In addition to the content of this professional guide, you can explore this industry report with some additional sector-specific insights.

This report explores the future of careers across Diversified Industries, covering sectors such as Consumer & Retail, Luxury, Healthcare, Energy, Hospitality, and Sports. It examines the market forces transforming these industries, from AI adoption and sustainability to changing consumer expectations and global economic shifts, and identifies the skills, roles, and opportunities that will define success in 2026. Combining labor market insights with employer trends, the report helps students and professionals navigate a rapidly evolving employment landscape and prepare for high-impact careers across multiple industries.

.

DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS IN THE CONSUMER INDUSTRY

• Off-trade: All retail channels where customers can purchase products for themselves or someone else and consume or use them later. These include hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, shops, etc.
• On-trade: Outlets where consumers enjoy products on-site, such as restaurants, hospitality venues, bars, clubs, etc.
• Online: A growing channel where consumers can purchase products directly through e-commerce.

INDUSTRY TRENDS

Globalization: Most companies in the industry have an extensive product portfolio because of their growth in emerging markets on a global level.

Digitalization/Innovation: They take place in different areas, processes and products. For example, some companies have been implementing CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Software, which allows them to work on the optimization of customer engagement while tracking sales and performance. This leads to a competitive advantage in the market by having better internal operations.

Focus on Customer Journey/Experience: From a more holistic approach, Consumer, Luxury and Retail companies are focusing more on the customer journey and their experience.

M&A Investment in non-core assets (non-essential or no longer in use) to focus on high margins and business growth. 

CSR/Sustainability: Responding to a more sustainable mindset from consumers, companies are now implementing corporate social responsibility projects and politics.

.

SUBSECTORS & MAIN PLAYERS

90% of the consumer, luxury and retail market are owned by big players. Here are some of the main players of each sub-sector in the consumer, luxury and retail industries.

FUNCTIONS & ROLES

Roles and functions in Consumer, Luxury, and Retail depend on the company structure.

Marketing:

• Brand & Product Management: In charge of branding strategy, including product development & launch, promotion (communications and media), price, and budgeting.
• Trade Marketing: Combination of marketing and sales where strategy is adapted to commercial actions. Includes promotions, retail sales initiatives, and merchandising.
• Digital Marketing: Implementation of digital strategies for online channels.

Sales:

• Sales Executives: Crucial point of contact between companies and clients.
• Sales Support Team: Commercial team that supports the area in different tasks (administrative).
• Key Account Managers: Represent the company, manage and maintain long-term relationships with clients (retailers) by creating sales plan, for example.

Finance:

• Auditing or Pure Finance: Accounting and financial management of providers & clients
• Finance Controller: Business analysis (P&L analysis, number consolidation, etc.)
• Business Controlling: Business planning and analysis from sales, logistics, and production.

Other areas you might be interested in include Logistics/Operations, Human Resources, Technology, Internal Consulting, and Legal.

PRACTICAL ACTIVITY
Top Companies

Now that you have learned more about the Consumer, Luxury, and Retail industry, make a list of the Top 15 Consumer, Luxury, and Retail companies you would like to work for.

For each company, identify the following:

• Their main distribution channel.
• The subsector they belong to.
• Two potential roles you would like to apply for (check the company’s careers website).
• One industry trend the company is adopting or responding to. This will come in handy when preparing for the application process.

Go back up

DESIRED STUDENT PROFILE

Consumer, Luxury, and Retail companies have a strong interest in junior talent, so take advantage of this! Make sure you demonstrate your motivation and passion for the industry, company, and area you are applying to.

Please keep in mind that the following skills can be an advantage in the industry only if you can demonstrate them through your experience. You do not need to have all of them or force them into your application materials. Use this information as a guide, but always refer to the job description or job posting as the official source for the requirements and skills needed for a specific position.

• English Fluency + Local Language: Depending on the country where the position is based, keep in mind that most companies look for candidates who are fluent in both English and the local language.
• Cultural Fit: Make sure you understand the company culture. Research the company’s mission, vision, and values before applying so you can demonstrate that you are a good match for its working environment.
• Learning Agility / Fast Learning: Being fast, flexible, and adaptable is highly valued, as the Consumer industry is constantly evolving and needs to keep up with changing market trends.
• Strong Commercial Acumen: Sales skills can also be an advantage in the industry. Make sure you understand the company and its products, and demonstrate genuine interest in them. Even if you are not applying for a commercial position, an understanding of and interest in the core business is important.
• Strategic Decision-Making: Being able to see the big picture and make decisions that benefit the team, the company, and the business.
• Analytical & Communication Skills: Data analysis can be an important part of some positions in the industry. The ability to use Excel, analyze data, and communicate results and insights effectively is key.
• Proven Leadership: Demonstrating proactivity, problem-solving, and initiative can be a valuable asset when applying to consumer companies.
• Product Knowledge: Understanding the products and services offered by the company is important. Take the time to research the company’s portfolio and demonstrate your knowledge during the application process.
• Show Your Motivation and Passion for the Industry: Demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for the Consumer, Luxury, and Retail industry and the company you are applying to.

Go back up

Here, you have different kinds of activities through which you can start gaining relevant experience from the beginning of your studies. We highly recommend getting involved in these activities to build an attractive profile for companies.

PRACTICAL ACTIVITY 
Go the extra mile

Complete at least one of the proposed activities in this section and add it to your CV.

Go back up

GETTING INTO THE CONSUMER, LUXURY, OR RETAIL INDUSTRY

For junior profiles, you can enter a Consumer, Luxury, or Retail company through:

Internships / Trainee Programs
Many companies offer excellent internship opportunities that you can apply for during your studies and/or after graduation. Most departments offer internship positions, so it is important to identify the areas and functions that interest you the most.

Normally, no previous experience is required, although high motivation and a strong interest in the company, sector, and area are a plus.

Timing: Regular internships typically last 6 months to 1 year, but you can also find summer internships lasting 2–3 months. You should apply 2–3 months before the internship starts.

Graduate Programs
These programs typically last 1–2 years and are designed for high-potential candidates who can join companies in different areas. They are an excellent option if you are about to graduate, and many companies offer opportunities in several countries. Some are rotational, meaning you can spend 4–6 months in each department. Others are more focused on a particular area, such as sales, marketing, or finance.

Previous experience is not mandatory, but having an internship in the industry or area is highly valued. Keep in mind that Graduate Programs are very competitive and typically have a longer and more selective hiring process, as they are considered a “fast-track” option to middle-management positions.

Timing: Most programs start between the summer and September after graduation, but you need to apply almost 1 year in advance. Application timelines vary depending on the company, but you should start looking for opportunities in the 3rd or 4th quarter of the year before the program starts. Make sure you check the Career Portal regularly, review the Talent & Careers Newsletter, and turn on notifications or reminders on the careers websites of the companies you are interested in so you do not miss application deadlines. To explore Graduate Programs, you can use this list.

Go back up

Check out some inspiring stories from our IE students and alumni at consumer, luxury, and retail companies. They provide valuable insights into their career journeys and the skills they developed at IE. Enjoy exploring!

Go back up