The LCF Careers Fair is taking place on Wednesday 4 June 10am - 4pm. The Fair will see Graduate Futures hosting 16 brands and companies in East Bank, all ready to meet our future LCF talent. Being prepared is the best way to make a good impression and stand out.
We caught up with Melanie Mitchell, Graduate Futures Careers Consultant, who’s wealth of experience as a Buyer, Headhunter and now Consultant, gives her the inside knowledge of what these companies are looking for in a new hire. Melanie has worked with a number of brands including Christian Louboutin, Vivienne Westwood, AllSaints, Threads Styling and Sweaty Betty on projects relating to talent acquisition and executive search. She is passionate about helping to build both brands and careers through putting the right people, in the right place, at the right time.
Hear Melanie’s industry expertise for the next generation of LCF students and graduates looking to pursue careers in fashion, making the most of the Careers Fair and maximising the experience!
Standing out and making a good impression can feel daunting when you know companies will be meeting so many people at the LCF Careers Fair. How can our students prepare in advance?
You're absolutely right - our careers fairs are busy and fast-paced, and it’s perfectly normal to feel nervous on the day. However, a little pre-prep goes a long way in making a confident and lasting first impression on a potential employer!
Do your research:
Review our list of employers attending the fair and shortlist the ones that align with your interests, these will be the ones you’ll want to see first. Look at their recent projects, values, and job/internship openings. What’s exciting about them? What sets them apart?
Plan some questions you might like to ask, e.g. “How do you support graduate talent?” or “What kind of qualities or skills do you look for in graduates?”
Tell me about yourself!
Recruiters will be super keen to talk to you at the careers fair but perfecting your “elevator pitch” and practicing it by saying it out loud a few times will help you keep it more natural on the day. Keep it simple.
Tailor your CV:
Make sure it reflects the roles or companies you’re most interested in and showcases your key skills. Include relevant projects, placements, internships and/or freelance work. Check spelling and grammar! Bring multiple copies with you on the day of the careers fair!
Recruiters will be busy on the day but If relevant, have an edit of your portfolio ready on a tablet or laptop—or even a printed lookbook that you can leave with your CV.
Set yourself a SMART goal for the day of the careers fair:
Perhaps how many employers you want to speak to? Number of new contacts you’d like to make and convert to LinkedIn connections? On that note, after the careers fair, message any new contacts via LinkedIn or email to thank them and express your interest in their company. Perhaps even mention something you spoke about to jog their memory.
What can graduates expect from the world of employment as they enter the industry?
Graduates entering the fashion and creative industries can expect a landscape that is dynamic, fast-evolving, and full of opportunity for both professional and personal development. Graduates will be stepping into an industry shaped by digital transformation and sustainability as AI, 3D design, e-commerce, and social media reshape creative roles and companies are increasingly held accountable for environmental and ethical practices.
Non-linear career paths (squiggly careers) will become the norm. Learning on the job and refining expertise over time perhaps pivoting between creative and commercial roles whilst working part-time, freelancing and creating business will be commonplace. Graduates shouldn’t stress if they’re not in their “dream job” straight away - each role and experience add value to your skillset, network and ultimately will provide opportunities in an ever-evolving creative economy where employers value proactivity, self-direction and real-world experience.
What is your top tip for Fashion Graduates who want to break into the industry?
Breaking into the fashion industry isn’t just about waiting for the perfect role to appear - it’s about creating your own opportunities and making your presence known. It will require proactivity, adaptability and resilience – it might not happen immediately, but it WILL happen!
Stay engaged—follow brands you admire, attend industry talks, and don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn as you build your professional network. Reach out professionally, message industry professionals and other Alumni to ask for advice, feedback, or even a short informational chat. You’ll find many are open to helping graduates who show genuine interest and have done their research.
Join our Alumni network and Subscribe to our Alumni newsletters to get tips and tricks and be the first to hear about job opportunities, events and resources designed to support you as you enter the workplace.
To help prepare for the Fair, we also caught up with our own UAL Showcase and UAL Creative Opportunities teams, to share their ‘top tips’ for LCF students and graduates looking to break into the creative industry.
Apply for roles you may have not considered before, either because you did not think you were qualified, or it did not fit the exact definition of what you want. This can often lead to unexpected success! Keeping an open mind is key!
Start building your professional network and online presence right now. It opens up way more opportunities if employers can discover and connect with you online.