Georgia Rhodes is an alumni of BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing, graduating in summer 2023. She is now a freelance fashion writer and is due to begin her master’s soon at London College of Fashion. Here, she talks about her Leeds Beckett experience and how the placements she took part in have prepared her for the fashion marketing industry. 

Course: BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing

Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you chose to study your course?

My name is Georgia Rhodes and I graduated in summer 2023 with a first class degree in BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing at Leeds Beckett University. I am currently part of the prestigious Women@Dior program, winner of the PPA Next Gen Awards 2023, a freelance fashion writer and luxury copywriter. I am also a MA student at the renowned London College of Fashion.

I originally studied Fashion Design & Promotion at college in Barnsley and knew sewing was not for me. I knew I needed a university that gave me the option for a placement year when studying fashion and that was what initially drew me to Leeds Beckett. I remember going to the Open Day and I instantly fell in love with the course, there wasn’t any aspect that didn’t fill me with excitement. Throughout my entire four years, I felt fulfilled and challenged by each module and incredibly supported by my tutors.

The course is so perfectly put together to not only give a high standard of education, but prepare you for the competitive fashion industry as well. It gives those outside of London a fantastic outlook on the industry.

What was your favourite part about your course?

I loved the opportunity to explore all aspects of fashion marketing in my first year, covering different subjects I had no idea existed until I began the course. It gave me the opportunity to explore all my options within one course. The course is designed in a way so that by second year and third year, you begin to specialise in what you found most enjoyable. It’s unique in the way it allows you to grow and evolve while you discover your passion. When I selected the Fashion Writing pathway (which was solidified by the amazing opportunity to go out on placement year), the curriculum effortlessly combined industry-focused content with education.

Can you tell us about any work experience you completed during your course?

I chose to go out on placement year between second and final year, making my overall course four years. I truly believe it is so important to find a university course when studying fashion that allows you to do this. Not only does it allow you to build up important connections in an industry where networking is so important, it also allows you to find your path and gain vital experience before graduating.

I began as a Social Media Intern, a role I thought I would love which turned out to be a great learning experience of personal and professional development. I discovered what I valued in a workplace and it pushed me to find a role I truly love. From there I entered the editorial world of fashion, undertaking a multitude of internships. I interned at magazines such as Glamour, Elle, Marie Claire and CR Fashion Book which allowed me to gain an understanding of the skills needed to be a fashion writer, how to progress and even gain bylines and use CMS systems. 

What were the highlights of your work experience and how has it helped you?

I came back in final year with such confidence, a clear path and goal for my future and a realm of connections. I began freelancing for FARFETCH and continued to work in industry, making so many meaningful connections and friends in the industry. It really opened my eyes to the transition from student to professional and made me even more driven with my university work.

While interning at CR Fashion Book, I had the crazy opportunity to be featured in the September masthead with Kylie Jenner on the cover and interview my first celebrity for the digital site. You truly never know where an opportunity will take you. You have to make the most out of every internship, be proactive, and don’t be scared to ask for advice and questions.

How has your course at Leeds Beckett University helped you so far in your career?

My tutors were beyond supportive and truly cared about their students which is such a blessing. They truly inspired me into my future career of wanting to lecture and help students the same way they helped me.

Overall, the way the course is structured and tailored to allow growth and passion to expand helps to set you up for industry really well. I don’t think I would have enjoyed or had such an amazing education and university experience on any other course. 

What advice would you give to someone looking to study your course?

Explore every avenue and module and fully immerse yourself in the experience, that way you will find your passion and where your path is within fashion marketing. If you can, make the most of the placement year offered to you, it will not only make you industry-ready but you will come back with further knowledge for your final year. Stay organised from the very beginning, I worked part-time alongside the entirety of my degree, Google Calendar and endless notes lists is what helped me keep on top of everything. Organisation is key to not feeling overwhelmed.

Enjoy this time and don’t hide your passion or excitement. Studying an aspect of fashion you are interested in is such an exciting time, your passion will only help you stand out not only within university but also later in industry. 

You can view more of Georgia's work through her website, Instagram and LinkedIn.