Placement Experience: Pattern Room & Design Assistant at Spirit Clothing 2000 -Zoe Gable

What motivated you to pursue an optional placement year?

I heard someone in the year above me had done one and observing her work ethic and the work she was producing made me hopeful to be like her during my final year. I also wanted to gain experience of working within the fashion industry to know that it was where I wanted to go while still having the safety and support of the university. 

How many placement applications did you make? 

I lost track of how many roles I applied for but probably around 10-20 places, some never got back to me, others I got to the next stage of providing them more information or doing an online test and a few I had interviews with.

Did you get support with your applications?

 I had a lot of help from the placement team. For the first applications, they were there with me as I applied, after that I would find a role, draft a cover letter and send this to them which they would quickly provide feedback on. In preparing for interviews, I was given advice on what to research and feedback and encouragement if I was rejected. I also had support from my course lectures and encouragement to keep applying. I also had external support from people I knew in the community that had connections with people in the industry which ended up being the way I got a role, still with advice and support from the careers team when contacting places that didn’t have a listed role. 

What were your main concerns about taking a placement year?

One of my main concerns was moving to London by myself and finding accommodation, leaving full time education to work a full time job for the first time, but I realised quickly that this would come after graduating anyway, doing it now for a placement at least I still have the support of the university.

What tips would you give to students about balancing placement applications with university studies?

I would try to set aside some time each week in between university studies to research potential roles and draft cover letters. The more you apply to and get feedback on either from the companies themselves or the placement team, the easier and quicker it is to apply to them.  I felt my confidence also grew after a couple interviews and the rejections didn’t feel as personal as more as a way to improve and learn.

Any challenges have you faced during your placement, and how have you overcome them?

I think one of the main challenges I’ve faced has been adjusting to the difference in work schedules compared with typical uni hours, but realistically, it just took some time to adjust and now it feels very normal. Another key change has been learning to understand how this specific company functions across the departments and communication in a more professional way. I’ve overcome these challenges by asking my line manager or other people for support if I’m unsure or for them to check my work, as the weeks have gone on, I’m gaining more understanding and require less support as I take on the feedback.

What has been the most rewarding part of your placement so far?

As I am working within a fashion company, one of the most rewarding parts of my placement so far has been seeing designs come in, which I help to order fabrics and trims for, to taking photos of the first garment samples and taking them to our customers for approvals. I think further into my placement, it will be even more rewarding when I see these designs in production and in the shops available for anyone to buy and love.

Has your placement experience influenced your perspective on your chosen career path or field of study?

Doing a placement year has already influenced my perspective on my chosen career path as I know more now about the fashion industry and that I do want to work within it. However, for now, I’m not entirely sure what area specifically I would like to work in, but I’m hopefully going to have the chance over the next year to work with each department and gain a clearer idea of my main interests.

Would you recommend the placement year to other students?

I would recommend doing a placement year to other students, even if you only apply to some potential roles, the opportunity is a great way to learn and gain experience while still being a student with the university. I think it will also help me during my final year and when I apply for roles after graduation as I have had some experience and understanding of the industry.