Is Fashion School "Worth It"?

As you probably already know, I am a fashion marketing grad and started my career right after graduating from my fast-track program at Toronto Film School. 

I get a lot of people asking me about the program I took and if it's enough to kick-start your marketing career. 

Today I'm going to break down a few things about the Marketing for Fashion and Entertainment program at Toronto Film School and also answer some of the questions I've received via Instagram DM!

First thing's first: I have to say that the only way this program is going to be "worth it" is if you put in the effort. 

This is a very fast-paced program and the work load can be intense. Your career starts the day you enter your first class and be prepared to only get out what you put in.

My personal experience at TFS was a positive one because of a number of things: 

I was very willing to learn and soak up all the information I was given in each class; I got excited about each project I was given and faced challenges head-on as they came up; I never missed a single class and made an effort to be extremely punctual; I used the classroom as a networking space (both with peers and teachers); I did my internship hours early on in the program (Term 2); I took on extra circular work such as blogging, my YouTube channel, volunteering at Toronto fashion events, etc. 

Some of the challenges I faced were learning how to do collaborative work with others of different working styles; taking classes in fashion buying (that involved math) and not being super confident in my skills; and also juggling things like full-time classes, assignments, blogging, extra circulars and a part-time job at the mall (yes, I worked retail!).

In all, TFS is a great learning environment and courses are taught by industry professionals. Some of the teachers are actually very cool and I still follow them on social media to this day!

It's so weird to talk about school again because my life has changed so much ever since graduating a year ago. I have been at two different marketing jobs since, continued to grow my blog + take on freelance social media work with other brands.  

You guys asked me some questions over on Instagram, so I will do my best to try and answer them for you! Thank you for sending in your questions and please see my answers below:

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

Really good question! I definitely wasn’t aware of how fast things change and how adaptable you need to be in this industry. Working in marketing specifically, things change everyday and you need to go with the flow. I am such a planner and love being able to control things so this is something I have continued to work on. Another thing would be just the overall importance of networking and collaborating with others. It really goes a long way!

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

TFS has a department that helps with placement but if you are looking for something specific and/or have your own connections, I’d suggest it’s probably better to get one on your own. There are lots of sites that help you find internships in Toronto as well.

The thing with doing internships during this program is that your time is very limited. When I did the program, you had to do 120 hours of interning within the 18 months, but didn’t get a semester for Co-op. All placement hours and volunteering was on your own time (on top of school). It made it a little difficult but I am very glad that I was able to fit it in because the experience was very valuable.

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

I am working as social media and marketing manager for a beauty brand called MaskerAide. I got the job through a connection at a previous job but the skills I learned at TFS have really helped me in my day to day work!

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

I loved lots of parts of the program - mainly the creative and hands on projects and the peers I met in each of my classes. My favourite classes were Trend Forecasting, Styling and Portfolio Creation.

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

I’d say it can be a competitive space, but when you find the right place for you, it can definitely be collaborative. Collaboration happens when you find people with the same sense of direction and end goals as you. Being supportive of others is really important!

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

Yeah! The program teaches many transferable skills such as using Adobe suite, professional communications and other marketing knowledge.

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

I like to keep busy as a personal choice! If I only did my full-time marketing job and didn’t do freelance work or have a blog and stuff, I would have a lot more free time for sure.

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

I would say get ready to work hard and treat school like it's your full-time job. The first day of classes is like the first day of your career, and you only get out as much as you put into it!

I really hope this post helps anyone who is trying to figure out how to break into the marketing world and if you have any other questions, feel free to reach out! I'm always happy to help, as I was once in your shoes and trying to figure it all out as well. I remember all the individuals who answered all of my questions as well and it helped the decision-making process so much. 

Here is a video with more questions and answers in regards to fashion school, blogging, marketing, career goals + more.

TOBI Top // Burlington Coat Factory Pants // Call It Spring Sandals // Urban Outfitters Sunglasses

Thanks for reading today!