An Interview with Sheeba (MFM Alumni at IIFT Bangalore)

Indian Institute of Fashion Technology (IIFT), Bengaluru, was established in 2001. Indian Institute of Fashion Technology is affiliated with Bangalore University, Bangalore. Courses at IIFT Bengaluru are provided in regular full-time and online modes. Careers360 brings you an interview with Sheeba, an alumnus of IIFT Bangalore campus. In his interview with Careers360, Sheeba shares her experience as an alumnus of IIFT Bangalore. Read to know more about IIFT Bangalore from the interview with Sheeba to learn more about the institution.

Careers360: Tell us about your domain and your work profile. At the professional level, did you pursue the same field you were interested or you switched?

Sheeba: I work in the digital marketing domain, specifically in the fashion industry. My role involves creating and executing marketing strategies, managing online campaigns, analysing consumer trends, and enhancing brand visibility across digital platforms. At a professional level, I pursued my interest in the fashion industry but found my niche in marketing over time. While my core field remained the same, I adapted to industry-specific trends and consumer behavior, which allowed me to blend creativity with data-driven decision-making. This balance keeps my work both dynamic and rewarding.

Careers360: Can you briefly tell us about your career path so far?

Sheeba: My career in digital marketing within the fashion industry began when I was selected through a campus interview at IIFT Bangalore. Starting with a strong foundation in marketing principles, I quickly adapted to the fast-paced and ever-evolving fashion landscape.

Over time, I have gained experience in brand promotion, social media marketing, content strategy, and performance analytics. Working with diverse fashion brands has allowed me to understand consumer behavior, trends, and digital innovations. Each step in my journey has helped me refine my skills and stay ahead in this competitive industry. My career in digital marketing within the fashion industry has been an exciting journey of creativity, strategy, and innovation.

I started by developing a strong foundation in digital marketing principles, focusing on social media, SEO, content marketing, and e-commerce strategies tailored for fashion brands. Over time, I gained hands-on experience working with fashion brands, optimizing their online presence, managing influencer collaborations, and running targeted ad campaigns. I’ve also worked on analysing consumer trends, enhancing brand engagement, and leveraging data to drive sales and visibility. Each step of my journey has helped me refine my expertise in fashion marketing, keeping up with industry trends and evolving digital platforms to create impactful campaigns.

Careers360: Is the Industry work different from what you learned at IIFT, Bangalore College?

Sheeba: No

Careers360: How do you think your time in college has added value to your life, both professional and personal?

Sheeba: My time in college played a crucial role in shaping both my professional and personal growth, especially in the fashion industry. Academically, it provided me with a strong foundation in marketing, consumer behaviour, and branding, key aspects of digital marketing in fashion. Courses on fashion trends, merchandising, and business strategies helped me understand the industry’s, dynamics and prepared me for real-world challenges.

On a personal level, college taught me the importance of adaptability, time management, and networking. It helped me build confidence, refine my communication skills, and develop a problem-solving mindset. The diverse experiences and interactions during my college years continue to influence my approach to work, creativity, and collaboration in the fast-paced fashion Industry.

Careers360: What was your initial thought process when you joined IIFT, Bangalore College?

Sheeba: When I joined IIFT College, my initial thought process was driven by excitement and ambition. I saw it as an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of the fashion industry while building a strong foundation in business and marketing. I was eager to learn from industry experts, network with like-minded peers, and gain hands-on experience through projects and internships.

Careers360: You must have had a memorable time at your IIFT, Bangalore College. Do you miss being a part of it?

Sheeba: My time at IIFT College was truly memorable, and filled with learning, creativity, and amazing experiences. I miss being a part of it, especially the dynamic environment that constantly inspired me. One of my best memories was spending time with the Trust, where we collaborated on various initiatives, built strong friendships and supported each other’s creative ideas. Participating in fashion shows was another unforgettable experience seeing our hard work come to life on the runway was both thrilling and rewarding. Exhibitions were also special, as they gave us the chance to showcase our creativity, interact with industry professionals, and gain real-world exposure.

Careers360: Briefly take us through your life at the campus, the activities you used to do, and your routine life.

Sheeba: My routine was dynamic, filled with lectures, practical sessions, and industry-related activities that kept me engaged and inspired. Mornings usually started with classes where we learned about fashion trends, digital marketing strategies, and business aspects of the fashion industry. Afternoons were often dedicated to practical projects, fashion styling sessions, and group discussions, which allowed us to apply our knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Careers360: How did you keep updated with the industrial requirements and what was the role of the institute in it?

Sheeba: Staying updated with industry requirements was essential during my time at IIFT College, and the institute played a significant role in bridging the gap between academics and real-world fashion marketing I kept myself informed by following fashion trends, digital marketing updates, and consumer behavior shifts through industry reports, fashion magazines, and online platforms. Attending guest lectures, workshops, and industry panel discussions organized by IIFT helped me gain firsthand insights from experts.

The institute also provided practical exposure through fashion shows, exhibitions, and internships, allowing us to apply our knowledge in real-world settings. Collaborations with fashion brands, live projects, and case studies further helped me understand industry expectations. Overall, IIFT played a crucial role in keeping me industry-ready by offering continuous learning opportunities, networking platforms, and practical experiences that shaped my career in digital marketing within the fashion industry.

Careers360: You are a proud alumnus of this top College. What is the best part of IIFT, Bangalore Institute from a student's perspective?

Sheeba: As a proud alumnus of IIFT College, I can confidently say that the best part of the institute is its industry-focused approach and practical exposure that truly prepares students for the fashion World. From a student's perspective, IIFT stands out for its hands-on learning experiences whether through fashion shows, exhibitions, live projects, or internships with leading brands. The institute doesn’t just focus on theoretical knowledge but ensures that students gain real-world industry insights.

Another great aspect is the mentorship from industry experts and faculty members, who bring invaluable experience and guidance. The networking opportunities, workshops, and guest lectures provide a platform to interact with professionals and stay updated with the latest fashion and digital marketing trends. Most importantly, IIFT fosters a creative and competitive environment, encouraging students to explore their potential, refine their skills, and confidently step into the fashion industry. Looking back, IIFT wasn’t just a college it was the foundation that shaped my career and passion for fashion marketing.

Disclaimer: This article has been published as a marketing initiative between Careers360 and IIFT Bangalore.