Brittany Bond

The Course

I chose to study at Manchester Fashion Institute because I had researched the University and its fashion courses had received great feedback. It was clear that the University offered great opportunities with placements, study abroad opportunities and international trips to places like Shanghai, Portugal and Paris. I was mostly interested in doing a sandwich course, as Manchester Fashion Institute had shown opportunities with worldwide known companies and spoke of how it was of great benefit to the students. The course also included a foundation degree, which was directly linked to buying and merchandising programme. I found that it was one few universities that offered a buying and merchandising foundation course.

I found the teaching on the course to be personal to each individual, we were encouraged to enhance your learning by using all that the University had to offer in order to build upon our CVs and increase our employability. Through the CAD workshops that the University held or by attending key guest speakers to network and gain industry knowledge. There were also workshops on making Japanese knot bags, giving fashion business students an insight and experience in design, or talks on new technologies like block chain that were valuable in understanding the current market. The lectures were engaging and kept current and relatable, talking about key current issues and topics whilst interchanging with guest speakers.

One of my favourite projects so far has been my research project, as you can choose your topic; I researched gender-neutral clothing amongst millennials. The research and data that I gathered from this project has been exciting and invaluable, as current job opportunities have been interested in this topic and have been inquisitive about it during interviews. Another of my favourite projects was the trade fair, as actually creating a product and the marketing that comes along with it gave me a great taster of what it is like in the industry.

Industry Placement

I completed a four-month study abroad programme in Jaipur, India, at worldwide export house Ratan Textiles as a Childrenswear Designer. I then undertook a six-month placement at global supplier Poetic Gem in London, as a Menswear Sales/Product Development Assistant. My programme in India gave me the opportunity to experience a different culture whilst expanding my knowledge on worldwide markets, meet international buyers, and learn and create Indian handcrafts. This built my confidence as a designer whilst working within an international team. My experience in London resulted in gaining responsibility and managing three key product areas from design to delivery, communicating with and managing overseas production, and making approvals, which has given me invaluable knowledge for any further graduate opportunities.

Student Support

The staff were really helpful; they are encouraging when you struggle and motivate you when you are looking for job roles. I always felt they were there when I needed them. They supported us through our international trips and placements, and made lectures exciting by explaining the more difficult topics in a fun and interesting way.

Top Tip

Make the most of your experience! Take every opportunity that comes your way as you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. At Manchester Fashion Institute, I had the opportunity to live in India and London, whilst visiting countries like Shanghai and I have made lifelong friends from all those experiences. The opportunities this course has given me has put me in good stead for future roles, and this wouldn’t have been possible if I did not take advantage of these opportunities. This course has given me the best 4 years of my life so make sure you make it your best 4 years too!