Meher Dang was always interested in working in the creative industries. A move to Melbourne for the Master of Fashion Entrepreneurship has helped her find her niche.
Deciding to do a Masters opened up a new world of possibility for Meher.
Deciding to do a Masters opened up a new world of possibility for Meher.
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[Meher]: I started looking at universities. I looked at Business of Fashion website and RMIT was one of the top universities that was really known for fashion. And I had to pick between United Kingdom and Australia. I felt that Australia had the right kind of culture that I would be comfortable with.
Coming to Melbourne actually wasn't-- I wouldn't say it was a huge change. It feels like home, because the people are really friendly. Although the weather is quite erratic, I feel that the warm people make up for that.
When I came here, I noticed that RMIT has a lot of clubs. So, choosing was a bit hard. I just went on hopping from club to club initially. Then I joined the basketball club for a little bit. I am also committee member in the RMIT Indian club. It's like a good support community. For example, if new students are looking for something, sometimes they don't know where to go. So, we kind of help them with like which university facilities would be like the best for them. The club basically works in covering that cultural aspect where if they missed their food, the festivals, or if they need any help, like we want to be there for students from India.
RMIT has this very interesting concept of giving you the option of doing these micro credentials, which are actually ways to gain these small skills. It makes you feel that it will really help you in the future.
As a part of my master's program, I also have the opportunity to work on a start-up. It started with just the usual university assessments, where everyone is exploring ideas. And I felt like one of the ideas that I was working on I could actually implement it and test the market.
What's next for me is I would love for my start-up to collaborate with other businesses and to have a broader insight into the industry.
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"Growing up, I was always creative. I enjoyed painting, making cards and altering my clothes. I completed a Bachelor of Fashion, worked for a year then decided I wanted to do a Masters. I researched my options on the Business of Fashion website and RMIT was one of the top universities."
Meher moved from New Delhi to Melbourne to study the Master of Fashion (Entrepreneurship) and has since made the city her home.
“Melbourne feels like home because the people are really friendly - the weather is quite erratic but the warm people make up for it! The public transport is amazing, especially coming from New Delhi, and I really enjoy the arts culture.
“The NGV tops the list of my favourite art galleries here. I like looking at the street art in Hosier Lane and around Fitzroy and Collingwood, if I feel burdened with assignments I walk around those streets to refresh my mind.”
Meher has found RMIT clubs and societies a great way to make friends.
“Over time I’ve made friends through group projects, attending meetups and networking events and taking part in RMIT University activities. RMIT has a lot of clubs and for a while I hopped between them. I joined the basketball club and they were very welcoming, they always made me feel included and it was good for me to keep in touch with my sporty side. I joined the entrepreneurship association too and when I’m having problems with my entrepreneurial ideas they’re always my go-to community for advice.
"I’m a committee member of the RMIT Indian cultural club. Students get homesick when they miss food or people or festivals from home, so we organise events to try and cover that cultural gap. We also want to make new students feel at home and the club works as a good support community."
The fashion industry is one of the most resource-intensive industries and Meher has developed a keen interest in researching and developing sustainable fashion practices.
“I have a natural tendency to want to solve problems. There is a growing conversation in the industry now around sustainability and it’s amazing to see Melbourne designers taking initiative to cut down Co2 emissions, whether it’s making clothes here in Melbourne, using natural dyes or using zero waste packaging. The fashion industry has a responsibility to people as a big industry to make the process more sustainable
Meher has also been working on her own start-up business, curating jewelry and customising footwear.
“I thought one of the ideas that I was working on for an assessment could actually be implemented so I’ve used it to test the market. I got an opportunity through my program to start a store where I could interact with the market and I’m hoping to keep working on it and keep meeting people.”
The RMIT Creds program is helping Meher develop her soft skills alongside her Masters studies.
“RMIT has optional micro credentials that are great for getting the professional skills you need in the future, and they’re relevant across industries. You don't have to do an entire course or spend too much time on them, they’re more a way to get the gist of a certain skill or interest area.
Two I’ve enjoyed are Academic Integrity and Cultural Learning, they’ve been beneficial to my understanding of industries.
“What’s next for me is collaborating with other businesses to gain a broader insight into the industry that will help my startup.”
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.