Next steps on the Dior mentoring journey

Next steps on the Dior mentoring journey

Insights from Christian Dior executives and a VIP styling session were among the highlights of an evening to mark the halfway point of the Women@Dior mentoring program.

Earlier this year, five RMIT students were selected to take part in the Australian-first program with one of the world’s most revered fashion brands.

The students kicked off their participation in the program with a trip to Sydney to meet their Dior mentors and other professionals at the Christian Dior Couture Head Office in Castlereagh Street, Sydney.

The six-month milestone was celebrated with a special session at the Dior boutique at Chadstone in Victoria, where students had the opportunity to reconnect with Dior executives and discuss personal branding, interview techniques and how to make the first impression count.

Student Hannah Purcell said being involved in the Women@Dior program had already given her more confidence to pursue a career in the industry. 

"It has given me an insight into the luxury fashion industry and what it takes to make it," Purcell said.

"We've discussed how it is important to look at all pathways into fashion, because it is not always immediately clear. Thanks to the Women@Dior program, my Bachelor of Fashion (Merchandise Management) and an internship, I'm furthering my practical skills and that will give me the best chance to continue working in the industry."

Annemarie Carroll from RMIT’s Industry Engagement team, said the advice provided by the Dior team has been invaluable.

“I've really enjoyed seeing the progression of all the students throughout this year, and it's clear they are already putting into the place the guidance they have received as part of this experience.”

The famous House of Dior launched its Women@Dior mentoring program in Paris in 2017 to support young female students build self-confidence and cultivate their professional careers. Commencing with sessions in Paris, Marseille, London, Florence, Dubai, New York, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo and Seoul, the House was excited to expand the program to include Australia in 2018.

The mentors are all young women working across a range of roles including human resources, retail management, fashion merchandising, finance and marketing, and marketing / PR communications, which represent the diversity of Dior’s professional activities. They shared their own stories to help foster the professional growth of the students as they embark on their own careers

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Engagement and Vice-President, Engagement Melissa Sweetland said the team at Christian Dior Couture had been extremely generous with their time and the students have not only loved the experience, but benefited greatly from it.. 

“This partnership between RMIT and Dior is a fantastic example of how we are giving our students a head start and readying them for life and work," Sweetland said.

Thanks to the success of the 2018 program, RMIT and Dior are expanding it to include seven students in 2019.

Students taking part in the current program are:

Hannah Purcell - Bachelor of Fashiion (Merchandise Management)

Johanna McLeod - Associate Degree in Fashion and Textiles Merchandising

Katherine (Kate) Milburn - Bachelor of Fashion (Merchandise Management)

Judy Nidea - Bachelor of Business (Human Resources Management)

Lauren Hannan - Bachelor of Business (Economics and Finance) 

 

Story: Karen Phelan

26 November 2018

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26 November 2018

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