Visual Merchandising and WorldSkills at RMIT

Anja Siljander was one of eight RMIT Visual Merchandising students to compete in the 2019 Regional WorldSkills Visual Merchandising Competition, where she designed and produced a window display for the brand Thank You.

Anja became involved in WorldSkills at the personal invitation of her teacher, Sue Robinson.

“I decided to participate because it sounded like a great experience – I don’t think I’ll ever get another opportunity to compete in this kind of challenge, where you execute a brief in one day.”

In one day, Anja had to follow a design process that typically plays out over a period of days or weeks. In the morning, she was given a brief, including the products that needed to be incorporated into her display. From there, she entered the design phase, mapping out her idea through online research. Next she pitched to the judges, and based on their feedback, went about producing her display by making props, painting backboards, and putting together the final product.

Many of these skills put into practice at WorldSkills are taught in RMIT’s Diploma of Visual Merchandising, a one-year course that positions students for highly creative careers in retail, events, exhibitions and styling.

The largest of its kind in Australia, the diploma is based on a hands-on curriculum and led by experienced industry professionals.

Throughout her Diploma of Visual Merchandising, Anja has worked for Country Road head office and in-store, completed window installations for Pure Baby, and has been involved with a 3D prop-making company called Stage One Productions, known for their work on the Myer Christmas windows.