Beyond the Quarter: The Graduate Support Pack
The Careers Quarter was a new addition to Graduate Fashion Week 2026, a dedicated space where final-year fashion graduates could connect directly with industry professionals, through a series of 15 minute, structured one-to-one conversations across the event days.
The six disciplines were: Design, Media and Image, Comms, Marketing, Talent Hiring and PR and Brand.
With attendance of over 100 industry experts, 300 students, and 600 conversations had, the space was abuzz with meaningful conversations packed with real world advice on starting a career.
“15 minutes of this gave me more direction than my entire time at university.”
“This week, our recruitment team had a fantastic opportunity to sit down with young talent for genuine, one-to-one conversations. No intimidation, just support.
Whether it was looking over a portfolio, demystifying how a head office works, or offering tailored career advice, these types of interactions are the most powerful tool we have to build a fairer, more accessible industry.
Connecting with the next generation isn’t a one-way street either, our team left feeling incredibly inspired by the creativity and fresh perspectives this cohort is bringing to the future of fashion and retail.”
This is a short follow-up guide for students involved to help you make the most of the conversation you had.
Find them on LinkedIn.
It’s not too late to reach out. A message that references something specific from your conversation still lands better than a cold approach, even a week on.
If they do not respond: wait two weeks and try once more with something useful, an article, a question, something that made you think of the conversation. Some people are just busy.
The people worth staying close to:
The ones you clicked with, if you haven’t reached out yet, this week is a great time to do so.
The ones who gave you useful information, send a thank you.
The ones who were not the right fit yet, connect anyway. You never know who they know.
Stay visible if it feels right
Share your work, post about what you are making, comment on what people in your industry are doing. You don’t need a polished presence to get started. The people you want to work for are online, and showing up in whatever way feels natural to you is enough.
Taking Action
If professionals made you think about how you present your work or CV, do reflect and make a change if you feel it's right. It doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be a start.
Jobs and Opportunities
GFF posts fashion industry roles, internships, entry-level positions and graduate programmes directly on their website and social channels.
Make sure you’re following the channels for updates: website, Instagram, LinkedIn
Do also sign up to GFF Instagram broadcast group, below, to stay in touch with us for future opportunities.
Instagram Broadcast Group
Thank you for being part of it!
Whatever comes next, you showed up at the Careers Quarter and you were part of the conversation. That matters more than you know.
Everyone in that room is rooting for you.
“The Careers Quarter made me feel excited and hopeful for the next generation of fashion talent. I hope that our guidance helped fuel graduates to know that they are going to have to work hard, but that there are jobs out there suited to them that they may not have been aware of.”
