First-year student's guide to starting a Fashion Marketing career

Choosing the right field of study is a huge decision, especially in the dynamic creative field. For Kristin-Louise Overall, the decision to pursue a Bachelor of Fashion Marketing and Enterprise was inspired by a childhood fascination with the fashion world, sparked by the iconic film The Devil Wears Prada.

“Ever since I watched The Devil Wears Prada as a little girl, I’ve been captivated by the fashion industry – particularly by the character Miranda Priestly, who inspired me with her confidence and drive,” Kristin recalls.

Kristin has always seen a future where she could thrive in fashion.

“From a young age, I’ve envisioned myself waking up every day excited to go to work, and I believe a career in fashion is the key to turning that vision into reality.”

Fashion marketing felt like the perfect path to that future, and her decision to pursue a career in the industry was solidified by her experience at Billy Blue College of Design.

“The structure and support provided by Torrens University has made all the difference. This experience has reaffirmed my passion for fashion and my decision to pursue this exciting path,” Kristin says.

Moving from Melbourne to rural NSW

Kristin initially started her studies full-time on campus in Melbourne but made the move to rural NSW later in 2024. Due to this move, she transitioned to online learning.

“The transition was seamless, thanks to the supportive lecturers and well-structured subjects,” Kristin says.

“The lecturers are incredibly hands-on and always willing to help, making the online learning experience just as engaging and rewarding as being on campus.”

At Billy Blue, all of our Design degrees are offered online, with most also available on campus across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

This flexibility allows students like Kristin to continue their studies uninterrupted, regardless of where they are based. This support, combined with the strong community of students and faculty, has ensured that Kristin has felt connected and engaged every step of the way.

Challenges in the first year of studies 

Like many students, Kristin faced challenges during her first year, particularly with procrastination.

“Balancing assignments, projects and personal life wasn’t always easy,” Kristin admits.

However, she overcame this challenge with the help of university resources. Kristin says student coaching and the study success workshops that the university provides were crucial in helping her stay focused and on top of her study load and goals.

“I was able to overcome procrastination by taking advantage of the resources the university provides.”

Highlights of the first year as a student

Kristin was one of the successful Vogue Australia Design Scholarship recipients, which granted her access to exclusive events and networking opportunities, such as the Vogue Codes Con event at Sydney’s Design campus.

This event gave Kristin the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, further fueling her passion for fashion marketing.

Kristin networking at Vogue Codes Con event.

“It was an incredible experience that not only inspired me but also reinforced that I am on the right path in pursuing a career in fashion,” she says.

Another highlight Kristin mentions is the flexibility of her course. Living in a rural area, she was initially worried that online learning might limit her experience and she was thrilled that wasn’t the case.

“The online classes are highly informative and practical, ensuring I can fully engage with the course content no matter where I am,” she explains.

The ability to study on her own schedule while having access to high-quality materials has been a reassuring and valuable aspect for her.

What’s next?

As Kristin looks ahead to her second year, she’s most excited about the hands-on aspects of the course.

“One of the things I love about Billy Blue and Torrens University is their strong industry connections,” she says. “I can’t wait to take advantage of those opportunities to work with real businesses and apply what I’ve learned. Gaining hands-on experience is exactly what I need to take my learning to the next level.”