Modeling and School: How to Balance Both

School.

If you're reading this book or listening to the podcast, you might be at the beginning of your decision-making process and considering becoming a model. Can you balance school and modeling? As a model, you will always be juggling between your modeling career and your school or studies. If you truly want to pursue modeling, it's advisable to first focus on completing your education and use that time to prepare well, do test shoots, take on initial jobs, and achieve good grades.

Career and studies.

Modeling or studying?

You can not only pursue modeling alongside school, but you can also cleverly combine modeling with studying as long as you choose a study program that is not too time-consuming, such as medicine, which requires a significant amount of presence. Many business-related programs, on the other hand, offer a lot of flexibility when it comes to free days. At this stage, you are usually at the perfect age as a model. By now, you have already built a small portfolio and gained experience with clients and jobs through your agency.

Models who want to enter the larger international world of advertising and fashion must consider whether they want to fully concentrate on modeling. This is where paths diverge for models in the national and international markets. If you primarily want to work in the national market due to your measurements as a model, it makes sense to pursue something for yourself alongside modeling. As a model in the national market, you can always simultaneously work towards your academic education. Since you have the opportunity, you should focus on both goals so that you don't eventually lose yourself in just one dream. It is always advisable for models to have additional security through further education or universities. This way, you are also prepared for any eventuality.

There are different situations in which models quit or break away. Nobody knows what the years ahead will bring. Some decide to change careers because they want more than just being a window mannequin. Many models later try their hand at acting or switch to the media industry. To ensure a smooth transition, you should not neglect your academic and professional education on your journey, even if you want to model internationally. There are many study programs in which you don't have to be physically present all the time. Distance learning programs are also interesting alternatives.

For models pursuing an international path, it is worth considering, together with your agency and parents, whether it is worthwhile to solely focus on your career for a few years. If you succeed in the international modeling business, doors will be opened to you at a young age. Now is your time. Additionally, it is worth it. The earnings are significantly higher because the advertising spreads not only nationally, but also internationally in the media. However, this requires absolute attention and flexible time management. The best way to achieve this is by dedicating one or two years solely to your international modeling career. That's the beauty of modeling. If you want, you can stop at any time. If you succeed, you will be living the dream of many. The most important thing for me as a model agent is always talk to your family, friends, and be diligent in school. Afterward, you can decide for yourself.

Family friends.

For new young models, it is particularly important to talk to their families. Even before embarking on your modeling dream and applying to model agencies, you should have open conversations with your parents or guardians about your wishes and goals. As a model, you quickly assume a lot of responsibility with photo shoots, major productions, and campaigns. Mutual trust is an absolute prerequisite for models. Your parents or guardians want to protect you and have valuable life experience that you have yet to gain. By discussing your wishes and goals early on, even during school, you will always find a way to balance good grades and modeling.

It is always important for you as a model to receive support from your social circle, including your family and friends. Both are important pillars that help you to always find a home, whether you succeed or not. People who listen and whom you can rely on one hundred percent. Good friends, in particular, are important for you, friends with whom you can talk about topics beyond the business world, go shopping together, or spend hours watching series.

Students should also strive to achieve good grades even before embarking on their careers. In reputable agencies, it is ensured that academic performance does not suffer due to the new profession. School always takes priority. Every good model agency attaches utmost importance to the well-being of young models. Your first goal as a model is to achieve good grades and perform well. Here's another tip. Good grades also make it easier to obtain exemptions from school.

The great advantage of the modeling job is that you can work alongside school, alongside studies, and even alongside a regular job. This makes the entry relatively easy, and you don't have to completely change your life right away. If you eventually have enough jobs that modeling brings in more income than a regular job, you can always fully focus on modeling.

Be active on social media as well. If you build up some reach, let's say twenty thousand followers, thirty thousand followers, you will get even more jobs. This way, you can make some extra profit as a content creator or even an influencer. Make use of the many small moments, photo shoots with photographers, e-castings, visits to your modeling agency, first jobs, your way to the airport, and the hotel after the shoot. There are plenty of opportunities to continuously build your reach.