Diary of a Fashion School Student: Conclusion
Over the last few months, I have been sharing my experiences about what it’s like to attend fashion school. I’ve dished on what to wear to fashion school, college life in Los Angeles, the application process, my favorite classes, student housing and having a dog at college, fashion school majors, and the perks of attending FIDM above other schools, among many other topics. By sharing my knowledge of a nontraditional education, I hope I have answered some of your questions. Thanks to everyone for all the comments, emails and discussions!
As I write this, I am in the midst of a hectic finals week. Although it seems extremely late to be stressing over final exams, FIDM is on the quarter system, whereas most normal colleges use semesters. For my AA degree, I must complete six quarters of full-time school, or a year and a half straight through. I began in July of 2010 and will graduate college in December 2011 at 19 years old. My sister, a 27 year old working on her Ph. D., and my brother, who is 25 and in a Baccalaureate nursing program, laugh at how I’ll be finished so quickly. I think they are jealous.
As for what I’ll do once I graduate in December, I’m not sure yet. Every job in this industry is determined by internships and networking. I am searching for internships while in school, but I’d be lying to you if I claimed it was easy to find work. The Career Center at FIDM has been extraordinarily helpful with providing me with contacts at magazines, but it seems almost every publication has already secured their summer interns, an awkward situation for FIDM students who aren’t allowed internships for course credit until their fifth quarter (mine begins mid-July). Despite this frustrating situation, I’m not allowing myself to stress over it – I know that things will fall into place like they always do.
My goals have certainly changed over the past year. When I first arrived at The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, I had my heart set on being a buyer or boutique owner. But as I evolved over time, my dreams of being a buyer dissipated. I learned that the job was practically all math and little creativity, so I continued searching for a career that fit me better. My heart is currently set on fashion journalism or trend forecasting.
In retrospect, I now see that Visual Communications would have been a more appropriate major for me. It is much more creative and hands-on than my math-based major, Merchandise Marketing. But I have learned so much from my major, I can’t call it a mistake. In fact, I don’t really believe in mistakes. My major choice will lead me somewhere and it will never be wrong.
Overall, I still feel that The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising has been the perfect college for me. I’ve had so many fantastic opportunities and experiences here that wouldn’t have been available at another school. I have met incredible people, listened to amazing lectures and enjoyed the fast-paced LA lifestyle. FIDM has prepared me for my future in fashion and I now feel confident going into interviews and pursuing a career in this industry.
I know that things will continue to shift; internships will be found, jobs will come and go, I’ll move to New York or Paris or Chicago and stumble upon new opportunities. I still have absolutely no idea where my future will lead me, which I find to be exhilarating. I now know that life – and the fashion industry - is going to be whatever I make it.
Questions? Comments?
Now that I’ve finished this series, I want to know what you thought: Did you find my Fashion Student Diary helpful? Did it teach you anything you didn’t already know? Leave a comment and let me know. Also, if you have any questions, feel free to ask!
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Posted on on June 24, 2011 / Filed Under: College Life / Tags: Diary of a Fashion School Student, Fashion School, FIDM, Los Angeles
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Emma D
Congratulations!
I have been reading your series, and it seems like you don’t regret anything from your FIDM experience.
Best of luck in the future, and I’m sure you’ll be spectacular in the real world :D
Sade
Great post !!!
I’m a media student and share your faith in terms of getting an internship.I graduate next year 2012.Life is truly what you make it and I strongly believe if you speak positively into your life eventually only great things will come your way.XOXO good luck with everything <3
Ariel
I stopped dreaming of becoming a fashion designer when I was 13 and realized that I’d much rather be an Egyptologist – which has since transformed into Archaeologist; but your post really hit home. No matter what I end up becoming, the philosophy you have about your future is definitely something I’d like to share. Thanks :)
Anne
Best of luck!
Ange
I wish you the best! Congratulations!
Nessa N
I just discovered the series & just read all the posts. I’m earning a bachelor’s degree in Communication, but I’m really passionate about working in fashion.
FIDM has definitely come across my mind because of its relevance to the career. I’m still trying to figure out how to work it in.
I also moved to LA this summer to do an internship and really relate to your stories. Very helpful.
Thanks
Allyson
Cait, I am sad to see this series end. I have loved it. You are incredible, as we all know and everything will be fantastic. You are definitely a great resource and role model to all. xoxo
Tarynn
Even if someone has absolutely no interest in fashion or fashion school, this post is still great and so uplifting. Everything does eventually fall into place and it’s hard to say that anything was wrong in the grand scheme of things. Thanks for sharing this post and good luck on finals AND the rest of your career!
Aria
i have been SUCH a big fan of this series!! i want to wish you the best of luck in the future!! :)
shay monet
thank you so much for sharing this with us! i loved this series and it was really inspiring. best of luck! :)
Cristina
I love your positive attitude. Good luck!
Tatiana
I just want to say I’ve really enjoyed reading your blogs about your experience at FIDM. I recently just got accepted and plan on attending in July 2012 for visual communications. Your diary really makes me excited to attend and now I have a feel for what the school will be like. Thanks! Hope to see you on campus someday!