The LCFBA14 Employability tweetchat. Photo: Iris Bjork, BA (Hons) Fashion Styling and Photography.
This summer season, the Class of 2014 have proven that they’ve got creative talent, fresh ideas and a determination to succeed but what happens next? How can they make their ambitions a reality in the fashion industry?
@LCFLondon and @LCFCareers discussed exactly that with top recruiters and LCF alumni who have already made those crucial steps into the industry. Here’s what we discovered…
How do you secure that first big role?
Recruiters were hot on the topic of giving that all essential advice for landing your first role:
@LCFLondon Research the company! Often people turn up unprepared and it become very apparent, very quickly #LCFBA14
— Harrods Careers (@HarrodsCareers) July 2, 2014
@LCFLondon #LCFBA14 Show you know the company, mention things that they have done, be positive and smile, even if your panicking inside 🙂
— UK Fashion Intern (@ukfashionintern) July 2, 2014
@LCFLondon Love fashion and be individual. Our #Facebook videos are full of great advice: http://t.co/6CsBGKmAP9 #LCFBA14
— Arcadia FutureTalent (@Arcadia_Talent) July 2, 2014
LCF students have the chance to be involved in lots of schemes via LCF Careers which help them to secure placements, work experience and paid internships, as well as get coaching from industry mentors. Alumni spoke about the importance of these opportunities and making the most of them whilst studying in order to enter the industry with a better sense of what you want to do and how to achieve it:
@LCFLondon @LCFCareers Get as much industry experience as poss while you are still studying – intern, PT work and summer jobs #LCFBA14
— Babette Radclyffe-T (@chicstranger) July 2, 2014
How to network and use social media:
One thing was very clear from the recruiters and graduate employability experts: Use social media to get yourself known and to make contact with the companies and people you aspire to work with.
@LCFLondon @Linzi_Boyd start building your personal brand ASAP – it's how you want to be seen by your employers & peers #LCFBA14
— Upper Street (@UpperStreetShoe) July 2, 2014
@LCFLondon Absolutely! Your own personal brand is knowing what you are – and what you are not. Having a consistent tone of voice #LCFBA14
— Linzi Boyd (@Linzi_Boyd) July 2, 2014
@LCFLondon @LCFCareers after finding a candidate I'll then,where possible, checkout their Facebook Twitter and Instagram accounts. #LCFBA14
— Toby Meadows (@MeadowsToby) July 2, 2014
However, you want to be using social media to your advantage – not disadvantage! The recruiters spoke about what they look for, and what they fear discovering:
@LCFCareers #LCFBA14 Social media posts stating that they hate their job… going to bunk off work etc seems obvious not to do it
— UK Fashion Intern (@ukfashionintern) July 2, 2014
There was also advice on how to network with those around you – not just via a screen:
@HarrodsCareers @LCFLondon @UpperStreetShoe @LCFCareers @CFE_London Don't overlook your peers as people to network with too #LCFBA14
— Libby Page (@LibbyLovePink) July 2, 2014
How do you launch your own enterprise, and when’s best to do it?
LCF alumni provided loads of inspiring ideas as to why and how to launch your own enterprise or label. They spoke about how exciting, but also how challenging it is to be your own boss, and gave some top tips:
@LCFLondon @MDMflow market research-know your market & keep on top of it as it changes! Cashflow, enthusiasm, self belief #LCFBA14
— Squid (@SquidLondon) July 2, 2014
@LCFLondon Building your own brand makes you stand out. Copying big brands won't work. Your selling point: you are new/young/independent
— Nassia (@nassia__) July 2, 2014
There was debate over whether to work in the industry before you launch an enterprise, or whether to build your own thing from the very start:
https://twitter.com/MDMflow/statuses/484306677651763200
Started by 4 @LCFLondon Grads, @HTHT_shopstudio are using the skills learnt at uni to lead the field in #sustainable #fashion….
— CSF (@sustfash) July 2, 2014
They also discussed freelancing:
.@LCFLondon #LCFBA14 get good advice on invoicing and chasing up payment. Network with other Freelancers so that you can share experience
— UK Fashion Intern (@ukfashionintern) July 2, 2014
At UAL, Student Enterprise and Employability (SEE) supports students to launch their own enterprises.
Some final words of advice
Recruiters and alumni shared their final words of inspiration and advice. It seems that the future contains promise for the Class of 2014…
@LCFLondon @SquidLondon @LCFCareers @ukfashionintern Let your passion, knowledge and determination come through #LCFBA14
— Harrods Careers (@HarrodsCareers) July 2, 2014
RT @KasiaMajewska via @SkillsetSSC Employment in Creative Industry grows 5 times rate of wider UK economy http://t.co/lrK14nxorY #LCFBA14
— LCFLondon (@LCFLondon) July 2, 2014
Found the @LCFLondon #tweetchat really useful. Time to take all the advice on board,graduate and get a career! #LCFBA14
— Jade Lydia (@jadelydia) July 2, 2014