Statement of Purpose
Study Program – MSc Fashion Buying & Merchandising Management
Intake – September 2022
While I agree that ecology cannot be sacrificed at the altar of the Fashion but sans the fashion dynamics; a crucial aspect of human culture will be amiss. Can sustainable practices allow us to enjoy erstwhile abundance in fashion? How will the fashion industry respond to the new, inquisitive consumers, who not only want a brilliant garment but also want to know of its origins?
I am seeking answers to such questions and to learn the fundamentals of the industry. My affliction to fashion industry stems from my lineage. Since my formative years, I have taken ample interest in my family business of manufacturing knitted and woven garments for export purposes to countries such as London, Hong Kong and Philippines. To the imperative of a successful career in the fashion sector, I have trained with diligence through multiple internships and look forward to aggrandise my technological knowledge bank with formal education in Fashion; as an academic discipline.
The curriculum of MSc Fashion Buying and Merchandising study program proffered at your esteemed University aligns perfectly with my learning and vocational objects and therefore, I am eager to study at your campus; achieving my educational goals and preparing for a progressive career path, thereafter.
Being born to lettered parent spelt out multiple privileges for me and I have been utterly mindful to exercise them with a sense of astute self-discipline. I completed my Senior School, Summa Cum Laud from Bharathi Vidya Bhavan, Chennai, India, in 2017. Then, I readily joined the prestigious Loyola College, Chennai, to pursue BSc Computer Science. The decision was driven with academic rationale of nurturing my interest in computer programming and technologies. Throughout my tenure here, I worked hard to comprehend my course work spanning fundamentals of Computer Hardware and Networking and training extensively in full-stack web development. I often ventured beyond my syllabus through seminars and additional readings on the neo modern concepts of semantic technologies, particularly researching about the AI advent in design and technology automation concerning recycling of materials.
It helps when you have definitive career goals. I consciously chose to complete my internships in the Fashion industry. Primarily, to stay abreast with the new developments, learn about the global market trends in the industry and understanding its operational nuances.
Technology has a brilliant use case in Fashion Sector and can undoubtedly bring a paradigm, shift in the way we create and consume fashion garments. I was recently working with Stan Fab Apparels (October 21- March 22) as an Assistant Merchandiser; effectively fulfilling the KRAs of Fabric & Accessory Procurement while assisting with production and packaging processes. I was able to collaborate with large-size fabric manufacturing companies and learnt a great deal about the sustainable trends in fabric production. My further research also revealed that popular mainstream fashion brands are aggressively investing in eco-friendly methods. During my work here, I was privileged to interact with start-ups indulged in developing recycled plastic yarn to create garments and plant based compounds to replace leather.
Earlier than this, while I was pursuing my BSc, I ventured out to learn on job with multiple companies including Sri Atul Tex LLP, gaining hands on experience with Fabric QC and Analysis methods.
The MSc program at the Manchester Metropolitan draws me for the versatility of learning and for the experiential delivery of the education. I got interested in the program for the brilliant student reviews and the flexibility of the curriculum. Through further research, I am certain that the program will benefit me tremendously. The systematic method of studying about range planning and consumer culture in as important avenue for me and to be able to apply this with top notch names in the industry will be a definitively enriching experience. The study modules are well curated and I can see myself grasping the learning outcomes at good pace at the Manchester Fashion institute whilst collaborating profusely with my peer group, striving to contribute to the formidable academic legacy of Manchester Metropolitan University.
My decision to study in the United Kingdom is admittedly biased for the right reasons. Like every other scholar of fashion, I too, aspire to first-hand experience the merchandising and fashion trends in the UK, particularly of the brands based out of London. My time in Manchester will allow me to study the brilliant industrial legacy of the city touted as the cradle of fabric industry. The exemplary synergy between fashion design and commercial scalability has enabled English fashion houses and brands to transcend sovereign borders and become global brands. With scholarly vehemence, I want to partake in the industry which sets the clothing trends that the world follows. A course of such stature and diversity is not available in India. The MSc program in Fashion Buying and Merchandising is not offered at any Indian University and although some private entities offer similar courses in parts, they lack the stature and diversity of the curriculum practiced at the Manchester Fashion Institute.
My foremost prerogative to study Masters in Fashion Buying and Merchandising is to harness the industry trends for the good of my family business. Through the education accrued at your campus, I will be striving to collaborate in the Indian Ecosystem to increase and propagate sustainable garment manufacturing practices. The Government of India too, has very favourable policy for such initiatives especially in the domain of recycled materials and Agri-Tech.
Immediately after completing my education, I will look for progressive association with Garment & Fabric Manufacturing companies that share my point of view. Eventually, I want to leverage my technological and merchandising skills in developing a core earth-first fashion range under my family banner. My goal is to curate a brand for the burgeoning ecommerce fashion sector of India and then test it in global markets.
I hope to have effectively represented my academic rationale and suitability to pursue the MSc program at the Manchester Fashion School and look forward to gather learning and friendships that I will cherish for life. Sincerely
