MSc FASHION MANAGEMENT AS THE NEXT BIG STEP:

Growing up, I had been fascinated about how clothes, as transactional objects, could instill confidence and reflect how an individual feels. A lot of concepts flooding the market on a regular basis are what makes me tick all the time more so where design, branding, and business world intertwine.  This started off as a reason why I chose Fashion Management as the next big step in my career is for the blend of business and creativity both of which has been my passion. It is only after entering the industry did I come to know that fashion is not just about the glamor; it also covers the areas of culture, economy and ecology. Many things interest me in this Industry such as trend forecasters, consumer behaviors, and how one combines businesses with creativity. This program went with my desire to acquire both creative and strategic management skills useful for the management and marketing of fashion products. The emphasis on improved practices such as sustainable production and online retail matched my objectives.

WHY UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN?

I selected the University of Lincoln as a university that is known for high quality and professionally oriented programs. What I found interesting is that The University of Lincoln has an environment promoting creativity, but at the same time offering the best dedicated lecturers, updated facilities and good relations with businesses which made me believe this was the perfect place for my studies. Overall, the program aligns perfectly with my passion for fashion and my career aspirations in the industry.  

LINCOLN AS AN EXPERIENCE:

When I first arrived in Lincoln, the blend of historic charm and vibrant modernity struck me. It’s the picturesque streets that created a welcoming atmosphere that were lined with medieval architecture. Being someone who always was drawn to the beauty of the countryside, Lincoln instantly felt inviting. There were plenty of cafes and stores catering to the student community within campus. Overall the city provided a promising rich experience beyond academics with its cultural offerings from the castle and cathedral to museums to theaters. Additionally, the student services were very supportive, offering services that made me feel at ease and was comforting to know that help was readily available. Although my initial impressions were overwhelming, it set a promising tone for my journey ahead.

 The education system in India tends to be more structured and exam oriented but whereas the UK places emphasis on independent learning, research and critical thinking. What I found quite interesting while I was adapting to this shift is the freedom to explore topics in depth and approach them from different perspectives. Through the journey of 1 year, I truly enjoyed the open discussions in classrooms that only encouraged me to voice out my opinions and thoughts confidently which led me to create researched content for the assignments.

THE RIGHT BALANCE:

The right balance is always important. I always tried to make sure that I availed regular breaks and stayed active by participating in various extracurricular activities like events, workshops, student community activities etc. This kept me grounded helping prevent burnouts and the right engagement with friends allowed me to appreciate the value of being organized and maintain a good work life balance. This led me to win the International Personality of the Year award.

During my course, like any other student, I faced challenges with managing time considering the amount of assignments, course work and new concepts I had to adapt to. To overcome these challenges, I joined study groups, attended supporting workshops, and took guidance from professors which in turn provided me clarity and support. This course over time pushed me out of my comfort zone, enhanced my leadership qualities, communication and critical thinking skills. Additionally I learnt topics like trend forecasting, consumer behavior analysis and various fashion practices from high street fashion to sustainable practices which advanced my expertise in the fashion industry.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, for prospective candidates, I would advise them to build strong relationships with faculties to leverage the program. Studying at University of Lincoln helped me transform myself and grow personally and professionally and has helped me explore several career opportunities in this dynamic fashion world. Now as I work at JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore, I can’t help but appreciate the education and opportunities I have received that have only helped me get an opportunity to work at the Institute and add value to the job from all the exposure I have received.  Ultimately it depends on individual goals and preferences, but every student at one point must consider a chance at studying abroad for better exposure and opportunities personally and professionally.