Currently on internship as a Sales Assistant in Cartier’s flagship New York City location, Mario Nurzia reflects on how his hospitality training is contributing to his work in the luxury industry and his career prospects therein. He will return to Glion next semester to begin the Luxury Brand Management specialization for his bachelor degree in hospitality.
Name: Mario Nurzia
Nationality: Italian
Semester 5, Bachelor Degree in Hospitality Management
Mario began working in hospitality on internship at the 5 star Hotel Hassler in Rome before starting Glion. His second internship (the first one during his undergraduate studies) was at Le Bristol in Paris, a prestigious and elegant hotel in the exclusive category of French ‘’palace’’ hotels.
“I had many occasions to learn new skills through my hospitality internships.” Mario explains:
“Decision making, public speaking, self-presentation and time management are all skills that I have initially developed at Glion and have found to be fundamental in luxury environments.”
Now, on his final internship in New York, Mario is working at the flagship store of Cartier as a Sales Assistant.
“Cartier is a very unique company. Known as ‘’the jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers”, they are pioneers and now leaders in jewelry, high jewelry, watches, fine watchmaking, leather goods and personal accessories,” Mario says, “The thing that I like best about working at Cartier is the opportunity to gain different knowledge.”
As a polished hospitality professional, Mario’s skills in customer service have proven useful in this luxury environment, helping him to manage his responsibilities and exceed client expectations.
“My hospitality experience has enabled me to understand how important service is. I always try to notice small details and create a surprise effect for the customer. From basic services like making sure the lift is there when they need it, to welcoming them with their names although they have never met you before, anticipating customer needs is what I try to achieve each day.”
“My main responsibilities are to provide a consistently excellent client experience by maintaining the highest degree of courtesy and professionalism. Partnering with sales associates and floor management and interacting with clients is a key component of my training.”
When Mario heard that Glion would be offering a Luxury Brand Management specialization, he knew it was the right pathway for his career aspirations.
“I believe the Luxury Brand Management pathway at Glion will be an asset to luxury brands such as Cartier. In the luxury industry, the sale is just a small part compared to the whole process of luxury business.”
“Elements of luxury hospitality can and must be introduced to the luxury industry. Hospitality educated graduates are very relevant and useful for these companies who are starting to realize the potential of a strong hospitality culture and the customer-centered improvements that they can make.”
Although his plans for the future are still not 100% defined, Mario believes he will surely stay in the luxury environment. He concludes:
“I am truly passionate about luxury. With the specialization I will be in a very competitive position. Working in the headquarters of one of these world class luxury brands is probably where I wish to start my career after my graduation.”
