I’m kicking off the week with a Uni Life interview. I think it’s good to start the week with something motivational and hopefully this interview with my sister, Poppy will be just that.
The purpose behind this interview series is to give prospective and current students an insight into life at university, what it takes to get there and how to survive. I hope that these interviews will give you a chance to learn from current and recently graduated students about the courses you’re interested in.
This week I’m talking with Poppy, a recent graduate of the University for the Creative Arts.
What course are you studying at university?
For the past three years, I’ve been studying Fashion Promotion and Imaging at the University for the Creative Arts (Epsom). I have recently just completed my final year and I have just graduated this week!
Did you have to study specific subjects at college to get onto the course?
I completed an Art and Design Foundation course for a year before starting at UCA. It’s not always necessary to do this to gain a place on the course, but I think it helps in developing your confidence and areas of interest before reaching higher education.
I never felt the rush to go to university and I’m glad I had a year to figure things out.
How did you know this was the right course for you?
I have always been interested in the creative side of work. I never knew specifically what I wanted to do, but when I heard about the course at UCA I felt it was exactly what I needed. It involves so many creative ways of working. It covers Visual Communication, Fashion Promotion and Fashion Styling and Photography. It really helped me develop my own style over the years.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
I loved the freedom, it isn’t specific to one area so by the time you finish you have a wide variety skills that you can apply to so many job roles. We also have fantastic tutors who will always give you their time and support.
Are internships easy to come by in your field?
Yes, as long as you put yourself out there. You need to be willing to do your very best no matter how small the job/task given is.
Please tell us about an internship that you’ve gained something positive from.
I have worked within a wide range of roles in the industry. From Styling, Press to Set Design and Production. I have been interning since the very start of my first year. My recent internships being with Wallpaper* Magazine and Adidas.
I am really proud of what I have achieved. I have worked really hard over the three years and I’ve been lucky to work with lovely people.
Do you have any career plans in mind for when you’ve graduated?
I would like to find an assistant role to start myself off in the industry.
What keeps you motivated?
Being in an exciting environment, surrounded by ambitious and interesting individuals.
What would you’ve liked to know about university life before you started?
Nothing in particular comes to mind. You learn a lot over the years and go through the highs and lows of it all. It has been my favourite experience yet. I’ve met the most wonderful people there.
What advice would you offer to prospective fashion promotion students?
Experiment as much as you can and collaborate with others. This will help you find your main area of interest and you will develop a strong portfolio.
What do you do in your spare time?
I want to say a big thank you to Poppy for taking part in this interview. I’ve been longing to interview her for quite some time. She has worked very hard over the last few years and has been focused on gaining lots of experience within the fashion industry. I’m sure all her hard work will pay off.
As Poppy mentions, you have to be willing to push yourself out of your comfort zone and work hard. I personally believe it’s very important to leave university with good work experience as well as a degree. Internships and jobs can help you figure out what what you do and more importantly, what you don’t want to do within your career.