With industry at the heart of Vogue College of Fashion, networking is an essential part of our college experience, but that can seem daunting to some. Here Second year, BA (Hons) Fashion Communication & Industry Practice student, Amrita Singh shares her top tips for networking when you happen to be an introvert…
Networking. It’s the buzzword we hear repeatedly in fashion school, but for introverts, the thought of it can feel overwhelming. If we break it down into simple terms, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “Networking” is defined as “the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions.” Looking at networking this way reminds us that, as students, we are networking on a daily basis—whether it is connecting with classmates on LinkedIn or attending Vogue College Presents after lectures.
By choosing a college like Vogue College of Fashion, you have already taken the first step in the right direction and made a key decision for yourself. The College places a strong emphasis on helping students build their networking skills. This is woven into the curriculum as well as industry action. An example of the curriculum is the Professional Development Portfolio module on the BA (Hons) Fashion Communication & Industry Practice course. This module focuses on refining how to write a cover letters, personal statements, and building your portfolios. When it comes to industry action, initiatives like Vogue College Presents brings in industry professionals for after-school talks, giving us a chance to connect with key players in the fashion world and gain an insight into their professional and personal development.
Embrace One-on-One Connections
As an introvert, you may not enjoy large gatherings or networking events, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make meaningful connections. During my time at the College, I’ve had the chance to network one-on-one with guest speakers, visiting lecturers and during field trips. For my industry placement during the first year of my course, I reached out to a connection I made during a university field trip to The Trampery at Fish Village. When I initially went on the trip, I only had the designer’s email, but I eventually secured a summer placement with the brand by pitching myself and what skills I could offer the brand. Another standout opportunity at the College is our Collaborative Industry Project module on the BA (Hons) Fashion Communication & Industry Practice course. Through this module, we work directly with industry brands to develop real-world projects and collaboration ideas they can implement; past collaborations include names like Anya Hindmarch and Molton Brown. This unique experience fosters professional relationships that extend beyond university boundaries
BA, Vogue Certificate and Vogue Diploma students at The Trampery on Fish Island for Fashion Designer Presentations.
“Networking for introverts is all about finding comfortable opportunities to connect, whether it is through social media or through small conversations it’s important to remember networking doesn’t solely happen at big events.” Kessu-Liis Koppel, Second Year BA (Hons) Fashion Communication & Industry Practice student says.
Online Networking is Your Friend
In today’s digital age, networking does not always happen face-to-face. In fact, much of it happens online. Platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and even Facebook provide an opportunity to connect with industry professionals in a way that may feel more comfortable. Sending a thoughtful message when requesting a connection on LinkedIn and engaging with posts regularly helps you stand out, making it easier to approach them later and introduce yourself.
Second year BA (Hons) Fashion Communication & Industry Practice student, Madisson Mae Bowtell adds, “Networking feels less daunting when it’s a message on LinkedIn instead of a crowded room.”
Play to Your Strengths
Introverts tend to be great listeners, and more than half of networking is about listening to people talk about themselves, their experiences, and their professional growth. By genuinely listening with interest and recalling key points during follow-up questions, you leave an impression and stand out for the right reasons.
Be Yourself
Finally, and most importantly, be yourself! There is no need to try and be someone you aren’t. Authenticity goes a long way in this industry. You may find yourself having conversations with professionals about topics completely unrelated to work. Speaking from personal experience, I have made industry connections through casual conversations about perfume and pub recommendations. You will be remembered for your authenticity, not for how many people you talked to or how outgoing you seemed.
By Amrita Singh
