Richmond alum Iman Zahid Hafeez graduated with a BA in Fashion Management and Marketing in 2020 and completed her MA in Luxury Brand Management in 2024 at Richmond American University London. Today, she works as an Online Assistant at the fragrance brand Floral Street, where she initially completed her postgraduate internship experience during her studies.
Her choice to study at Richmond was shaped by her aspiration to immerse herself in the UK’s diverse cultural landscape and global business hub. “I chose to study at Richmond because of my aspiration to study in the UK, a country renowned for its diversity and status as a global business hub. This experience allowed me to immerse myself in new cultures and collaborate with people from various backgrounds, which has been invaluable for my career,” she shares.
A defining feature of Richmond’s academic offering, the dual UK/US degree, provided Iman with a distinctive edge. “The dual UK/US degree has been a significant asset, providing me with international skills and perspectives that are highly valued in today’s global workplace,” she explains. Richmond’s partnership with Vogue College of Fashion further enhanced her education. “This partnership offered unique opportunities to learn directly from leading industry professionals, further enriching my education and career readiness,” she notes.
A Rich and Transformative University Experience
Iman describes her time at Richmond as deeply rewarding. Studying in London not only immersed her in a vibrant, multicultural environment but also offered access to the city’s world-class resources. “Much of the learning extended beyond the classroom, as the city’s rich cultural landscape provided opportunities to visit museums, attend exhibitions, and engage with a world-class array of resources,” she recalls.
One of her standout experiences was Richmond’s partnership with Vogue College of Fashion. “This collaboration opened doors to unique learning experiences, allowing me to write articles on leading industry professionals and delve into contemporary topics like artificial intelligence in the fashion industry. These experiences bridged theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world applications,” she reflects.
As a member of Richmond’s Fashion Society, Iman contributed to organising a fashion show on campus, an experience that showcased her creativity and teamwork skills. “It was an incredible creative experience, fostering teamwork and innovation,” she says.
Paving the Way Through Internships
Iman’s postgraduate internship at Floral Street provided invaluable insights into the beauty and fragrance industry. She describes her time there as transformative: “The company’s empowering approach to marketing, celebrating strong and confident individuals rather than relying on traditional strategies, was both refreshing and inspiring.”
During her internship, she gained mentorship from experienced professionals, expanded her network, and developed critical teamwork skills. “The supportive and collaborative team environment at Floral Street created a space where I felt encouraged and inspired every day,” she says. This internship laid the groundwork for her transition to her current role at the company.
Building a Career with a Liberal Arts Foundation
For Iman, Richmond’s Liberal Arts approach played a pivotal role in her success. “To me, Liberal Arts means a holistic approach to education that nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. It’s about connecting ideas across disciplines and developing a global perspective,” she explains. This mindset prepared her to tackle the complexities of the fashion and luxury sectors.
The combination of theoretical coursework and hands-on industry exposure during her postgraduate studies proved crucial. “Courses such as marketing in a digital world and integrated marketing communications provided me with a strong foundation to understand and navigate the complexities of modern brand strategies,” she notes.
Leveraging Opportunities in the UK
The Graduate Route Work Visa allowed Iman to transition seamlessly from academia to industry. “As an international student, the Graduate Route Work Visa provided me with a valuable opportunity to gain professional work experience in the UK as a fresh graduate,” she shares. Through this visa, she secured an internship that evolved into a full-time role, applying her academic knowledge to real-world challenges and building a professional network in the process.
Advice for Future Richmond Students
Reflecting on her journey, Iman encourages current and prospective students to maximise the resources available at Richmond. “Engage actively in the classroom, especially with industry leaders, as they offer invaluable real-world experiences. Build strong connections with professors and peers as they can become key mentors and collaborators in your journey. Finally, immerse yourself in London’s diverse culture and professional network to gain insights that will set you apart in your career,” she advises.
From her transformative undergraduate years to her postgraduate specialisation, Iman’s story is a testament to the opportunities and support Richmond provides to help students build a successful global career.
