SOP Sample for MS in Fashion Buying & Merchandising in UK

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

# INTRODUCTION

"Fashion always speaks" is what one's mind is brought up with. No matter what, it is interesting and exciting to bring up new innovations. And there is always a day one realizes what you are and that's when I found myself inclined towards the world of fashion.

It all started during adolescence when I learnt good and bad and right and wrong. I've always been fascinated by the beautiful designs and silhouettes since I was a teenager. I have always thought of how to make an alternative to different garments. I am glad that my family and friends kept me motivated and supported me through this journey.

One of the things that piqued my interest is the combination of various colors and the confidence one wears along with the fashion they bore. I always used to be a laid back person with a narrow mind when it comes to outfits, but gaining knowledge on the subject and the will and want to experience, learn and put forth my knowledge on them makes me who I am now. Exploring led to curiosity about the behind the scenes and now I would like to learn and give the best of myself in this field.

With the help of academics, the designing department of fashion was beautifully taught and the experience and learning were great. Still, the merchandising and management departments are in the blur. It is not just about fashion garments but the whole fashion industry including shoes, accessories, perfumes, make-ups, etc. I am very much eager to know and learn about the bridge connecting the producers and the consumers, which is merchandising on a simple note. I am very much convinced that the Master's in Fashion Buying and Merchandising at [UNIVERSITY], UK would guide me with the required knowledge to progress towards my career ambitions.

# ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

I did my formative years in my hometown with a minimum of 90% in all subjects. I got transferred to [CITY] by my family for a better education. I finished my higher secondary at [SCHOOL], [LOCATION] with 9.2 points and my senior secondary at [SCHOOL], [LOCATION] with 72% with Biology and Mathematics as my major. I did my bachelor's in Fashion Designing and Communication and am still waiting for the results. At present I would like to pursue my higher studies in the merchandising department at [UNIVERSITY] in the UK. I have scored an overall band of 7 in my IELTS written on September 2021.

# PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

I finished my Bachelor's degree in the year 2021. As a student I've attended a few internships and made sure to complete a few other courses on the run to excel in the subject. I also did a few projects during my Bachelor's which helped me gain experience in this profession.

The courses that I took during my studies were a Training Course in Fashion Graphics and Digital Apparel Design by [ORGANIZATION] through online and the other course that I'm doing right now in Fashion Styling by [INSTITUTION], also through online. My internship includes the role of a marketing assistant at the [COMPANY] Roadshow, which took place at [VENUE], [CITY] in the year 2019. I did my fair share in helping the seniors in my university.

There are around five projects which include dissertation, collaborative, negotiated, advanced pattern making and garment construction, and final major project - Fashion Design Collection. I did my dissertation on removable surface embellishments; a brief research and a solution was found and proven. No specific publication or any other professional accomplishments have been done. Activities like exploring, styling assistant and new experiences kept me motivated through my Bachelor's degree. It is always fun to accept challenges in this field because there is always better learning in the end. With all this experience, I believe that I have gained much knowledge on the subject "Designing". Therefore, I would like to know more about merchandising and managing departments in the fashion industry and give my best.

# CO-CURRICULAR AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Co-curricular activities are always one of the most interesting activities in every subject. Some of the methods that I learnt during these activities were experiments on natural dye and other chemical dyes, knitting and embroidery. Fashion illustration has always been challenging but with continuous practice I was able to bring out better output. Sourcing has also been a hobby where I found out many more things about fabrics and other materials.

Extra-curricular activities are more like a hobby to me. I have always loved doing them. My interests are playing badminton, swimming and a few other sports including tennis and basketball. I have learnt classical dance (Bharatanatyam) for seven years and I am also good in other dance forms. Reading stories and drawing used to be my moments of peace.

# CONCLUSION

After scrutinizing my interest in this field and knowing my place where I stand in this industry, I am pretty much clear on how to shape my career. More than just creating a product, I would like to plan, manage and analyze the trend along with the comfortability and affordability of the consumer. Being a designer myself, I would like to explore and open new avenues in my career by doing this course. I would like to work in the managing, merchandising and consulting sectors, where I will be able to give my cent percent.

After thorough research among the best universities for fashion, [UNIVERSITY] felt more promising for my future goals and career ambitions. The country is chosen keeping in mind the best opportunities and exposure a person will get to achieve their goals. Talking about the course module, I am very much convinced that the courses involved in this university like sourcing and supply chain, brands and consumer behavior, range planning and development will help me to look at the course in the brighter picture. I am equally excited to know more about merchandising, research methods and everything in detail.

I would love to work towards an even more fashionable world and I strongly believe that [CITY] is my way.