Internships are one of the main gateways into luxury brand management, especially in France and Italy where they are built into most master's programmes. Luxury brands do hire interns in marketing, brand, communications, merchandising, CRM and e-commerce teams, and many entry-level hires are former interns. Here is how to find one and make it count.
Do luxury brands hire interns?
Yes. The large luxury groups and many independent houses run internship programmes, typically lasting three to twelve months. In some countries, internships must be linked to a study programme, so check local rules. Paris, Milan, London, Geneva, New York, Dubai and Hong Kong offer the most opportunities.
Where to find luxury internships
- Group careers sites. LVMH, Kering, Richemont, Chanel, Hermès, Burberry and others list internships directly. See LVMH careers in brand management.
- University careers services. Business and fashion schools have partnerships with luxury houses.
- LinkedIn and specialist job boards. Set alerts for "luxury internship", "brand intern" and "marketing intern" with your target brands.
- Luxury department stores and retailers. Harrods, Selfridges, Galeries Lafayette and luxury e-commerce players also hire interns.
- Agencies. PR, events and creative agencies with luxury clients offer valuable exposure.
How to get started (step by step)
- Pick a focus. Brand, marketing, communications, merchandising or retail. Being specific makes your application stronger.
- Tailor your CV. Show interest in luxury through projects, coursework and part-time retail work.
- Write a sharp cover letter. Mention a recent brand decision and what you learned from it.
- Prepare a mini portfolio. One or two brand analyses, as described in how to build a portfolio.
- Network. Many internships are filled through referrals; read how to network your way into luxury brands.
- Apply early. Popular programmes recruit several months ahead.
What to expect during a luxury brand internship
Expect a mix of real responsibility and support work:
- Preparing market and competitor reports.
- Tracking sell-through and campaign performance.
- Helping coordinate launches, events and shoots.
- Updating product and content assets across channels.
- Supporting retail teams with visual guidelines and training materials.
Days are fast-paced and detail-driven. Interns who are reliable, discreet and curious often receive job offers or strong references at the end.
How to turn an internship into a job
- Ask for a clear objective at the start and deliver it.
- Learn the numbers behind your team's work.
- Build relationships across departments, not just your own team.
- Ask for feedback at the midpoint and act on it.
- Before you leave, ask directly about upcoming roles.
No internship? Other ways in
If internships are not available to you, consider client advisor roles, retail management trainee schemes or junior CRM roles. Our guide on getting into luxury brand management with no experience covers these routes.
Prepare before you apply
Interns who already understand luxury strategy contribute faster. The Luxury Brand Management course at London School of Business UK gives you the frameworks and case knowledge employers expect, and a brand strategy project to talk about in interviews. See also your first year in luxury brand management and the complete careers guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do luxury brands hire interns?
Yes. Luxury groups and independent houses hire interns in brand, marketing, communications, merchandising, CRM, e-commerce and retail teams, usually for three to twelve months.
Are luxury brand internships paid?
Many are paid, and some countries set minimum payments for internships over a certain length. Pay varies by country and company, so check each offer.
How do I get a luxury internship with no experience?
Show genuine interest through coursework, part-time retail work and short brand analyses, apply early through careers sites and university partnerships, and use networking to get referrals.
Do luxury internships lead to full-time jobs?
Often, yes. Many luxury houses recruit junior staff from their intern pool, especially interns who delivered clear results and built good relationships.