After the FRA: Joey, BAA at River Island

We caught up with FRA Alumni, Joey, about his experiences studying Level 4 Fast Track Buying & Merchandising with us at the Fashion Retail Academy. He told us how the FRA helped launch his career and his top tips for prospective students!

I enrolled in the Fast Track Level 4 Buying and Merchandising Diploma course, which lasted 6 months and included an industry at a top brand. My experience was incredible. The course was two days a week, which enabled me to effectively balance study and personal life whilst still working part-time. The course covers all aspects of both Buying and Merchandising allowing you to decide along the way which area you may want to go into after the course is complete.

For me, both the location and the subject tutors were most beneficial throughout the course. Being in central London just off Oxford Street, you can go out and comp shop, speak to retailers, see key trends and get out of your comfort zone!

Also, the tutors for each subject are fantastic. They all have practical experience in the retail and fashion industry. They give real-life insight into each detail of their subjects and really go above and beyond to make sure you get the full experience.

My favourite part about the course was the ability to complete assignments with your own chosen examples and subjects. This means if you are passionate about a certain genre of fashion, like streetwear or tailoring, you can expand into that throughout the course whilst still gaining further knowledge on other areas of the industry.

My photoshop, presentation, research and analysis skills were developed and perfected at the FRA. Now I'm always ready to take on any task which comes my way, whether it be researching for a new expansion area, assessing competitors or seeking to progress in my current role.

I am currently in head office working at River Island as a Buying Admin Assistant. The work placement during my course helped me to understand the head office environment well and helped me to settle in quickly when starting my first role after the course.

My advice would be to take every opportunity that is given to you at FRA. The course flies by so quickly and before you know it you’re ready to start a career in fashion! Taking every opportunity allowed me to get the most out of the course and be fully prepared for working in the fashion industry.

My last piece of advice would be to talk to past students about FRA if you are weighing your decision of enrolling. After speaking to previous students and close friends who all had such great positive experiences I decided to take the leap into fashion and haven’t regretted it since!