Meet MA Strategic Fashion Marketing (Online) student Lois
- Written byTino Matienga
- Published date 15 March 2023
MA Strategic Fashion Marketing (Online) is a new, specialist online course that has been developed with a global view on the fast-changing fashion industry, indulging students in active industry projects with academic rigour creating new skills in research, theoretical application and digital communications. Want to know what your day might look like on the course? We caught up with current student, Lois Gilbert to tell us more.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and why you chose the MA Strategic Fashion Marketing (Online) course?
I'm a MA Strategic Fashion Marketing Online (SFM online) student who's come from an undergraduate degree in Art History. I chose this course because of the cutting-edge approach UAL takes to fashion marketing and the future of the industry. This is the course to take if you're ready to be tested and challenged in the most inspirational and motivational way possible!
Can you tell us about a project you have worked or are working on, and what aspects you enjoyed the most?
One of my favorite projects we've worked on involved choosing a fashion rental subscription service and proposing strategic recommendations to help reduce churn and increase customer retention. I loved the group work aspect of this task; it was so inspiring to hear everyone's ideas and very rewarding seeing the project culminate with our final presentation.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of applying to MA Strategic Fashion Marketing (Online)?
If I was to give advice to a prospective SFM online student, I would say to demonstrate your genuine love and curiosity for fashion, bringing in what you've done outside your undergraduate degree to strengthen your knowledge of the industry. Write your personal statement with conviction and think outside of the box for ways to stand out against other applicants. Make sure to show the tutors why you have a unique aptitude to study here, and how much you love independent self-directed study!
What inspires you?
I am inspired by being surrounded by like-minded fashion-forward people, seeing and celebrating their successes in the industry only motivates me further to want to get ahead and put my own stamp on the ever-changing world of fashion.
What skills have you learned on MA Strategic Fashion Marketing (Online) that you have been able to practice outside of London College of Fashion?
Since starting the SFM online course, I have put my newly expanded knowledge of marketing strategy, theory and models to work in various ventures. Most recently these skills have informed the basis of my professional portfolio that I present to potential clients when applying for creative roles. Ultimately, the skills I have developed throughout my time already on this course have set me up for success in the professional fashion world greatly.
What are your plans for the next few years, and where do you want to see yourself professionally?
In the next few years, I see myself working in luxury marketing, communications or PR, ideally in London, being challenged and inspired on a day-to-day basis. Or perhaps focusing on consulting with brands to help build their individual identities, as our module 'Brand Management and Consumer Insights' has been so interesting to me!
Have you had interactions with fashion industry links, if so, how?
So far, we have had the pleasure of networking with various industry professionals, one of the most humbling experiences was when we, as a cohort, were tasked with proposing strategies to address product requirements and retail strategies for a footwear product developer that works with brands such as ASOS and Kurt Geiger. The product developer liked our final project so much that she presented it to buyers at ASOS the next week, it was very exciting!