By Will Wieters
In February, Vanderbilt’s Master of Marketing students had the opportunity to visit New York City for a firsthand look into the world of luxury cosmetics and explore how their experiences within the program will lay a foundation for their professional futures. With exclusive access to industry leaders, alumni panels, and corporate headquarters, the whirlwind of a weekend was a melting pot of networking, learning, and career inspiration.
From the Classroom to Headquarters
Master of Marketing Students in NYC
For many students, the trip was not just about seeing big-name brands—it was about placing concepts into practice. “You can do a million Zoom calls or coffee chats, but to actually see where someone works and meet them in their space was something special,” one student, Matthew Arcuri (BS’21, MMark’25), shared. L’Oréal and Estée Lauder opened their doors to the group, giving them an insider look at how global brands operate, make decisions, and shape the forever-changing beauty industry.
Beyond touring the office space, students had the opportunity to sit in with panels of professionals who offered their experiences as the perfect case studies.
“What was really exciting was seeing people talk about the highs and lows of their job—and having those highs and lows be course content or a problem we worked to solve,” Arcuri said.
Big Brands, Different Approaches
Visiting both L’Oréal and Estée Lauder gave students the chance to compare two beauty industry giants. Another student, Ariel Pu (MMark’25), noted how the team at Estée Lauder felt more nimble and intimate with representatives across the different brands. In contrast, she explained how L’Oréal appeared to take a more structured, HR-facing approach to its representatives. Seeing these differences up close allowed many students to gain a better sense of the kind of work environment they would find most suitable as they pursue their own organizational fit following the program.
The alumni panels were another highlight. At L’Oréal, the students had the opportunity to engage with Vanderbilt graduates—all at different stages of their careers, from recent grads to seasoned executives.
“Especially at L’Oréal, there was such a focus on development and career growth that I would say the big takeaway was learning that if you want to take charge of your own career, there are companies that will support you in doing so,” Arcuri said. “It’s not about getting your foot in the door—it’s about finding out where you can grow from there.”
At Estée Lauder, two previous Master of Marketing alums led the panel that gave a real look into brand strategy and what it takes to succeed in the luxury space. Arcuri explained, “Luxury brands don’t chase trends—they either create them or focus on staying timeless. Seeing how they subtly adapt their marketing while sticking to that philosophy was really cool.”
Networking, the Vanderbilt Way
Students visiting L’Oréal Headquarters
Outside of company visits, students gathered at Vanderbilt’s New York Corporate Partners Hub for a networking lunch with alumni. Pu explained, “It’s just networking and then reaching out—be very, very robust with it. There are different ways to network, but they [alumni] truly emphasized that every workplace is a relationship-oriented space. You basically rely on your relationships with other people.”
When thinking about one conversation that really stuck with her, Pu says “An alum told us, ‘Your job isn’t just about getting tasks done—it’s about relationships. If I’m calling the distribution manager everyday, I’d like to know his name. I’d like to learn about his family. That’s not in my job description, but it should be.’ That hit home.”
New Career Goals and Big Takeaways
For some students, the trip helped to shape their ultimate career trajectory. “I wasn’t very familiar with the beauty industry, but I’ve always had a passion for luxury products and fashion,” Pu reflected. “This trip let me see a new side of it, and it was so exciting to learn about. Hearing about product development and how fast-moving the industry is really opened my eyes to the level of creativity involved.”
The visit also served as a reminder of how quickly industries shift. Pu says several of the executives discussed the uncertainty that comes with reorganization and layoffs, with one major takeaway: “A lot of people get to stay because of the connections they have—because they are able to share their work and make it visible to others. It’s not only about how good you are at your job, but also how much you’re able to communicate that you are a valuable teammate, not just an individual contributor.”
By the time they flew back to Nashville, the Master of Marketing students had collected more than just business cards—they had gained a new perspective on what it means to build a career for yourself, maintain strong industry connections, and possess the perspective it takes to succeed in marketing.
To document their firsthand experience, students were invited to participate in social media takeovers, which they posted throughout their day from the Vanderbilt Business social media accounts.
To learn more about the Vanderbilt Master of Marketing program, click here.