Millie Orlando turned her passion for French culture into a successful international career in luxury marketing through the double-degree program at Darla Moore School of Business.
From an early age, Millie Orlando was surrounded by French culture. Growing up in Portland, Oregon, she attended a French immersion school that sparked a lifelong passion for the language and lifestyle.
“I went to a French school growing up,” she says, “I grew up in full immersion French culture in the US. I knew I wanted to somehow take that over to Europe.” (00:38)
This deep-rooted global interest laid the foundation for her international career ambitions. When it came time for college, Millie sought a program offering a top-tier business education and international exposure. Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina stood out.
“Darla Moore had the best international business program in the US,” Millie shares. “I knew that it would get me to where I needed to be.” (00:47)
The school’s focus on international business, coupled with its reputation, made it an ideal choice. After studying finance and international business for her undergrad degree, she went right into the Master of International Business (MIB) double-degree program.
This decision allowed her to blend the academic rigor of Darla Moore with the professional opportunities in luxury available from ESSEC Business School in Paris.
The double-degree program at Darla Moore offers students a unique opportunity to earn two master’s degrees from renowned institutions. This program combines the one-year MIB with a second master’s degree from prestigious partner universities.
The curriculum is designed to provide a deep understanding of global business dynamics, covering essential topics such as international strategy, multinational corporation management, and market analysis. The immersive international exposure strengthens the students’ academic understanding.
Students can study in global locations, including Finland, Germany, China, and, of course, France.
“French culture is one where they enjoy their life,” Millie says. “It’s slow; it’s walking around, enjoying the shops, the streets, the picnics, the parks.” (01:56)
In choosing France, Millie found joy, which she carries with her every day.
Millie’s academic journey was complemented by invaluable real-world experience. During her time at ESSEC, she secured an internship with Givenchy, a distinguished fashion brand.
“It was my first internship in the corporate world in Paris, and it got me to the position that I have now.” (01:16)
This opportunity provided her with practical insights into the luxury marketing sector and opened doors to her current role as a Clienteling Coordinator with Givenchy’s EMEA team. In her role, Millie leverages the cultural competencies and business strategies she learned during her studies.
“I work with clients who are from all over the world, many different cultures. The teams are from all different countries.” (01:37)
Her ability to navigate and respect cultural differences has been a significant asset in her career.
For students dreaming of an international career, Millie has simple but profound advice: “Just go, just do it.” (02:24)
She emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and seizing global opportunities.
“It could be easy to stay at home in your city or your network. Darla Moore allowed me to have that year abroad to force me to go, and once you’re here, it’s a lot easier,” Millie promises. (02:29)
By joining the double-degree program and combining Darla Moore’s and ESSEC’s strengths, Millie gained a comprehensive education, practical experience, and a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. With that, she made her dreams of an international career come true.
If you’d like to learn more about the MIB program, reach out to an ambassador.
