Recently, one of our BA (Hons) Marketing & Communication for Fashion students completed her internship with maebe - the womenswear brand founded by FRA alumni and influencer Molly-Mae Hague. Here's a look into her experience!
23rd September 2025
Back
Date 21st October 2025
Disclaimer
All information is accurate at the time of publication. Please check individual course pages for the most up-to-date information.
We recently spoke with Ella Carvey, who completed our Level 4 Fashion Retail with Marketing Diploma. Here’s a look into her experience, her advice for future students, and what she’s doing now.
What Ella Chose the FRA
Before joining the FRA, Ella was studying a degree in Primary Teaching. Although she enjoyed the course, she felt a pull towards her real passion for fashion and beauty marketing.
After hearing great things about the Fashion Retail Academy on social media, Ella decided that the Level 4 Fashion Retail with Marketing Diploma was the perfect fit. She loved the two-day a week course structure, which allowed her to work alongside her studies while still enjoying regular trips to London.
Why Level 4 Fashion Retail with Marketing?
When asked why she chose the course, she said:
I studied the Level 4 Fashion Retail with Marketing course which was 1 year long. This was the perfect course for me as I couldn’t do another degree but also needed to get my foot in the door to launch my career in fashion. It also was only industry-relevant projects in all areas of fashion which gave me an idea of what I enjoy most and I felt like I was doing something beneficial and transferrable to a career. - Ella Carvey, Level 4 Fashion Retail with Marketing Diploma
How The FRA Shaped Ella
Ella explained how her time at the Fashion Retail Academy helped her grow both personally and professionally:
I have always been a confident, independent person but the FRA and taking the leap to come here really built on those pre-existing characteristics. It really encouraged me to put myself out there and not care what others think. I also made so many amazing friends during my short time here. - Ella Carvey, Level 4 Fashion Retail with Marketing Diploma
Key Skills Learned
Throughout the course, Ella developed a wide range of skills, including:
- Using Photoshop to create range plans
- Developing Excel skills to create financial spreadsheets
- Building PR and marketing campaign strategies from start to finish
- Improving her presentation skills, networking, and communication skills
When asked about her favourite part of the Level 4 Fashion Retail with Marketing Diploma, Ella shared:
100% the marketing projects, particularly my Final Major Project where I created my own fashion brand aimed at university students which combined sustainability, affordability and aesthetics. I also really enjoyed the PR elements of the course, and this is another area I would like to explore in a future career. - Ella Carvey, Level 4 Fashion Retail with Marketing Diploma
The Future Pathways Programme
During her time at the FRA, Ella took part in the Future Pathways Programme - a 3-week schedule that helps Level 4 Diploma students connect with industry professionals, build practical skills and plan their next steps after graduating.
Students can either choose a placement pathways or an employability pathway. Ella chose the placement route:
“I chose to do the placement pathway as I was so eager to start my career as soon as I left the FRA and wanted to have some relevant experience under my belt. I made a video for my application highlighting what sort of placement I’d love to do, which was social media, and why I’d be a great fit. Definitely make sure you put lots of effort and go the extra mile in your application to give you the best chance of securing one.
"My placement was with Aromatherapy Associates as a Social Media Assistant which was so well-suited to my goals and the team were so welcoming and made me feel included.”
What IS ELLA DOING NOW?
After graduating, Ella secured a role at Space NK as a Digital Copy Intern. She now creates engaging campaigns aimed at 18-25 year olds and writes about all things beauty.
The FRA helped me get here as they actually emailed out about this opportunity after I had left and I applied using the tips I learned through the careers team there. So definitely check your FRA emails for opportunities! - Ella Carvey, Level 4 Fashion Retail with Marketing Diploma
If you're eager to start your career in fashion, our one-year Level 4 Diplomas could be the perfect fit! Explore our Level 4 Diplomas and apply today.
Latest News
Chloe Dean, BA (Hons) Marketing & Communication for Fashion student, recently completed her placement at global brand-building agency Karla Otto. Here's what she got involved in, the skills she developed and her advice for future students.
7th October 2025
One of our most frequently asked questions is whether prospective students should choose to study one of our Level 4 diplomas or an undergraduate degree.
27th March 2025
