Adams Campus hosted their Fashion Futures Day on Monday 2 November, giving students a valuable opportunity to explore what comes next after college and gain first-hand insight into exciting and diverse opportunities available within the fashion industry.
Throughout the day, students heard from industry professionals and higher education experts including Holly Wild, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Design, Management and Communication at Sheffield Hallam University, Caroline Gurnett, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Design at De Montfort University, and Alastair Waite, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Management at Nottingham Trent University. Their sessions offered an honest and inspiring look at career journeys, industry expectations, and the many different routes into fashion and related sectors.
Aspiring Assistant Fashion Buyer Olivia, 16, who is studying Level 1 Fashion, said:
“Hearing from industry professionals has been really valuable. I found it helpful to hear about the different career paths people have taken and how their jobs have led them in unexpected directions.”
Level 2 Fashion student Grace, 17, added:
“It’s really inspiring to hear from people working in the industry. One of the speakers talked about their university journey, which made me think differently about my own future. Hearing about the opportunities available has encouraged me to consider options I hadn’t previously thought about.”
This event encouraged students to think beyond traditional design careers, including pathways in areas such as business, marketing, management and communications. Students also gained practical advice on developing the skills, experience and professional profiles needed to succeed in a competitive industry.
Alongside the guest talks, Nottingham College’s Careers Team delivered workshops focused on employability, including CV writing, LinkedIn profiles and career planning, helping students build confidence as they prepare for their next steps.
Andrea Davis, Curriculum Manager for Fashion at Nottingham College, said:
“Fashion Futures Day has been an incredibly positive experience for our students. The insights shared by our guest speakers, together with the support from our Careers Team, have helped students gain a clearer understanding of the opportunities available within the fashion industry and the steps they can take to achieve their goals. It was wonderful to see students actively engaging with speakers, building their confidence and developing a greater understanding of where their future could take them.”
By bringing together higher education providers, industry specialists and career experts, Fashion Futures Day helped students broaden their horizons, make informed decisions about their future, and better understand the opportunities available to them with the ever-evolving world of fashion. It was an inspiring and informative day which equipped students with valuable knowledge, advice and connections to support their future ambitions.