoother. Another important point is to gain at least two years of work experience before applying for these programs. It not only helps in the classroom but also makes you more competitive in the job market.
How did you manage to finance your education?
I financed my studies myself, which was a challenge but completely worth it. The return on investment is high, especially considering the opportunities that arise from studying in a country like France.
Looking back, what are your key takeaways from your journey so far?
The biggest takeaway for me has been the importance of adaptability. Working in a global environment, especially in the luxury sector, requires you to understand and adapt to different cultures and market demands. It’s also crucial to be proactive in building your network — don’t hesitate to reach out to industry professionals and take advantage of the resources available to you while studying.
Tanuja’s journey offers valuable insights for anyone looking to build a career in luxury and design management. Her experience emphasizes the importance of learning the local language and gaining work experience prior to studying in France. While institutions like Campus France help ease the application process, the true value comes from immersing yourself in the culture and taking advantage of the opportunities France has to offer. Tanuja’s story highlights how aspiring professionals can make the most of studying in one of the world’s leading hubs for luxury brands.
Ask Sétu Blog 
Leave a comment