Andrea moved from Toronto, Ontario to study BSc Fashion Management at London College of Fashion. While studying she developed an interest in new technologies in fashion, which became the topic of her dissertation. Andrea is now using the knowledge and experience she gained at University of the Arts London (UAL) in her current role at Tulip Retail. Below, Andrea shares her tips for other Canadians wanting to study at UAL and tells us how having a global education has enriched her career.
Find out more about studying at UAL as a Canadian Student
You applied to UAL through our Country Manager, can you tell us a bit about why you chose this option and what did you find most helpful?
I chose to apply through the Country Manager because I wanted to have a more personalised application process. I felt that it would be extremely helpful to have someone on my side that was dedicated to Canadian applications only. The UAL Country Manager was able to give one-on-one support throughout the process. She was available to answer any specific questions about the application, the course and eventually the offer itself.
I would definitely recommend using the Country Manager if you are applying to UAL - they will guide you through the journey and ensure that you have all the necessary documents and information to apply.
Not to mention how attentive and supportive the Country Manager for Canada, Jess Gill, is. I am confident she will make you feel comfortable and prepared throughout the entire process.
After graduating you returned to Toronto and got a job with TJX Canada and have had multiple roles in your time there, Allocation Analyst and Business Planning Analyst. Can you tell us how your education helped you in your job?
The BSc (Hons) Fashion Management degree at London College of Fashion was a key point of differentiation for me in my job applications after I graduated. A global education in the fashion industry – especially a course that covered such a broad range of disciplines within fashion business – gave me an awareness of the industry as well as an understanding of how the different functions in retail companies work together.
I also completed the optional DiPS (Diploma in Professional Studies) placement year in between my second and third year of the program, where I worked full time at a fashion wholesale distributor. When I returned for my final year, I was able to apply my work experience to the concepts we were learning in class.
Your dissertation was about fashion and tech. Can you tell us given the changes in the fashion industry today, how should brands engage with technology?
Beyond e-commerce, fashion brands and the wider industry are having to respond quickly to technology. Especially when it comes to innovating processes and embracing new technologies that can help them better connect with customers and retail buyers. Some of these technologies include augmented reality, digital showrooms, hybrid in-person and online fashion show and fashion avatars. Now is the best time to remain flexible, trial strategies, and test developments in technology. In my research, one of the biggest findings was that fashion companies fail to recognise how data and technology should be ingrained in all the day-to-day processes within the company. This includes everything from concept design to allocation planning. Leveraging data effectively and implementing innovative technology can create operational efficiencies that help the bottom line.
You've recently landed a new role with Tulip Retail which brings together your interest in fashion and tech, can you tell us a little bit about your new role and what you're excited about?
Tulip Retail is an exciting retail technology company providing innovative solutions for retailers, especially to empower sales associates with the tools and data they need to create meaningful omnichannel experiences. As a representative on the Business Development team, I will be able to leverage my varied fashion and retail experience to find new business clients, helping them understand the value of the solutions we provide. I am really looking forward to applying the knowledge I've gained through the completion of my dissertation, the course content I have learned at UAL, and my work experience throughout the years (including during my DiPS placement year) to a role that will allow me to become a mediator between the retail and technology sides. In today's pandemic-era retail world, clienteling is particularly difficult, and Tulip Retail can provide solutions to help retailers continue to build connections with customers.
You're part of the Canadian alumni committee, why did you initially get involved in the community and what advice would you have for new graduates?
When I first moved back to Canada after graduating, I felt disconnected from the local fashion industry. I felt that while my programme covered the industry from a global perspective, it was still hard to relate to what was happening locally after being out of the country for a while. I was eager to connect with people within the industry as well as the greater creative community and decided being involved in the committee would be a great way to meet new people.
The connections we share within the UAL community have led and will continue to lead to new friends, new business ventures, new partnerships, or new jobs and careers.
My biggest advice to new graduates would be to build your network and surround yourself with like-minded individuals who will celebrate both your similar experiences as well as your unique backgrounds. We are so happy to welcome you to the UAL alumni community in Canada!
What advice would you have for Canadians applying to UAL— especially if their application doesn’t involve a portfolio?
I would say that you should make sure you understand the industry of your chosen programme or the industry that you want to work in. You won't know all the ins and outs, but a general awareness of what is happening within the industry will go a long way! With that, you'll also be able to tie that industry knowledge in with what makes you excited about the program you are applying to. This goes for both portfolio-based applications as well as non-portfolio based, but I think it is especially important to those applying to programs that don't involve a portfolio. I know this is cliché and you have probably heard it thousands of times, but be yourself! If you are truly interested, passionate, and enthusiastic about UAL and about the subject you are applying to, that will shine through! Your willingness to grow, learn, and explore your creativity (even in business courses!) is paramount.