Lauren Russell

Fashion course BA(Hons) - Placement Year

Hey I'm Lauren. I've written a blog about my work placement with Public Desire. In my spare time I like to read lots and enjoy walking.

If you’re in your second year of a sandwich course, you’re probably hearing a lot about placements right now. Fashion student, Lauren, talks about what she looked for in her placement, the kind of work she’s currently doing, and how she’s enjoying it so far.

 

I started at the University of Huddersfield in 2017 to study a BA(Hons) degree on a Fashion course, and my course is available as a sandwich course – with a year on placement. Initially I wasn’t actually going to do a placement year; with thanks to the information and help provided by the Business School Placements Unit, and my wonderful group of friends (whom I realised I didn’t want to graduate without!), I had changed my mind by the time I reached my second year.

At first, I wasn’t sure of the benefits of a placement, having already worked full-time before coming to university, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Having the chance to have a year out in a work environment is helping me to hone my marketing skills, and is definitely giving me some excellent experience to draw upon in my final year. It is also widening my experience to the world of full-time work.

Lauren Russell - Public Desire - Pink

 

For my placement I’m working as a Marketing Assistant at Public Desire, a fast-fashion company based in Swinton, Manchester.

Public Desire was exactly what I was looking for in a placement. I’m not overly keen on big company culture and the team at Public Desire is quite small; meaning we all work together quite closely. And of course, working for a small fashion company comes with its perks, like sampling clothes and ordering Dominos lunches!

More than anything I’ve enjoyed how much I’ve learnt this year! From social media scheduling, to email marketing, to assisting with styling on photoshoots, website merchandising and copywriting. I have such a varied job role that my days are never boring or repetitive. I even help the influencer team with managing 45+ influencers directly on a gifting-basis.

Lauren Russell - Public Desire - T-Shirt

 

I would definitely recommend to anyone who may be doubting a placement year, to seriously consider it! Take a look at the University’s placement opportunities, but also get yourself (and your CV) sent out to other possible openings. I was offered my placement because I sent speculative emails to around 40+ companies that were not actually advertising roles at the time in Manchester, and I got offered an interview based on a recruiter appreciating my initiative and approach.

Aside from building relevant experience, taking part in a placement year gives you the opportunity to get a feel for full-time work, to build relationships with colleagues, and save a little money for your final year studies. Sometimes these placements even work out long term, with placement students coming back after graduating for a full-time job.

Lauren Russell - Public Desire - Boots

So if you are considering undertaking a placement year, I would question ‘why not’? I’m loving my placement and learning so much. I’m also looking forward to seeing how this will affect applying for graduate roles in the future.

 

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