A Fashion Student’s First Term in Melbourne: Internships, Fashion Week & Life at NFC
WORDS BY NFC STUDENT CHARLY BUTCHER
As I approach the end of my first term at National Fashion College here in Melbourne, I can’t help but feel accomplished and proud of myself. I didn’t really have an exact plan for myself this year.
Joining NFC was the result of a rainy Sunday and an impulse decision — the best one I’ve ever made; reflecting back over the last 10 weeks, I can’t believe how much I’ve been able to achieve and experience in just a short amount of time, all thanks to Bryce and the amazing staff at NFC that consistently go above and beyond to ensure that students are given the best opportunities possible. After only two weeks at NFC, I had the opportunity to volunteer at Melbourne Fashion Week, which was such great experience and really cool to see all the behind-the-scenes workings of a fashion runway. Shortly after, my peers and I celebrated Halloween with a paint and sip event held on campus with special guest Isis Avis Loren, winner of season 3 of Rupaul’s Drag Race Down Under, which felt so special and surreal to me as I have been a huge fan of the show since I was a little girl. A huge “pinch me” moment was assisting on set twice with BAYSE Brand alongside Effie Kats, someone who I have always admired, and a brand that I genuinely love and wear. Being behind the scenes at an eCommerce shoot really solidified my decision to pursue a career in fashion, and I am so grateful for these opportunities.
This term, we have been learning about Business Management in class, a subject that I have really enjoyed. The course structure is evidently designed to prepare us for the fashion industry and is constantly being revised to stay up to date with the ever-evolving fashion landscape. It’s easy to stay engaged in class when you know that you’re gaining valuable skills and real life insights from professionals that are actively working in the fashion industry today; it makes study fun, especially in such an inspiring learning environment. On campus, we have access to two podcast studio’s, a styling suite decked out with trendy clothes, and even a professional photo studio filled with lighting and cameras all to use at our leisure; the opportunities to create on campus are endless.
A standout aspect of NFC life for me, is the chance to connect with industry professionals at the twice-weekly Networking Events, with Melbourne’s session being held on campus every Wednesday after class. Gaining invaluable insights and advice from those actively working in the industry from all different career paths always leaves me feeling so inspired and excited for the future ahead.
Just recently, I’ve landed an internship through NFC with Myer Social Studio, and I have another lined up in February 2026 with Two Birds Talking PR Agency; I am loving my internship with Myer and I am learning so many valuable skills alongside a great team. Alex and Zoe, our Career Team at NFC have been so proactive in helping me land these internships and again, I am just so grateful for the opportunities.
I am so excited to see what the next three terms at NFC will bring, and how much more I will be able to accomplish next year. If you were thinking about joining NFC and starting a career in fashion, this is your sign to do it — the community at NFC is truly special, and the support from everyone makes it an incredible place to learn and grow. Come and see for yourself!
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