Edward Hester

My placement year helped me to realise my own identity within fashion design but also as a young person. In today’s world there is so much pressure applied to young people, especially with regard to employability. For someone who did not study fashion from a young age and only realised his potential within this discipline through the opportunities afforded by the University – taking the year to work in industry on a placement allowed me to further understand that I really belong in this sector.

One thing you must prepare for is the difficulties of the world of work and the amount that you will be expected to contribute. Placement year is fantastic in this sense as it enables you to get out exactly what you put in. It is important to remember that you are representing the University and the company you are working for; but above all that you are representing yourself – if you go in with the right attitude and discipline you will be shown the respect you deserve regardless of your skill level. There is such a thing as natural talent, but without hard work, that talent is wasted.

The fact of the matter is simple, nothing prepares you for a career in the fashion industry as much as undertaking a year in the fashion industry whilst studying – where you can learn and develop without being expected to know your job role inside and out. After all, you’re still a student! The year as a whole has prepared me immensely for my final year of your studies and the world of work beyond my degree.