How can I stand out when applying for marketing internships at luxury and beauty brands?

I’m a senior at Baruch College majoring in Marketing (3.95 GPA), concentrating in luxury branding and social media strategy. I graduate in December 2027 and I’m applying for Summer 2027 marketing internships at companies like Estée Lauder, L’Oréal, LVMH, and Hermès.

I’ve interned at Capri Holdings on Michael Kors social media campaigns, worked in hospitality marketing in Italy and Saudi Arabia, and earned the Inside LVMH certificate. I currently do social media marketing for a growing startup. My long-term goal is to become a marketing manager at a beauty company while building my own drink brand.

What helps candidates stand out for these roles? Should I build a portfolio, focus on networking, or learn specific tools like GA4 or Figma? I’d also love advice on how to turn informational chats with employees into referrals.