Katy Cunningham

The Course

I chose to study BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising at Manchester Fashion Institute because I knew it would be give me the best advantage to begin my career in Fashion! As soon as I came to visit on the open day, the vibe I got from the lecturers and Manchester itself, I knew it was the place for me. The connections and experience that the lecturers have within industry is pretty special and something I didn’t see anywhere else.

I really enjoyed the Product Development unit in second year. It was the perfect opportunity to be as innovative and creative as you wanted to be whilst keeping a business stance on the project. This also allowed me to use the 3D print facilities at Manchester Met, which is something I don’t think I will get the opportunity to do again.

This unit also leads on to a Trade Fair, where we could present our product to a wider audience of staff members, students and industry. It may seem scary doing group work and having to present yourself and product in such a large space but this gave me the opportunity to mingle with others on the course I wouldn’t usually speak to and gave me more confidence with my presenting skills.

Industry Placement

I completed a one-year placement as part of the sandwich degree. I was an Assistant Garment Technologist intern at Missguided in Manchester.

I loved my year in industry as it really helped me to put the theory I had learnt in previous years into practice, whilst giving me a rounded view of how all the teams work together to get products on the website.

During my time there, I had some amazing opportunities and I was given far more responsibility I even thought I was capable of.

The Opportunities

Whilst Fashion Buying and Merchandising is business based, we have still had plenty of opportunity to be creative through CAD sessions and product based units. The facilities on campus mean we have dedicated rooms and sessions for CAD workshops so gain an insight into the design side.

The amount of trips both local and internationally has been amazing and given me insight into areas I wouldn’t have otherwise thought of.

In third year, I’ve had the opportunity to partake in loads of trips and sign up activities. My favourite of these was the week trip to Shanghai. We visited supplier’s head offices and factories and even H&M’s China production office.

The trip was organised to be just like a buying trip would be in industry, to give us an idea of what to expect in future, with plenty of shopping time added in!

I also visited the John Smedley factory in Matlock as well as partaking in master classes on focusing on China and Japan and the future of blockchain and crypto-currencies. I even had a go in the sewing rooms and made a Japanese knot bag!

Student Support

My lecturers throughout university have been absolutely fabulous. The teaching provides in-depth knowledge into buying, merchandising, product, and employability and people skills, all preparing me for a career in the fashion industry after I graduate.

Support from the staff all the way through from first year into final year has been great. They are really good at keeping you motivated and getting your work done. If you ever need any help there is always someone willing or to point you in the direction of who to ask if they can’t help.

The Future

I hope to go into a buying role when I graduate for a retailer or brand and in the future, progress into more advanced buying roles.

I focused my final year research project on sustainability in the fashion industry so maybe one day I would like to be involved in the sourcing and supply chain side of a business, and do what I can to improve processes!

Top Tips for potential international students

Make the most of every opportunity you are given! You will be offered chances to study abroad and go on loads of trips so just be sure to get as involved as you can!

I would also recommend a placement year; it’s really beneficial to your final year to have witnessed first-hand how a business is run.

If you don’t get the chance to do a placement then signup for some work experience in your own time or holidays, as well as increasing your employability, you will have a great time!