29/05/2024
Our programs include Career Sector Tracks that are tailored to help students elevate their career prospects through hands-on experience in specific sectors.
For students studying any of our masters’ programs in Marketing, Communication & Sales, IE University offers Career Sector Tracks designs to build specialized expertise and boost career options. With two options to choose from—Luxury, Fashion and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods or Marketing Technology—graduates can acquire the skills they need to excel immediately in their professional careers. We sat down with Professor and Academic Director Orianna Cirigliano to find out more about the benefits of these tracks.
Transformative education on The Stage
For students enrolled in any of our master’s programs in Marketing, Communication & Sales, the journey begins with “The Stage”—a shared platform where students immerse themselves in the industry, meet their peers and build the foundations for their studies. This phase of the program focuses on holistic learning and acquiring a global perspective, preparing students to become top performers in their fields.
After this initial Common Core period of learning, students chose from five specialization options to deepen their expertise in the field that most interests them.
Finally, students have the option to add a Career Sector Track experience where they can dive further into the skills and knowledge needed for specific sectors.
The benefits of the Career Sector Tracks
Career tracks begin after graduation, typically last one academic trimester and involve intensive, full-time study of the chosen sector. They encompass a variety of courses culminating in a final project. Orianna explains, “This structured time frame allows students to deepen their expertise in a focused area, enhancing their professional qualifications and career prospects in their chosen field. We designed the curriculum and selected courses for the career tracks with the entire customer journey in mind, from capturing a person’s or client’s interest to making a purchase and then keeping them engaged with the brand. This approach applies regardless of whether the focus is on technology products, services, luxury items or consumer goods.”
The two tracks offered reflect the demand in these sectors for specialized skills that meet the needs of specific businesses. Let’s take a closer look at the options:
1. Luxury, Fashion, and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods
This track delves into the dynamic sector of luxury goods and consumer products, with courses on business strategy, digital marketing and sustainability within luxury. “We tailor the curriculum to provide deep insights into the complexities and unique challenges of these markets,” Orianna highlights. Even more, the faculty are professionals in companies like L’oreal, Shiseido, Estee Lauder and BVLGARI, allowing participants to get a look at the real world of these industries and build skills that they can put to use immediately in their careers.
2. Marketing Technology
For those interested in the intersection of marketing and technology, this track offers a deep dive into digital innovation and data analytics. Courses cover topics such as CRM data and AI, tech product and service design, as well as legal and ethical considerations in technology. Students study with faculty from Google, Salesforce, HAVAS and Amazon and graduate prepared to handle the technological advancements that are reshaping the marketing landscape.
What to expect from the Career Sector Tracks
Embarking on one of these career tracks is a journey of growth and professional development. “The entire faculty for these tracks comprises practitioners who bring real-world examples into the classroom,” notes Orianna, emphasizing the practical aspect of the learning experience. “Choosing a career track within our programs gives you a significant competitive edge.”
Each track has a limited capacity and comes at an additional cost. Admission is competitive, and applicants are expected to have a robust academic record based on their GPA or overall academic performance in the master’s program. Ideal candidates for these tracks are those with a natural curiosity about their chosen industry, a keen interest in following and understanding current and future trends, and a clear intention to pursue a career in these dynamic fields.
In terms of commitment, students enrolled in these tracks can expect a rigorous schedule involving class time, group work and autonomous study. After completing a career track at IE University, students receive a Specialist Diploma that certifies their training and the additional ECTS credits they have earned.
Ready to jump-start your marketing career?
These tracks not only enhance knowledge and practical skills but also boost employability in targeted sectors. In both tracks, the emphasis on practical learning facilitated by seasoned industry professionals ensures that students can directly apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios, greatly enhancing their readiness for professional challenges post-graduation.
“In pursuing a career track at IE University, you’re not just advancing your education; you’re strategically positioning yourself in the job market,” Orianna concludes, urging students to seize this unique opportunity to specialize and excel in their chosen fields of marketing.
