Employment in Luxury: What Gen Z Is Really Looking For in 2026

While older Millennials began their careers in the midst of the 2008 financial crisis, Generation Z took their first professional steps during the pandemic or shortly after. Unlike their elders, who often remain attached to traditional models of success, they however increasingly question the meaning of work. Frequently portrayed as lazy or overly demanding, does this generation still have the motivation required to reach the highly coveted positions in the luxury sector?

On Friday, January 30th, at the heart of the Marais in Paris, many students and young professionals in career transition gathered to learn about the “Métiers d’Excellence” at LVMH during the YOU&ME orientation fair. Each year, the French luxury group tours several cities across France, offering a glimpse into the 280 professions tied to its savoir-faire. This year, the tour will even continue to Italy.

In front of the Berluti and Dior booths, the line grows longer. With CVs and portfolios in hand, candidates wait patiently for a few minutes of discussion with an artisan or sales manager. Marie, 25, who holds a Master’s degree in Marketing Management from ESSEC Business School, which she completed in Singapore, is seeking a job in product or digital marketing within the luxury sector.

“I came to discover various professions I didn’t necessarily know and to talk with the artisans to understand how they think about the product from the workshop stage. When you work in marketing, it’s essential to keep this in mind and ask yourself these questions,” she explains to Luxury Tribune, curious and already well-versed in the best practices of the luxury world. Her goal: to become a project manager or product manager in a major luxury group such as LVMH, Richemont, or Chanel, where she has already interned.