I chose the Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising course at Kangan because it had such a presence in the sustainability area. I had attended the ‘Ecoluxe’ runway the year before and so was impressed and wanted to learn all about sustainable fashion.
This course has impacted me immensely. Before studying I didn’t really know where my career was headed. I had always wanted a career in fashion but this was never attainable. Through studying this course many doors opened up. Not only did I discover my passion and true calling to be a fashion designer but I managed to get two jobs in fashion which I am ecstatic about. The units I studied covered all areas of the fashion industry from the business side to creative side which gave me valuable industry knowledge and confidence to step out into the fashion industry.
I think I work well in teams. Whenever there is a group assignment I always ensure each students’ opinion are heard. My positive traits are that I have a friendly and welcoming persona and I’m always willing to help students when they need help or need something clarified for example if English wasn’t their first language. I have done this for a few students and have also taken time outside of class hours to help a student with their assignment.
Currently I am a casual at both of my jobs as I am just starting out in the fashion industry. However, at my previous job before studying my diploma and advanced diploma, I was a full-time store manager at a retail company. This required me not only to be a role model for my team but to also train and inspire them to deliver excellent KPI results everyday. I understood that my team consisted of many different personalities and learning styles so I had to personalize my training and coaching to each one in a way that would benefit them best.As a result, my store was always within the top 5 nationally for KPIs.
I believe I would be a good ambassador for Kangan in the same way I was a good leader to my team. To have done well in this course I had to be hard-working, organized and driven and I would like to inspire students to have the same attitude and to not give up when circumstances get difficult. In addition, I am an example of someone who chose to come back 9 years after high school to study again to get her dream job so I believe I would empower many people and show them that it’s not too late to follow your dreams or change your career path.
The reason why I didn’t study fashion after high school was because I was scared I wasn’t going to be good enough as a designer so this course itself was a personal challenge. Through every assignment, I became more and more confident in myself and after realizing this was my true calling I became even more determined and driven to excel. Learning while in lockdown proved to be another challenge but I devised a plan to work bit by bit to achieve my goal without overwhelming myself.
I am the type of person to go above and beyond in my work, study and personal life. My assessments consist of more than just the minimum required and I’m always looking for ways I can improve. This is the kind of quality and attitude that I have for myself and that I bring to any workplace.
