The professional relationships that truly shape a career rarely begin with a simple exchange of contact details. They are built over time through conversations, shared experiences, and genuine connections.
In an industry like fashion, where creativity and collaboration go hand in hand, knowing how to build relationships is almost as important as talent itself. But how do you create a network that truly adds value?
Few people are better placed to answer that question than Susana Ibáñez, Head of Careers & Deputy Director at Vogue College of Fashion. After nearly four decades in the industry, from media agencies and her time at Condé Nast to her current role supporting students through internships and career development, she has seen firsthand that opportunities rarely come down to chance. More often than not, they stem from authentic connections established long before anyone needs something from the other person.
These are some of the lessons she shares with those just beginning their journey in the industry.
What is the most common mistake young professionals make when trying to grow their network?
A professional network is not simply a list of people and companies to collect and reach out to when we need something. At Vogue College of Fashion, we see networking as a relationship that students build throughout their academic and professional journey during the program, and continue to nurture long after it ends. It encompasses relationships with classmates, Vogue College of Fashion teams, faculty members, internship supervisors, and the professionals from leading companies who come to inspire and connect with them.
The biggest mistake is failing to make the most of those opportunities to start conversations, introduce themselves, exchange ideas on the topics being discussed, and leave a positive personal impression on the contacts they hope to develop a lasting relationship with.
How can an introvert network effectively?
At Vogue College of Fashion, we encourage an organic and natural approach to building relationships and connecting students with industry professionals.
Whether through classes taught by industry experts or networking-focused initiatives such as masterclasses and the Vogue Fashion & Beauty Career Forum, our goal is to create opportunities for meaningful interaction.
These initiatives, led by the Careers team, are designed to prepare students for their future careers. They provide spaces where students can express themselves, engage with employers, and build those first professional connections through inclusive and supportive networking experiences.
How has social media changed the way professional relationships are built in fashion?
Social media has undoubtedly transformed every industry, including fashion. However, we should never underestimate the power of building relationships in person. In academic and professional environments where competition is high and digital and social interactions are constant, meeting a guest speaker or professor face to face and having the opportunity to talk, debate ideas, or discuss class topics is invaluable.
The same applies to collaborating on group projects with fellow students, who will become future industry professionals, or interviewing with a talent manager visiting Vogue College of Fashion. None of these experiences can truly be compared to sending or receiving a message on social media. Social platforms are excellent for maintaining relationships, but creating them requires a different kind of connection and a different set of skills.
What has been the most important professional connection in your career?
Throughout my career, whether working in media agencies, serving as Marketing Director at Condé Nast, or now leading Internships and Careers at Vogue College of Fashion, maintaining the relationships I have built with managers, colleagues, clients, and students has been essential.
I cannot point to a single connection because all of them have become the most valuable asset I have cultivated over nearly forty years in the industry. Whenever I have needed an introduction, an idea, or a new opportunity, I have been able to reach out to the people I have supported, cared for, and invested in, knowing that if they could help, they would. And that has consistently been the case.
What have you learned about professional relationships after years of working in the industry?
I have learned that behind every professional is a person, and that professional relationships are built not only on work-related factors but also on empathy and genuine human connection. I have learned that building a strong professional network requires a sincere interest in others. It is not about having the largest number of contacts, but about cultivating meaningful relationships within your industry that are grounded in genuine mutual respect.
What is the best career advice you have ever received, and what would you share with those starting out today?
I cannot recall a particular piece of career advice that stands out, but the advice I have always given my students and everyone I have worked with is simple: above all, be a good person.
Being a great professional goes hand in hand with being a good person, and that is the most lasting impression anyone can leave.
Build the network that will define your future in fashion
Our master's programmes offer far more than academic training: they connect students with industry experts, top fashion brands, and a global community of professionals.
