Niharika BHARTIA, a NEOMA Business School student pursuing a Master in Management and MSc in Marketing – International Brand Management, shares her journey from dreaming about France to building a career in the luxury industry.
What inspired you to choose France for your higher studies?
I’ve always been drawn to France, its history, and culture. While exploring options after my Bachelor’s, I realised France was the birthplace of the Master in Management (MiM) program, which seemed perfect for someone like me without prior work experience.
Studying here also offered additional perks: the Schengen visa provided the freedom to travel across Europe, and the support system for students, like CAF and Social Security, made settling in much easier.
Why NEOMA Business School and marketing?
NEOMA stood out because it offered a specialized curriculum in marketing, a field I was deeply passionate about. Paris being the hub of luxury brands further motivated my decision. The chance to learn about iconic brands and their renowned marketing strategies in an affordable and accessible setting was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
After completing my M1, I took a gap year to gain professional experience. My first internship was at L’Oréal Group, specifically with YSL Beauty in their Luxury Division. As the Digital Content Assistant, I had an amazing experience managing digital assets for new product launches, working on an animation project for the Chinese market, assisting my manager on shoots, and preparing the product listing. It was a truly rewarding experience personally and professionally.
I recently joined Estée Lauder Companies, where I am currently working as the Digital and E-commerce Assistant for the prestigious Niche Fragrance brand Kilian Paris. I am eager to learn and grow within this exciting role and continue to build upon the valuable experiences I gained during my time at L’Oréal.
What challenges did you face while moving to France?
Moving to Rouen, a smaller city near Paris, was an adjustment. The slower pace of life and limited English proficiency made finding part-time jobs challenging. Shops closing early on weekdays and being shut on Sundays was also surprising.
But these challenges taught me to adapt. Talking to people, exploring the local community, and learning French made a big difference.
What advice would you give to students planning to study in France?
🌟 Be open-minded and adaptable, especially when moving to smaller cities.
🤝 Socialise and build connections to avoid isolation.
📚 Focus on key administrative tasks early, like visa validation, applying for social security, and opening a bank account.
🗂️ Keep important documents organized and easily accessible, ideally on Google Drive.
🧳 Take time to travel, explore, and make the most of the French experience.
And remember, even if you feel lost or lonely at times,“Paris is always a good idea.” It might be challenging initially, but it’s equally rewarding.
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