Amy Davidson

During my Bachelor’s degree in Fashion, I was given the skills I needed to progress with my career, after graduating. The University helped me prepare my portfolio, which is highly important for applying for jobs or going on to study at master’s level. You need to communicate how your ideas turn into the final result keeping your pages are easily readable and individual to you. It also shows how you can professionally present your work.

I did a summer placement at Swash London. It was really important to see if working in fashion was really for me, and to gain first-hand experience of the industry, to make connections with people in the industry you want to work in and learn a few tips too! It was here that I discovered I wanted to be a maker and designer.

I won the Mulberry Accessories Award at Graduate Fashion Week (the premier showcase for fashion students in the UK). I felt overwhelmed when I heard that I had won – I was really shocked because the standard of competition was so high. I had created a range of briefcases and bags based on the intricate designs of gothic architecture, using laser cutting to add an extra level of detail to my creations. Having strong design skills is essential with studying fashion, something all fashion students need to be prepared for.

I would recommend current students embrace the opportunities they have at University to learn as much as possible. This will prepare you for whatever faces you in the future. Going out of your way to do this really helps you communicate what you want to do because you understand how things work and what’s possible.

Amy now works as a Leather Goods Designer at Chloé in Paris