Richemont Oceania Experts Share Industry Insights at ICMS Masterclass

ICMS students recently had the opportunity to learn directly from some of the best minds in the luxury goods industry at a Richemont Oceania Masterclass held at the college’s Northern Beaches Campus.  

Richemont Oceania is known for its globally renowned brands like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, IWC Schaffhausen, and Jaeger-LeCoultre. Representatives generously shared practical advice on breaking into the competitive world of luxury retail.  

The well-attended event was tailored for students studying hospitality, events, tourism, business, fashion, marketing, entrepreneurship, and accounting, reflecting the diverse career paths available in the luxury sector. 

Advice Straight from Industry Leaders

The masterclass provided a platform for five Richemont Oceania professionals to share their personal career journeys alongside actionable tips for employability.  

Alexandra Chang Hunter, HR Manager for Van Cleef & Arpels Oceania, spoke about taking those first steps into a career in luxury.  

“Find a maison you love or adore and check out their website,” she said. “Start to understand the language they speak, and the imagery they use. Go into the boutiques. Luxury is all about detail and refinement. Show you’re paying attention.” 

She also highlighted the importance of networking. “Build connections. We know that great people know great people.  

“Referral systems work really well,” Alexandra added, encouraging students to explore tools like LinkedIn to support their professional growth. 

Chamu Ravichander, Client Development Manager at Van Cleef & Arpels, stressed the importance of having on-the-ground experience, for example working in a retail store.  

“Attention to detail is crucial. For client development, it’s always a plus when you have shop-floor experience because you’re able to add much more value.” 

What Employers Look For

The panelists gave students an insider’s view of the qualities luxury brands value most when hiring. 

Lizzie Lukacs, Head of Communications at Cartier, focused on the importance of preparation and passion.  

“When we’re interviewing, I want to understand, do they know the product? Why do they like the product? How do they explain the product? Preparing for interviews and understanding why you want the role goes a long way.” 

Dee Ma, Commercial Director at Jaeger-LeCoultre Oceania, reinforced the importance of a positive and open mindset.  

“Having a good attitude is essential. You need to enjoy learning and be passionate,” she said. 

Quentin Chalier, Brand Manager at IWC Schaffhausen, added that employers value how candidates approach challenges.  

“More than the subject you study, it’s really your train of thought. How do you approach a challenge? How do you see both sides of an argument?” he explained. 

Equipping Students for the Future

This masterclass was another example of ICMS’s industry-focused approach to education.  

By inviting industry experts to campus, we offer students direct access to professional insights and networks that are often out of reach for those just starting their careers. 

The event went beyond the theoretical to give students practical steps they can take as they prepare to enter the workforce, particularly in the luxury sector.  

The panelists also shared how their unique career journeys brought them to the luxury industry. From switching fields – like law to business, or design to HR – to seizing unexpected opportunities, each had a story that showed how adaptable and determined they were.  

With educational backgrounds as varied as computer science and marketing, they proved there’s no set path to success.  

Their stories were a great reminder that passion, curiosity, and transferable skills can take you a long way. 

This masterclass is just the beginning of an exciting series of masterclasses at ICMS.  

Upcoming sessions will feature industry leaders from fashion, sports, and hospitality, offering students even more chances to connect with professionals and gain real-world insights.  

These events are part of ICMS’s commitment to bridging education with industry, ensuring students graduate with the tools and experiences needed to succeed in their chosen fields.