Why did you decide to enroll in Vogue Online Essentials?

I had a strong interest in gaining a deeper understanding of the fashion industry, so I started searching the web for any fashion-related courses that I could complete. During my final year of high school, I discovered Vogue College of Fashion. Vogue is a powerful name in the fashion industry, so I was immediately intrigued—especially by the school’s pre-college Vogue Online Essentials option. Studying online from my home in California meant that I could immerse myself in a topic I was passionate about without having to fly to New York. Enrolling also allowed me to develop a solid foundation for beginning my studies as a business administration major at college the following semester, and ultimately for pursuing a career in the fashion industry.

Which course(s) did you enroll in and why?

I enrolled in the Fashion Business Essentials course, and my instructor was Tom Vino. Out of the three courses I was able to choose from, I felt that fashion business was the best fit for my educational and career goals. I knew I’d be majoring in business administration once I started college the following semester, and I had a general plan to focus on a branch of business. However, I hadn’t found my niche and wanted to gain exposure to the type of work I’d be doing on a more specific path. The Fashion Business Essentials course description mentioned marketing, PR and branding, as well as assignments like market research, case studies and a business proposal. Exploring all of these areas of business and applying them to the fashion industry felt like the perfect way to help me discover my strengths and shape my future plans.

What was your experience like participating in the course?

My experience participating in Vogue Online Essentials was very positive. My peers and I got to introduce ourselves, which gave me the opportunity to meet people with interests similar to mine. Even though we were all completing the course from different parts of the world, I felt connected to everyone from the start. Most lectures were video-based and featured key figures from the College or influential people in the fashion industry, and it was great to learn from them. My assignments helped me discover what it takes to develop a fashion business from scratch. From identifying my business’ competitors to developing a social media marketing strategy, I gained valuable insight into the many branches of business. I was able to explore my strengths and interests, which will be helpful for my future. My instructor always left constructive feedback that allowed me to keep growing. As a result, I designed a functioning business, cohesive pitch deck and proposal with confidence by the end of the course.

Can you share an example of an assignment that you particularly enjoyed?

One assignment that stood out to me was my final project. I was tasked with creating a business plan for the fashion brand that I worked to create throughout the course. Before starting my final project, all of the details surrounding my business had been submitted separately as I moved through the modules. When it was time to create my business plan, my brand’s mission, values and marketing strategy came together like pieces of a puzzle. Additionally, the project challenged me to plan a realistic financial budget, complete with details like employee wages and forecasted profits. The process of putting all of my work into one final document helped me to see my business in a new light. It felt like a fully developed system, with each branch playing an active role in bringing my agency success.

How did you interact with your classmates and instructor during the course? What was that like?

Most of the assignments that my classmates and I submitted were under ‘Discussion’ tabs on Canvas. This meant that we could reply to each other’s work as we moved through the modules. My peers and I got to watch each other’s businesses take shape in real time, since we had the opportunity to ask questions, compliment each other’s strengths and give useful advice that helped us learn and grow. As we moved through the course, frequent discussions helped everyone create an online community built on mutual support. Interacting with my instructor was always incredibly helpful. He gave feedback that was positive, thoughtful and constructive, and answered any questions I had in a timely manner. I felt that he truly wanted to see me and my classmates succeed, which motivated me to complete each task with purpose.

How did your experience at Vogue Online Essentials influence your perspective on your future studies or career path?

My experience at Vogue Online Essentials gave me a clearer picture of what it will be like to major in business administration at college. Developing all of the aspects of my own fashion business gave me the chance to deep dive into topics like marketing, PR, finance and branding. I gained valuable knowledge in my area of study while discovering where my strengths and interests lie. Further, I learned the importance of connectedness among the many branches of business. A company must function as a unit, with each area communicating and working together, in order to see results. By the end of the course, I decided that I’ll be focusing my major in marketing and set a goal to ultimately work as a fashion marketing manager. That way, I can apply my skills in a field that I’m passionate about while making a positive impact.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about enrolling in Vogue Online Essentials?

Go for it and go into the course with an open mindset. If you’re serious about pursuing a career in the fashion industry, Vogue Online Essentials offers a variety of course topics that act as the perfect introduction to what it would be like to continue down that path. The assignments expose you to the wide variety of fields within the fashion industry, some of which may be totally new to you. This provides you with the opportunity to find your calling. However, to discover your strengths, you have to go into the course with an eagerness to learn. Be open to growth, push yourself and give each task your best shot. It’s the best way to get the most out of the experience and to take what you learn into a career in fashion that brings you happiness and success.

Discover online courses designed exclusively for high school students interested in college and career opportunities in the global fashion industry.