Mentorship Stories from Cohort 5
Mentorship Stories from Cohort 5
Embarking on our emerging mentoring programme opens a unique gateway into the fashion industry, led by industry professionals who have navigated its every nuance. As we open applications for cohort 7, we take a moment to reflect on the transformative experiences of Bushra, Ina, and Rose from cohort 5. Their tales of personal and professional development during their time in our program highlight the incredible potential of targeted mentorship, illustrating how it can uncover opportunities beyond your imagination.
If you’re contemplating joining cohort 7, the journeys of these previous mentees, as demonstrated by the experiences of Bushra and Rose, may offer the shift in perspective you’re looking for. A key highlight is our dedication to providing not just mentorship but also real career advancement opportunities, including securing paid placements from prestigious brands like ASOS, Hugo Boss, Deckers, Fred Perry, Dunhill, and more. Delving into the details of their journeys, we invite you to consider how joining the Fashion Minority Report’s mentorship program could be a pivotal step in your own fashion career—an opportunity for learning, growing, and actively participating in the industry, armed with knowledge, experience, and connections that can truly make a difference.
Bushra Mahmood: “Stepping into the Fashion Minority Report’s internship oppertunity felt like navigating through a fog post-university. I was packed with theoretical knowledge but unsure about its practical application. Landing this position seemed like striking gold—I was eager for an opportunity that could link my academic learning to real-world experience, while I was still figuring out my career path.
In the beginning, my role was heavily focused on absorbing information about the brands and the business side of things. It was less about doing and more about understanding, laying the groundwork for what was to come. As time passed, I found myself involved in more dynamic tasks, from planning events to collaborating with the marketing team on projects. A highlight for me was presenting in team meetings. Initially, the thought was intimidating, but it quickly became a valuable opportunity to boost my confidence and hone my public speaking skills.
This entire experience turned out to be much more than the administrative role I anticipated. It was an immersive journey into the company’s operations, teaching me a lot and leaving me thankful for the hands-on experience.
Throughout this time, I developed a broad range of skills, particularly in understanding the commercial aspects of the business—a new area for me. This wasn’t just another job; it was a significant leap forward, expanding my skill set in ways I hadn’t imagined.”
Ina Hiew: “I entered this program with hopes of immersing myself in the fashion industry, eager to learn its inner workings alongside like-minded individuals. What I received in return was a mentorship that reshaped my approach to my career, offering both a morale boost and strategic insights to navigate the competitive landscape of fashion.
I had previously faced challenges such as not feeling acknowledged for my efforts and the difficulties of job hunting as a minority in the industry. My mentor played a crucial role, transforming these challenges into opportunities for growth, improving my confidence, and teaching me how to make my contributions known.
Applying the insights and skills from my mentorship was transformative, especially in professional settings like interviews and client interactions. It’s set me on a path towards big dreams—like launching my own remote print textile studio.
I’ve become an advocate for this mentorship program, encouraging my circle to seize this opportunity. It’s more than just connecting with creative individuals; it’s about personal and professional growth, bringing dreams within reach.”
Rose Nepthys: “I was drawn to the Fashion Minority Report’s internship to merge my digital skills with my interest in fashion and pinpoint where I could excel. My mentor was fantastic, pushing me to explore new avenues like design and product development, even when they felt out of reach.
Initially, I expected to be an observer, hoping to catch a glimpse of the fashion industry in motion. Instead, I was thrust into the mix, involved in design and branding projects that allowed me to contribute my ideas. The experience shattered my preconceived notions of what an internship would be like, offering a supportive, creative, and impactful learning environment.
This role provided me with a comprehensive look at garment development, market analysis, and the importance of sustainability and social responsibility in fashion. It’s been an invaluable lesson in creative leadership, offering insights into creativity, branding, and the intricate dance of fashion’s various facets. This journey has not only enriched my professional development but has also solidified my aspirations in the fashion industry.”
