As part of the Fall 2025 Meet the Manager series, powered by the Next in Management program, Franklin University Switzerland proudly welcomed alumna Marina Buraschi ’21 for an inspiring and forward-looking session. With a career that spans continents and includes work with some of the most prestigious names in the luxury industry, Marina returned to share her insights on luxury, entrepreneurship, and how to carve out a meaningful and purpose-driven career path.

Titled Designing a Path in the Luxury World, the event offered students a unique glimpse into Marina’s personal and professional journey, one that began at Franklin and has brought her full circle as she now prepares to launch her own business. Currently based in Lugano, Marina brings with her hands-on experience at Cartier, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, and Loro Piana, reflecting a versatile career across both luxury retail and hospitality sectors.

Marina began her career with an international internship in Dubai, where she was first introduced to the world of luxury hotels. That experience laid the foundation for her understanding of brand excellence and guest experience. From there, she transitioned into roles at globally recognized brands, opportunities she attributes not only to her passion but also to the connections she developed while earning her master’s degree at the Glion Institute of Higher Education.

During her talk, Marina emphasized that success in the luxury industry requires understanding it from several key angles:

  • Location: Global cities often present more opportunities. Choose where you want to grow.
     
  • Brand: Work with companies that resonate with your personal values and long-term goals.
     
  • Role: Look for roles that stretch your abilities and connect you directly with people.
     

She explained that this framework is useful not only for careers in luxury but for anyone entering the workforce. "You won’t always be able to have all three at once,” she noted. Her advice was to ask yourself: which one matters most to you right now? And start there. Your dream job likely won’t be the first one, but every step counts.

One of the most exciting moments of the session came when Marina revealed that she is in the final stages of launching her own company. Offering advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, she encouraged students to start small and take action:
 “Figure out what product you want to create, find your suppliers, and bring it to life. Don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ time, it may never come.” She spoke about the full process from idea to production, explaining how her values around heritage, craftsmanship, and luxury are shaping the brand she’s creating.

In response to student questions, particularly on navigating sales roles, Marina stressed the importance of staying focused on your long-term vision. “Treat every interaction as a learning opportunity,” she said, “and stay grounded in what drives you.”

Her final message was both practical and motivational: “Get involved, start something of your own, and take advantage of your time at Franklin. Whether it’s building your CV, founding a club, or reaching out to alumni, what you do here can shape where you go next.”

Marina Buraschi’s visit perfectly captured the essence of the Next in Management program, a dynamic initiative that empowers Franklin’s most promising student leaders to shape their academic environment and develop their leadership potential. From organizing impactful events to spearheading market research and digital projects, students involved in the program gain real-world experience while contributing meaningfully to campus life.

With support from experienced faculty mentors, participants emerge as confident, thoughtful, and globally-minded professionals, ready to follow in the footsteps of alumni like Marina. Her story is a reminder that the Franklin journey doesn’t end at graduation; it’s only just beginning.

Stay tuned for more events in the Meet the Manager series and discover how Franklin students and alumni are designing the future, one bold step at a time.

By: Vitória Gomes Araújo and Alexandria Fraser.