Amanda Motta believes that luxury firms need to adapt to the demands of an increasingly digitized world to survive. She is well placed to know. The MBA graduate works as brand manager for historic fine diamond jewellers Boodles in London.She also specialized in international luxury brand management at ESSEC Business School in France.
Amanda thinks that with turmoil in emerging markets, the future of luxury lies in e-commerce. But for an industry that prides itself on its exclusivity, this is an unsettling prospect.
She previously studied in Milan at the creative academy of luxury goods giant Richemont, before relocating to Paris to work as a product designer for German luxury manufacturer Montblanc.
Keen to break out of the workshop and bolster her knowledge of the industry, the skilled jewellery designer saw an MBA in the lavish French capital as a perfect fit.
What is the future for the luxury industry?
How luxury and the internet combine will play a major role. The industry is struggling to incorporate the faced-paced changes that the internet is imposing on it, while still upholding an air of rarity.
The brands that manage to get this combination right will become the new industry leaders. Being audacious is always dangerous territory for luxury brands — but it is only through daring that we will move forward.
Why did you decide to pursue an MBA at ESSEC Business School?
I had explored the universe of design, I’d worked with amazing brands and agencies, with different product categories, and I felt that I had accomplished something significant in that domain.
The creative vein was still pulsing, but I wanted to be involved not only in the product’s conception and creation, but in the journey in its entirety: from drawing board to delivery.
Working in the luxury industry and living in Paris, I knew that ESSEC was the perfect match for me.
The curriculum was what really made it stand out. The fact that every single subject in the program was directed at the luxury industry and its specificities ticked a huge box.
How do you explain your passion for luxury?
For someone who loves design, there is something so fascinating about luxury objects.
There is a real beauty in putting raw materials and craftsmanship together to create a functional but aesthetically-stunning object of desire.
What challenges does the industry face?
The decline in spending from emerging markets — which were for a long time financed the industry’s growth — is an obvious challenge.
Consumers are also savvy now. Although they are still willing to spend, they want to invest in meaningful products and experiences. It is the genuinely timeless brands such as Hermes, Cartier and Chanel that have maintained solid growth. That says a lot.
What advice do you have for MBAs looking to work in luxury?
Think outside the box and be creative. Have tools in your arsenal that others don’t have. If you are good at storytelling for example, use that to your advantage.
An MBA provides you with so much, but it’s how you implement what you’ve learnt to different situations that will make an employer choose you over someone else.
How have you profited from your MBA experience?
The MBA was exactly what I needed. It gave me tools I didn’t have before and strengthened the ones I did.
Coming from a design background, it can be intimidating to step into a business-orientated environment. But the course gave me so much confidence and I was supported all the way through.
Why do you think we are seeing increasing numbers of female MBA students?
From a young age, women are now being encouraged to go out there and find their place in the world.
Women are instinctively “system-thinkers” and I believe that there’s a level of sensitivity inherent to female behavior which allows for a more holistic view of things.
Although the business world is still very much male-dominated, there’s an obvious growth in the number of women occupying positions previously reserved only for men.
Student Reviews
The best intercultural university
There are more than 50 nationality in the grade, so there are opportunities to interact with people from all around the world. In terms of academics, the BBA course offers diverse courses for the 1st
Creativity, adaptability and entrepreneurship
The Master in Management program at the ESSEC Business School allows the students to choose their courses accordingly to their preferences and their professional targets. We can also go through international exchange and take part in internships with companies that are also partners with the school. The school is also next to the city of Paris.
Top business school in France
Doing PhD in essec took some time, to be precise about five years. But the experience was very good and cost effective too. There are opportunities for the student for teaching assistantship and that helps both financially and in career. In the final year I could manage to teach marketing to M1 students and this helped shape my career
Great college
The program is well suited for early professionals with an engineering degree preferably or a degree in economics. I would suggest taking the ceasure irrespective of the experience level as it helps you take your time to adjust to the job market.
Good school in France
I am currently enrolled in M2 in Essec business school. I am specialising in marketing management. The Grande Ecole programme is valued in France and my school ranks very high up. There are a lot of opportunities for internships and CDD.
The program curriculum
BBA program. The program is really practical and useful, provide us many international opportunities. Like internship and humanitarian experience, and the flexibility is also really cool, we can choose different campus and tracks as we want.
International Course
This school is very international and business oriented. Highly recognized by the companies The campus has been renovated and is very functional and modern from now on. Excellent atmosphere. Reputation of essec is a plus
Friends, Career opportunities.
The program I did gave me the opportunity to start in Singapore. I got the chance to know all the students that started there and we bonded and made some friends for life. The career opportunities that ESSEC also gave me were unbelievable.
Practical and useful
I think the best thing about Essec is that it's not focusing on academics rather it emphasizes on future job mindset and professional experiences..
The classes are interesting and we have plenty of workshops attributing to different sectors..
The campus is very nice with a good cafe and wonderful library.
The only problem is the location of the campus. It's quite far from Paris.
Amazing experience! Must try
I think its a very amazing school with great and experienced faculty. Also the alumni network is very solid and useful. The school has a great balance of studies and work experience which is really essential for a student.
GBBA: Diverse, Enriching, and Career-Boosting
My experience at ESSEC Business School has been outstanding. The Global BBA program offers a rich academic curriculum and diverse learning opportunities. I appreciated the chance to study on different campuses, including an international exchange, which broadened my perspective. The social environment is culturally diverse and vibrant, enhancing both my personal and professional growth. The administration is attentive, constantly offering new academic and student life opportunities. The campus facilities and classrooms are excellent. I highly recommend ESSEC for its excellence, global exposure, and career opportunities.
ESSEC BS BBA REVIEW
The English track BBA program at ESSEC is simply exceptional. Courses are taught by internationally renowned professors who are experts in their field. The subjects taught cover a wide range of disciplines from marketing to finance, strategy and entrepreneurship. The English track is a major asset because it allows you to develop perfect mastery of professional English, essential in today's globalized business world. Some students love student life at Essec, which is one of the best in France, but it all depends on taste.
Great program, incredible school
I love almost everything about this school, from the student life to the academic program and the opportunities it provides.
I'm currently at the Paris campus, in Cergy, and I'm really enjoying it.
The BBA program is very rich and diversified, you can start with geopolitics and then finance, what I mean is that there's a great balance between the subjects in this program.
I was also lucky enough to spend a semester at the Singapore campus, and I loved that experience on the other side of the world.
ESSEC is also known for its dynamic and rich student life, with access to several parties a week and the various associations within the school.
If I could recommend just one school, it would be this one - I'm 100% satisfied.
Great experience
First of all, what I appreciate the most is the academic environment. The courses are extremely stimulating and are taught by high-level professors, often experts in their field. The diversity of subjects offered, ranging from marketing to finance, including entrepreneurship, allows you to acquire a complete and versatile education. The group projects, although sometimes stressful, are also an opportunity to learn to work in a team, which is essential in the professional world. One area that I feel could be improved is the management of student events. Although many activities are organized, I have noticed that some events can lack organization or communication, which can frustrate those who want to get involved. Better coordination between the different student associations and the administration could really improve the overall experience.
