Elisabeth Zlatkin

My ambition is to establish a high-end luxury event firm in Europe. The HECxEHL summer program equipped me with the essential soft and hard skills needed to someday realize this dream.

With a long-standing interest in the luxury goods sector, I jumped at the chance to participate in the Global Exchange program through my master’s at Imperial College London and I was honored to be chosen to represent Imperial at the HECxEHL program focused on Luxury Hospitality Management.

One of the main reasons I chose the MSc in Management at Imperial was the possibility of an exchange with HEC. I’ve always dreamed of studying at HEC, not just because of its prestigious name but also for its reputation in the management world. When I got accepted, it felt like a dream come true. HEC didn’t disappoint—the academic challenge was real, and the level of teaching was exceptional.

The professors at both HEC and EHL were outstanding—true experts in their fields. The classes were not only engaging but also filled with hands-on examples that brought the luxury industry to life. From luxury wine tastings to fine dining experiences and even conversations with the CEO of Kempinski, we were truly immersed in the world of luxury.

Experiences like this come with a steep learning curve. The packed schedule meant that we were constantly learning, engaging, and pushing ourselves. What stood out most for me was the incredible sense of community—not just within our course but with students from other programs at the business school as well.

Unlike many of my peers, I didn’t undertake this course during a holiday period but rather in the midst of my master’s program. Balancing deadlines and assignments at Imperial with daily coursework at HEC significantly improved my time management skills. Juggling the demands of two universities in two different countries, along with multiple group projects, was challenging yet rewarding. Despite the hectic schedule, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with my peers at HEC, and I’m confident that the memories I created during these two weeks will last a lifetime.

Although my post-graduation plans involve a career in venture capital, I’ve always harbored a dream of opening my own event agency. It’s not just a passion but something I believe I excel at. My experience in event management, spanning private, corporate, and political events, has solidified my ambition to establish a high-end luxury event firm in Europe. I believe that the HECxEHL program equipped me with the essential soft and hard skills needed to someday realize this dream.

If you’re interested in the luxury goods industry—whether to work in it or consult for it—I can’t recommend this program enough. The networking opportunities are fantastic, the classes are deeply engaging, and you’ll come away with a much better understanding of the luxury market and its consumers.

For more information on the Summer Program Luxury Hospitality Management