Meet BSc (Hons) Fashion Management student Aishwarya
- Written byGeorgina Igoe
- Published date 10 July 2023
London College of Fashion (LCF) has two pre-degree courses for international students that offer a practical and theoretical introduction to the three areas of study we offer: fashion design, fashion media and fashion business. Both International Preparation for Fashion (Certificate in Higher Education) (IPF) and Level 3 International Introduction to the Study of Fashion (IISF) courses allow you to explore a range of areas across this vast industry.
We recently caught up with Aishwarya Kuthethoor, who prior to studying her current course BSc (Hons) Fashion Management, studied the International Introduction to the Study of Fashion.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and why you chose to study a Pre-Degree course at LCF?
I am an international student from Australia and decided to study a pre-degree course as I was interested in fashion photography, marketing and business but had never had any education or experience in these areas and therefore didn't know exactly what I wanted to do. I actually originally applied for an undergraduate in marketing at LCF but was guided in my interview to undertake a pre-degree course as my portfolio was heavily media based. I'm glad I did though because the course I do now (BSc (Hons) Fashion Management), is the perfect fit for me!
What led you to apply for your current course?
I noticed during my pre-degree that I enjoyed the business pathway more and did better in the business projects as well. I was good at research and brand building and my analytical skills fit the business pathway well, however, I was still unsure of what specifically in business I wanted to do so I chose Fashion Management to be able to do a bit of everything.
Can you tell us about a recent project, and what aspects of it you have enjoyed the most?
A project I have recently had to work on was an enterprise project. In this I was the Managing Director and, with my team, had to build a small business and create products to sell on Oxford Street. I loved how hands-on this project was and how UAL offers this kind of interactive learning in their degrees! I was able to sell from a business I had helped create in real life and learnt a lot about the processes it took to do so.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of doing a Pre-Degree course at LCF?
I would say it's a great choice if you love fashion but don't know exactly where in the industry you fit in. There are so many roles within fashion that I didn't even know about until I did my pre-degree course and it opened my eyes as to what my specific skills were and where I could create the most value in fashion. I would say go for it if you're not sure, or even if you just want a trial year of being in London, it's a great option with lots of support and fun things to learn!
What inspires you?
The city of London, I think. As someone who didn't grow up here, I'm constantly amazed about the fact that I get to live in London with so much culture and fashion around me on a daily basis. There's a lot to do here, both fashion and lifestyle-wise, and it's an incredible place to study.
What skills did you learn whilst studying the International Introduction to the Study of Fashion that you have been able to apply to your current course?
I've learnt a lot about the fashion industry in general, but I think the most important thing I took with me into my undergraduate was how to effectively research and apply innovative thinking into every task I do.
What are your plans for the next few years, and where do you want to see yourself professionally?
I will be undertaking an industry placement next academic year, so I look forward to being able to work and get the DiPS experience that UAL offers. After that I see myself graduating, staying in London and ideally working within a fashion company, although I'm still not sure where or what yet! I hope that my year in the industry and my final year will help me figure it out!
- Find out more about the International Introduction to the study of Fashion at LCF.
- Find out more about BSc (Hons) Fashion Management at LCF.
- View our upcoming Open Days.