Working in the fashion sector requires good business acumen. To be successful you will need to develop an understanding of what it takes to enter the industry and maintain a professional presence, whether you are working independently or as part of a larger organisation.

This module aims to provide you with the confidence and skills to pursue your chosen career path, and the opportunity to develop a package of evidence that will support your progression. It builds on your existing knowledge and understanding of roles and responsibilities within the sector acquired through other modules, particular Fashion Industry Ready. Additionally, it draws together evidence of your fashion expertise from practical modules across the course.

Your promotional package will be informed by a personal progression plan that outlines your career aspirations and the actions that will lead you towards this. You will think about how you want to present yourself to the industry, locally, nationally and internationally. This will include considering how you present yourself as a brand. It will lead to the compilation of a hard copy portfolio, a digital portfolio and the building of an appropriate online presence that promotes your skills and attributes, and demonstrates your focus and interests. You will learn about the ways a CV, personal statement and covering letter can make you stand out from the crowd, and you will experiment with the creation of these to convey your own skill set and articulate your aims. You will take part in presentations and interview simulations that will build your experience and confidence, so you are ready to promote yourself positively when called upon for internships and employment. The module will also provide insights into the principles of enterprise, entrepreneurship, business and promotion within the context of design practice, including through the use of social media.

This is your opportunity to really focus on your career aspirations and search for internships that you could take during the optional sandwich year and/or during the holidays, to gain valuable experience and further enhance your CV.

Assessment 1: Presentation (30%) (Learning Outcomes 3, 4)
An individual 8-10 minutes presentation to a panel, making use of appropriate visual aids, communicating your personal action plan in the context of your career aspirations.

Assessment 2: Portfolio (70%) (Learning outcomes 1 - 4)
A portfolio of self-promotional material comprising:
Hard copy fashion portfolio
Digital fashion portfolio
Evidence of self-promotion through an online presence
CV
Personal Statement
Covering letter

Formative assessment: Participation in interviews simulations and 1:1 tutorial to support practical development.

The module is delivered through a series of tutor led sessions, timetabled practical activities and independent study. Your Module Handbook will include a week-by-week summary of activities.

As such, the learning strategies will include, but are not limited to:
¿ Lectures and seminars
¿ Studio workshops ¿ such as CV and statement writing, practical work, portfolio development
¿ Interview and presentation simulations
¿ Discussions, peer evaluation and critiques
¿ 1:1 tutorials and progress reviews.

1. Consider critically the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment in specific roles, and exercise personal responsibility and decision-making when generating self-promotional materials.
Reflection

2. Recognise own strengths and limitations in relation to progression opportunities and personal ambitions, in order to plan for future development and self-promotion.
Learning

3. Appropriately engage with others in order to receive and convey information that will support your progression. Promote your skills and attributes in professional contexts, using verbal, visual and written formats.
Working with Others
Communication

4. Critically evaluate and integrate a wide range of media and methods when producing and presenting work that promotes your fashion prowess effectively across traditional and digital platforms.
Analysis

Adobe Design suite
University Library
University Careers Network
Word-processing facilities
Internet
Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment will support this module where relevant

Online Resources
http://www.artsthread.com/
http://www.fashionworkie.com/internships-work-placements/
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/
http://www.stylebubble.co.uk/

ANGEL, S. (2013) Fashion Designer's Resource. London: Bloomsbury
BROWN, C. (2010) Fashion & Textiles: The essential Careers Guide. London: Lawrence King
MEADOWS, T. (2012) How to Set Up & Run a Fashion Label. 2nd ed. London: Lawrence King
PAULINS, V, A and HILLERY, J, L. (2016) Guide to Fashion Career Planning. London: Bloomsbury
POSNER, H. (2015) Marketing Fashion: Strategy, Branding and Promotion. 2nd Ed. Laurence King Publishing