By: Samuel Borisade
For many students, life revolves around lectures, assignments, group discussions and examinations. However, for a growing number of young people, academic life is only one part of their daily routine. Beyond the classroom, they are also building careers in the modelling industry, attending photoshoots, participating in fashion shows, promoting brands and pursuing opportunities in highly competitive fields.
The modelling industry has evolved significantly over the years, creating opportunities for young people to showcase their talents while earning income and building personal brands. As a result, many students are now combining their academic pursuits with modelling careers. While this dual lifestyle offers exciting opportunities, it also comes with unique challenges.
One of the major difficulties student models face is time management. Academic schedules are often demanding, requiring students to attend lectures, complete assignments, prepare for test and participate in school activities. At the same time, modelling engagements may involve long hours of preparation, travelling to locations, attending castings and participating in photoshoots or runway events. Balancing these responsibilities requires discipline and careful planning.
Despite these challenges, many student models view their experiences positively. Some believe that modelling helps them develop confidence, communication skills and professionalism. Others appreciate the financial benefits and networking opportunities that come with the profession. For some, modelling serves as a platform for self-expression and personal growth.
However, the pressure to excel in both academics and modelling can sometimes be overwhelming. Missing lectures due to work commitments, dealing with academic deadlines and managing physical and mental exhaustion are common concerns among student models. Nevertheless, many continue to pursue both goals, determined not to sacrifice their education for their careers.
Professional models who are no longer students often have a different perspective. Having experienced the industry’s demands full-time, they understand the level of commitment required to succeed. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into how student models can navigate the challenges of balancing education with a modelling career.
According to a lecturer, Dr Dorcas Abiola, modelling and other extracurricular activities can have both positive and negative effects on a student’s academic performance. On the positive side, such activities can help students develop confidence, discipline, communication skills, time-management abilities and teamwork.
However, when students become overly involved in extracurricular activities without proper planning, it may affect their studies by causing tiredness, missed classes, poor concentration and difficulty meeting academic deadlines.
For students who want to pursue modelling professionally while maintaining good academic performance, my advice is that they should learn to strike a healthy balance between both. Education should remain a priority, while modelling can be developed alongside it. Students should manage their time effectively, plan their schedules carefully and avoid accepting modeling engagements that interfere with their academic responsibilities. They should also understand that success in modelling requires discipline just as much as academic success does.
“I also believe that participation in activities such as modelling can contribute greatly to a student’s personal and professional development beyond the classroom. It can improve confidence, communication, interpersonal relationships, creativity, professionalism and networking skills. These qualities can benefit students in many areas of life and future careers. Therefore, extracurricular activities can be valuable, provided students participate responsibly and ensure that such activities complement rather than undermine their education.
A student who is into modelling shares her experience:
“Balancing academics and modelling requires discipline, proper planning and effective time management. I make my studies a priority while arranging my modelling commitments around my academic schedule. Staying organised and focused has helped me manage both successfully without allowing one to negatively affect the other.
“One of my biggest challenges has been managing academic deadlines alongside modelling engagements. However, these experiences have taught me resilience, discipline and the importance of remaining committed to my goals even when faced with challenges.
Modelling has also contributed greatly to my personal and professional growth. It has boosted my confidence, improved my communication skills and created financial opportunities for me.
As Miss Nigeria International Global, the experience has also inspired me to use my platform to empower others while continuing to develop myself professionally,”said.
In her contribution, Mrs. Mikun Adejuyigbe, who is a modelling professional and also owns a model community noted that while working with student models, she looks for certain qualities that go beyond physical appearance.
According to her, “Dedication and a strong work ethic are very important. A model should be punctual, prepared and willing to put in the necessary effort. I also value resilience and a positive attitude because the modelling industry can be challenging, and models may face rejection or demanding working conditions.
“Another important quality is coachability—the ability to accept corrections, follow instructions and learn from experience,” she said.
For students trying to balance education with modeling, effective planning and communication are essential. They should create a schedule that gives priority to classes, assignments and study time while allowing room for modelling activities. Students should also communicate their academic commitments clearly to agencies, photographers and clients so that engagements can be properly arranged. Education should not be seen as an obstacle to modelling but as an advantage that can broaden their knowledge, confidence and perspective.
Student models may face challenges such as poor time management, unrealistic expectations, social comparison and difficulties understanding the business side of modelling. My advice is for them to learn how to prioritise and understand that they cannot accept every opportunity. They should focus on developing their individual strengths rather than comparing themselves with others, especially on social media. They should also educate themselves about contracts, finances and their professional rights, while seeking guidance from experienced and trustworthy mentors when necessary.
Education remains extremely important for aspiring models because it provides skills that can strengthen their careers and prepare them for life beyond modelling. Academic development improves critical thinking, communication and general knowledge, which can help models understand clients, follow professional briefs and interact confidently with people. It also provides alternative career opportunities within or outside the fashion industry. Therefore, pursuing education alongside modelling gives students a stronger foundation and helps them build a sustainable future beyond their appearance or modelling career.
According to Christian Helen who is a model and an Engineering student at the University of Ibadan, “I have a strong passion for fashion and the way it brings people together. While many people see fashion as simply clothing or jewellery, I see it as a form of storytelling and a means of creating meaningful connections.
“To build a successful modelling career, a model must be willing to keep showing up despite rejection from individuals or society. Consistency and resilience are very important. I also believe that documenting your journey and growth is essential because it allows people to see your progress and understand your story. As long as you are able to offer tangible value, opportunities will come.
“Although many people consider lack of opportunities a major challenge, I believe there are actually many opportunities available. For me, the bigger challenge is finding opportunities that align with my values. I do not want to build a career or legacy that I will not be proud to pass on to the next generation. I also do not want to be restricted to one particular style or brand. Access to the right tools, networks and connections is equally important, because the people you know can influence how far you are able to go in the industry.
My advice to students is to find a way to balance academics with their career pursuits. It may not always be easy, and there may be times when it becomes demanding and requires sacrifices, but the experience can be worthwhile. Someone I greatly respect once told me, “It doesn’t have to be one or the other; it can be one and the other.” Those words have remained close to my heart because I believe it is possible to pursue education while building a successful career from a young age.”
As more young people continue to combine academics with modelling, the need for effective time management, support systems, and determination becomes increasingly important. While the journey may not be easy, many student models have proved that it is possible to excel both on the runway and in the classroom.