LCF Grad Futures: How I became a Trend Specialist at WGSN

This session is only for London College of Fashion students and graduates. It is aligned to your Graduate Futures careers and employability journey.

Curious about a career in trend forecasting? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Mikela Alvarado Oliva an LCF graduate of MSc Applied Psychology in Fashion now working as a Trend Specialist at WGSN, the world's leading consumer trend forecasting and market intelligence company.

Hear first-hand about her career journey from graduate to industry professional, the skills and experience that helped them stand out, and what it's really like to work in trend forecasting. Learn how trends are identified, analysed and translated into commercial insights that influence the fashion, beauty and lifestyle industries.

Whether you're interested in forecasting, research, strategy, marketing or creative direction, this session will provide valuable industry insight, practical career advice and the opportunity to ask questions about breaking into this exciting field.

Speakers

• Melanie Mitchell FHEA, Graduate Futures Consultant (Careers): With over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry, Melanie began her career as a Buyer, creating commercial product ranges before progressing to Head of Buying, driving strategy and business growth. She later led large-scale recruitment teams and talent acquisition projects, partnering with some of the world's leading brands. Today, she brings this unique blend of experience to LCF, working to bridge the gap between education and employment. A Fellow of Advance HE (FHEA), Melanie combines her commercial experience with evidence-informed careers practice to help students and graduates build confidence, develop employability skills and make informed career decisions. Passionate about connecting talent with opportunity, she is dedicated to helping the next generation recognise their potential, communicate their value, and build meaningful careers in fashion and the creative industries.
• Mikela Alvarado Oliva, Trend Specialist at WGSN: With a background spanning psychology, fashion and trend research, Mikela brings a unique perspective to understanding the relationship between people, culture and the fashion industry. Mikela graduated with an MSc in Applied Psychology in Fashion from the London College of Fashion, UAL, following a bachelor’s degree in Psychology in her home country of Peru. She is trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and currently works as a Trend Specialist at WGSN.
  
  With experience across research, HR, psychotherapy and fashion styling, Mikela’s understanding of trend intelligence is layered with psychological theory. Her approach to discussing strategy and forecasting with clients draws from a multi-disciplinary perspective, also focusing on deepening client relationships across industries.

Useful resources

In this webinar, you will develop the key skills of connectivity, proactivity, storytelling, and curiosity as defined by the UAL Creative Attributes Framework (My_CAF). Before attending this activity, we suggest you:

• Check out the Graduate Futures Moodle page, (or for alumni the Graduate Futures Leavers Pack), which is filled with resources, learning guides, and podcasts.
• Students should explore the Graduate Futures Careers Padlet, where you’ll find a collection of resources, links, and tips designed to help you build confidence, and grow your employability skills.

If there are any barriers to your participation in this event or you have access requirements you wish to discuss, please contact graduate.futures@fashion.arts.ac.uk in advance, we'd be happy to talk with you. If you can't sign-up as the tickets have run out or expired, please email and see if you are still able to attend.

Image credit: Zoe Zanon Rives watching the colour chart in the studio, 2020 PGCert Fashion Buying and Merchandising, London College of Fashion, UAL | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson