At JD Institute of Fashion Technology, our commitment to bridging the gap between academic learning and industry realities is unwavering. In our recent Alumni Talk Session, we had the pleasure of welcoming back some of our most esteemed graduates. These alumni, now thriving in prominent roles within the fashion industry, returned to share their journeys, offering our outgoing batches a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into the perks and challenges they may face as they embark on their careers.

A Glimpse into Alumni Success Stories

The session featured a panel of distinguished alumni, each with a unique career trajectory:

1. Ms. Nilisha Regis: Currently serving as a Production Executive with the renowned designer duo Shantanu & Nikhil.
2. Mr. Chetna Popli: Now a Head Designer at Just Billi by Rashmi Chabara.
3. Ms. Shelja Rai: Senior Fashion Associate and City Visual Merchandiser for Reliance Ritu Kumar.
4. Mr. Sameer Singh: Flourishing as a Merchandiser at Asmara India since graduating in 2020.

Each of these alumni has carved a distinct path in the fashion industry, and their experiences provided our students with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

Nilisha’s Journey: From JD Institute to Shantanu & Nikhil

Nilisha’s journey from the placement process at JD Institute to her current role as a Production Executive at Shantanu & Nikhil was nothing short of inspiring. She shared her experience of transitioning from an eager graduate to a Social Media Manager for one of India’s most celebrated designer brands. Nilisha delved into the intricacies of her role, highlighting both the challenges and the rewards that come with managing the social media presence of renowned designers. Her insights into the hard work and dedication required behind the scenes offered a realistic perspective on the glamour associated with the fashion industry.

Chetna’s Career Transition: From Buying House to Designer Brand

Chetna’s career path took her from a Merchandiser role in a buying house to becoming the Head Designer at Just Billi by Rashmi Chabara. She provided valuable insights into the responsibilities inherent in each role and shared her salary progression since joining Asmara. Chetna’s detailed account of her career trajectory offered our students an invaluable understanding of how roles can evolve within the fashion industry, and how skills acquired in one position can be leveraged in another.

Shelja’s Retail Insights: Breaking Misconceptions

Shelja, with her extensive experience as a Senior Fashion Associate and City Visual Merchandiser for Reliance Ritu Kumar, stood out during the session. She generously shared her experiences navigating the placement process and interview challenges, addressing common misconceptions about retail jobs in the fashion industry. Shelja emphasised the importance of fashion knowledge in front-end profiles, highlighting the relevance of retail roles in shaping customer experiences and driving brand success.

Sameer’s Placement Journey: Smooth Sailing at Asmara India

Sameer, who has been with Asmara India as a Junior Merchandiser since 2020, provided a candid account of his placement journey. He highlighted both the challenges and the smooth moments during his interviews, offering our students a balanced view of what to expect during the placement process. Sameer’s experience underscored the importance of persistence, preparation, and a positive mindset when approaching job interviews.

Conclusion: Nurturing Talent and Fostering Industry Connections

In hindsight, the Alumni Talk Session proved to be a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and networking. The session concluded with an open forum for questions, allowing students to engage directly with the alumni, further enriching their learning experience. Attendees gained invaluable insights into various career paths within the fashion industry, inspiring them to embark on their professional journeys with newfound confidence.

JD Institute extends its heartfelt gratitude to the alumni for their invaluable contributions, making the talk session both engaging and insightful. Such events underscore the institute’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering industry connections for its students.