Professional Guide
This guide serves as your roadmap to a successful career, providing the resources and knowledge needed to take proactive steps toward your future.
Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) are products that sell quickly at a relatively low cost. Most companies in the industry have a Business-to-Consumer (B2C) strategy, which is why understanding customer habits and behaviors is key.
It is a highly competitive industry with a high turnover rate and it is a mature market that constantly needs innovation in order to keep up with the market.
Benefits of the industry:
In addition to the content of this professional guide, you can explore this industry report with some additional sector-specific insights.
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.
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.
Multi Brand
Food & Beverages
Beers & Spirits
Home & Body Care
Tobacco
Retail & Restaurants
Roles and functions in Consumer, Luxury, and Retail depend on the company structure.
1. Marketing:
2. Sales:
3. Finance:
Other areas you might be interested in are:
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 at.
For each of them identify the following:
Consumer, Luxury and Retail companies have a great interest in Junior Talent, so take advantage of this! You want to make sure you demonstrate motivation and passion for the industry, company, and area you apply to.
Please keep in mind that the following skills can be a plus for the industry only if you are able to demonstrate them with your experience. You do not need to have all of them or force them into your application material. Use this information as a guide but ALWAYS use the job description or job posting as the official information on requirements and needed skills for a specific position.
English Fluency + Local Language: Depending on the country where the position is available, 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 information like mission, vision, and values before applying so you are able to show that you are a match for their working environment.
Learning Agility/Fast Learners: Fast, flexible, and adaptable skills are highly valued as Consumer is an innovative industry that constantly needs to keep up with market trends.
Strong Commercial Acumen: Sales skills can also be a plus for the industry. Make sure you know the company and its products, and show passion for them. Even if you are not applying for a commercial position, an interest in the core of the 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 a big part of some positions in the industry, using Excel and analysing data to communicate results and information is key.
Proven Leadership: Demonstrating proactivity, problem-solving, and initiative can be an added value in consumer companies.
Product Knowledge: The Importance of knowing the products offered by the company.
Show your motivation/passion towards the industry.
Remember that in order to prepare your CV, you must follow the IE CV template and the instructions that you can find on the Career Development Training (CDT) (blackboard.ie.edu > Courses > Career Development). Additionally, on the left, you can find relevant tips for tailoring your CV for consumer companies.
1. Tailor your CV using the keywords and key insights. Use the IE CV that you prepared for the CDT as your base.
2. Upload the tailored CV as a one-page PDF to the Career Portal so you can use it in your applications.
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.
YOUNG CORPORATE PROGRAM (YCP)
This program allows selected students to participate in different activities with a specific company during several years of the bachelor's. It is open to 1st-year single and 2nd-year dual degrees. Information will be sent to target students when appropriate. Some examples of participating companies in previous editions: Alpina, Farlabo, Uniqlo, Cubro Design, Chalhoub Group, Lucas Fox, Leroy Merlin, Decathlon, etc.
STUDENT CLUBS
Join student clubs and attend company presentations and networking events. This will give you relevant information and keep you updated on industry trends and news! Becoming an active member of clubs will demonstrate your interest in the industry, so make sure you include it in your CV.
Make sure to check on IE Connects and the campus life website to see interesting clubs for you!
IEU LABS
IEU Labs provide hands-on, internship-like experiences on campus to first and second-year students who wish to start gaining professional practice. There are many IEU Labs for you to choose from, and by joining one, you will not only get to build your professional profile and gain valuable practical knowledge of different sectors, but you will also have direct contact with managers and directors of leading companies, extending your professional network.
Examples of the Labs you can join: Branding Lab, Marketing & Consumer Insights Lab, Behavior Lab, Communication Lab, Innovation Lab, Sustainability Lab.
The application period normally takes place in November but check all the details here.
COMPANY CHALLENGES
Many consumer companies hold challenges and competitions every year. These are great opportunities to develop skills, learn about the industry, and gain some experience. Most of the time, winners of these challenges get either an internship offer or the option to join a graduate program. Keep in mind that every year, challenges might change, including the application dates. Make sure you check our Talent & Careers Newsletter so you don't miss the deadlines.
VIRTUAL EXPERIENCES
To enhance your profile and gain skills and experience, you can consider doing an Online Virtual Experience. Check out the following platforms:
- The Forage
- Coursera courses: Log in with your IE ID (@student.ie.edu) to create your Coursera account.
- INSIDE LVMH Certificate: Usually open twice a year. Check LVMH's website.
Complete at least one of the proposed activities in this section and add it to your CV.
For junior profiles, you can enter a consumer, luxury or retail company through:
INTERNSHIPS/TRAINEE PROGRAMS
Many companies have very good internship opportunities that you can apply to during your studies and/or when you graduate. Most departments have internship vacancies so it is important to identify which areas/functions you like the most.
Normally, no previous experience is required although high motivation and interest in the company, sector and area is a plus.
Timing: Regular internships normally last 6 months or 1 year but you can also find summer internships (2-3 months). You should apply 2-3 months before they start.
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
These programs last 1 or 2 years and are designed for high potential candidates that can join companies in different areas. They are an amazing option if you are about to graduate, and many companies have options in several countries. Some of them are rotational, meaning you can spend 4 to 6 months in each department. Others can be more focused on one particular area such as sales, marketing or finance for example.
Previous experience is not mandatory but having an internship in the industry/area is highly valued. Keep in mind that Graduate Programs are very competitive and 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 summer and September after graduation, but you need to apply almost 1 year before. Applications vary depending on the company, but you should start looking into applications in the 3rd or 4th quarter of the year before it starts. Make sure you check the Career Portal regularly, go through the Talent & Careers Newsletter, and turn on notifications/reminders from the career websites of the companies you're interested in so that you do not miss the deadline.
COMPANIES' WEBSITES
Research and create your list of target companies. Apply directly through their websites and follow them on LinkedIn.
CAREER FAIRS AND NETWORKING EVENTS
Attend sector-related events to build relevant contacts. Identify people in your network who are connected to the companies you're interested in. Examples of events at IE include the IE Careers Forum and company presentations. Some companies that participated in the 2024–2025 academic year include: L'Oréal, Red Bull, AB InBev, Estée Lauder, Colgate-Palmolive, LVMH, Chalhoub Group, Richemont, Farlabo, and others.
TALENT & CAREERS NEWSLETTER
Events, company presentations, internships, and job opportunities, search engines. Download the Excel sheet in order to filter opportunities by function, location, starting date, duration, etc.
IE CAREER PORTAL
The IE Career Portal is a platform where internship and job opportunities are posted. CV adapted to IEU CV template is necessary to apply.
ADDITIONAL SEARCH ENGINES
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1. CV, COVER LETTER & ELEVATOR PITCH
Remember to always tailor your CV and Cover Letter to the job role within the specific sub-industry you are applying for. Your CV should have all the keywords that are in the job description of a specific role and sector.
Resources:
2. ONLINE ASSESSMENT
Most of the time companies will send you some psychometric (cognitive or aptitude) tests to complete online. They usually measure different skills (numerical, reasoning, language, etc.). Make sure you practice before taking the official test through JobTestPrep.
3. FIRST INTERVIEW(S)
If you pass the online tests, you will most probably be called for the first interviews. They can be:
Video Interviews: Companies use this type of interview as a first step to filter candidates. You will have to record yourself answering a series of questions and send it over to the company before a deadline (usually 1 week).
HR/ Behavioral or Competency-based Interviews: During this interview, the company wants to know more about you, your motivation and skills.
Resources:
4. CASE/ASSESSMENT CENTER
Generally when applying to Graduate Programs this is a step you will need to go through. It can be a series of exercises in groups or individual activities where companies want to see how you work. They will evaluate a series of skills that can include leadership, problem solving, teamwork, communication, etc.
Resources:
5. FINAL INTERVIEW
At the final stage of the process, you will likely interview with a manager or senior member of the area you are applying to.
Please make sure to refer to the Recruitment Process page on this website and contact your Career Coach to check your eligibility for a mock interview.
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!
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You have other additional resources that can help you with insights and preparation material if you want to join a consumer company.
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