Research into Opportunities after Postgraduate Degree

6B2

In the summer I did some research into courses after my postgraduate degree. I originally got into the London Art Schools, however could not afford to go during the time. So I decided to do my masters after my postgraduate in London. In the summer 2018, I researched into different masters courses. These courses were: MA Fashion Communication at Central Saint Martins, open day for all courses at Chelsea College of Arts, and finally, a postgraduate diploma in visual communication. I originally got into the College of Communication and I really wish I took upon that opportunity.  

I decided to chose Fashion communication as I am interested in the link between fashion and graphic design. However, the course seemed very photography based, and aspected a vast amount of writing for the course. After speaking to the tutor, he suggested to go straight into industry rather than spending more money on studies. He stated how he felt I was ready to go straight into the industry and stated to maybe do a masters if I choose a different career path in the future. 

After this experience, this has encouraged me to gain work experience, as I feel it will be more beneficial compared to doing a masters. 

I then attended a careers appointment at my University. This did not go so well, as the career adviser stated that I will not be able to et a job in the fashion industry with my graphic design qualification. She also told me to send a WORD document to fashion agencies of my work experience in retail. This advice was not beneficial as I was not getting much luck for work placements. 

After speaking to my tutor about this bad experience, He suggested to get in touch with other graphic designers from fashion companies to get some advice. This was successful as I got a few responses. The first response was from the graphic designer from Mispap who studied Graphic Design at Leeds Arts University. 

I then got in touch with companies which would be my dream to work for such as Pretty Little Thing. The Pretty Little Thing graphic designer got back in touch with me, and gave me the most successful advice. 

I found this advice the most successful, as I decided to research into the link between fashion and graphic design to help develop a portfolio for work placements. She also gave me advice to create a more engaging CV in a PDF format. This advice was very beneficial to me in developing my practice further. 

I have also got in touch with Jameela Elfaki who is the founder of Azeema Mag. Azeema mag is a publication which empowers women of colour. 

Overall, networking with people in the industry that I wish to go in really reassured me in job roles out there. After developing a portfolio and an engaging CV (which will not be a word document) will really help in gaining experience in the companies I wish to work for. This has encouraged me as there are job roles out there. This has also encouraged me to create my own personal brand aswell.