What I’ve learnt from INSIDE LVMH certificate (and why it’s the future)
Edit December 2023: I run a weekly newsletter on the impact of digital in our lives (with some luxury topics as well). Subscribe to “ALIVE IN SOCIAL MEDIA” now. :)
INSIDE LVMH Certificate is an 8-week programme, split between a first part dedicated to fundamentals in luxury, and then 2 electives (Creation & Branding, Operations & Supply Chain, Retail & Customer Experience). Everything happens online, through a very handy online platform. To “unlock” modules — and ultimately get the Certificate — you need to pass online exam quizzes.
It aims to provide some first insights to a large audience of students or young professionals on what working at LVMH — and in luxury — actually means.
Here are my takeaways
A vast topic, explained in “gamified and well-structured ways
Luxury is extremely vast. And if the dream-machine attracts more and more people, it is potentially tough to truly understand the various layers, functions, jobs, talents that shape this field. The programme does a very good job at 2 levels:
- give a clear definition of what luxury is, at least the LVMH way of defining it
- starting to show the versatility of topics, through a large panel of interviewees, lecturers, professionals
If the glam factor is present across the programme, the fact it’s so embodied by people in charge of tangible projects, whether it’s in sustainability, retail or design, really adds value for the participants.
The gamification aspect of the platform is very smart as well: all modules are not accessible straightaway, you need to “deserve” the next one. It creates a positive vibe and an expectation. Learning and gaming, gaming and learning.
Sustainability & CSR: everywhere
Sustainability and CSR then: a couple hours of the programme aim to explain what LVMH teams are working on. Beyond the Reduce/Reuse/Recycle principles, there was a full focus for this edition on Guerlain Bee Respect Platform, but also a lot of insights on creative circularity (with Nona Source).
You could even discover some bio-based material systems prototypes, like the Algalip! The platform does not hide the complexity of such topics, and opens the doors to the participants to get what the group’s roadmap is about. There was an absolutely amazing introduction to the common dimensions of diversity as well, which was an eye-opener for me.
A life on the platform…and in private groups !
Just before the programme, some people took the initiative to create Whatsapp/WeChat groups with fellow participants. A very interesting idea as the conversations can then occur in parallel of the various modules and content. Resources can then be shared and become a great conversational ground.
Education, reputation, talent hunting: the future
Registering to INSIDE LVMH is not only made for the certificate, but gives you access to fresh content, on a regular basis. Recent articles include: “In Conversation with Laurent Boillot, Hennessy CEO & President” or “Leveraging the Web3 Ecosystem for Luxury Brands” by Marjolaine Catil, Chief of Staff at Hennessy or “Creativity as a driver of sustainability”. These content are not just promotional but really aim to share a vision, even sometimes a relevant framework. The kind of content at the crossroad of education, thought-leadership, but also a way to attract talents.
It does not replace at all going to universities or business schools; it’s a substantial resource which can enrich other education paths, while also giving a lot of information for new employees. Articles are actually provided by industry leaders like Business of Fashion, professors, prestigious institutions but also up-and-coming stakeholders.
Tips & tricks
If I were to do it again, not as an observer but a true participant, I would do the following:
- Take as many notes as possible: once the modules are over, you cannot go back. Write as much as you can, so as when a reference is shared, you can Google it or read further afterwards
- Use INSIDE LVMH as an entry-point to feed your curiosity: you cannot cover large topics in a couple of hours; however, the fact that the programme is so rich can be even more powerful if you spend a fair amount of time reading after each session
- Discuss! Try to find a study group with clear purposes, in order to bring the experience forward. Especially if you’re a student, this is a nice investment to make
