Enziya Gateley

Fashion Promotion student Enziya Gateley completed a placement at the British Fashion Council (BFC) during her 3rd year of study. Here she gives us insight into her year in industry.

“I completed my placement at the BFC in the communications department, I was a PR Student Placement from June 2019 – June 2020 then Communications Intern from July 2020 – October 2020.

My job involved supporting key global communications projects throughout the year. During my tenure at the BFC I worked five London Fashion Week’s (LFW). I assisted in creating and distributing press releases and promotional materials for all LFW and BFC initiatives. I was also lead on designing and distributing LFW press packs and managed press, VIPs, and influencers on-site at LFW. Subsequently, I produced all evaluation reports for LFW and BFC initiatives, making seasonal comparisons measured by KPIs.

I was also the main point of contact for press requests, responsible for picture edits and ensuring accurate information was provided to the press. Day-to-day duties included overseeing the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and managing global media monitoring databases such as Meltwater and Kantar to collate and report on coverage.

Most Enjoyable Part of the Placement

I was able to attend extraordinary celebrations, including all LFW catwalks at the BFC show space, fantastic LFW after-parties and the best celebration of all, the Fashion Awards. All LFW shows and BFC initiatives took months to plan so once an event was underway it was incredible to see all the hard work come together in an exhilarating celebration. All things considered, there were a plethora of opportunities right in front of me and it gave me unimaginable insight into an industry, which to many, is so hard to break into.

Most Challenging Part 

I worked at the BFC for 17 months, 8 of which were spent working from home so I would say my biggest challenge was the adjustment to remote working. Covid-19 catapulted the industry into turmoil and the BFC had to rebuild the British fashion industry. I was one of only a few core team members that was not furloughed and was heavily involved with the launch of the first digital LFW in June 2020. My job working at the BFC also coincided with the global response to the death of George Floyd and the support for Black Lives Matter. I had been just part of a large team pre-lockdown to being an integral part of the BFC’s response to this tragedy and the wider ramifications. I helped set up the steering committee that BFC felt was essential for them to ensure they were taking some kind of ownership and leadership in these matters as well and how they could evolve themselves as an organisation.

What did you gain during the placement?

I was hesitant to apply for the PR student placement role as the teaching on my course was not based around PR. However, my cover letter and CV were evidently well-received by my employer. Consequently, I would advise any students that they should not eliminate an area or feel discouraged just because your course doesn’t cover the subject. Once I started working at the BFC I quickly realised all the skills I obtained from my university degree were transferrable. Any prior knowledge regarding designers and promotional activities I studied could be applied to the work set out for me.

Was the placement valuable?

I have worked in the industry since 2018 in various roles from content creation and styling to communications and working for the BFC was one of the best experiences I’ve had. I wouldn’t be able to pinpoint a moment that was the most valuable, but I can say the sheer amount of responsibility I was given allowed me to feel like an esteemed member of the team.

Furthermore, placements at the BFC usually just remain at that level, but I was offered to stay on in a new role with more responsibilities, which exceeded their expectation of what a placement was capable of. As a result, I was lead on the execution and development of the new BFC CRM system. Being given this responsibility was a pivotal moment for me as I grew personally and professionally.

Would you recommend completing a placement to future students?

Completing a placement year was the most rewarding and incredible experience. I embraced working at the most forward-thinking company, paving the way for new talent in the industry. I was able to gain industry insight into the planning and execution of LFW, the Fashion Awards and many other BFC initiatives that happened throughout the year. I built grit, resilience, and a strong work ethic. Working in the communications department was fast-paced and high-pressure and as a result, I am prepared for my career ahead. Moreover, I built up the knowledge and expertise at the BFC which allowed me to excel in my final year of university.

Advice for Future Fashion Graduates

I would ensure your LinkedIn profile is relevant and you are following companies you are interested in to receive all their updates, including job alerts. The biggest tip I would give is to do your research. It is so important to stay up to date with the latest industry news so when you do get an interview with a prospective employer you can showcase your knowledge to them. I take time every morning to read the Business of Fashion and Vogue Business, so make it part of your morning routine and it will become a habit.”

Enziya went on to have her work shortlisted for a Graduate Fashion Week award during her final year of study and is now working as a Freelance Content Creator and Creative Director.