Finding a placement can be challenging, but UoW’s Careers and Employability Service are here to support you every step of the way.

We recently spoke to Keren Sondi, a Fashion Design student on placement with Chinti & Parker, who shared how university resources, academic support, and CES guidance helped secure her opportunity.

Hi there! My name is Keren, and I am a Fashion Design student on my placement year. This year has been an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on industry experience, expand my skills, and explore the professional world beyond the classroom. Passionate about creativity and innovation, I’m excited to share how my placement has shaped my journey and why I believe it’s a valuable step for any student.

1. Where did you do your placement?

I completed my placement at Chinti & Parker, a luxury fashion brand renowned for its premium knitwear and contemporary designs. As a Design Development and Production Intern, I gained valuable experience working across various aspects of the design and production process, collaborating with a dynamic team to bring creative concepts to life.

2. What initially attracted you to do a placement, and how did you learn about it?

I was initially attracted to doing a placement year because I wanted to step away from my studies to consolidate my learning and apply it in a professional setting. I saw it as a chance to gain hands-on experience, develop valuable skills, and gain insights to benefit my final year and future applications for jobs or master’s courses. Having previously interned in a similar role at Orlebar Brown, I wanted to build on that foundation, and Chinti & Parker provided the perfect environment to deepen my understanding of the design development and production process. Fashion design education places significant emphasis on development and experimentation, so I was particularly drawn to the role of Design Development and Production because it offered the opportunity to explore these aspects in a professional context. It was fascinating to apply my creativity while problem-solving in new ways and working towards specific consumer and brand goals.

3. How did you go about securing your placement, including steps like preparation, creating your CV and cover letter, interviewing? What was the application process like?

I secured my placement through an email from my placement year tutor, who reached out to the cohort to see if anyone was interested in applying. To prepare, I tailored my CV and cover letter using templates I had previously created, modifying them to align with the specific requirements of the role. I also put together a mini portfolio that showcased my skills in development and construction, which I felt would highlight my suitability for the position.

Having done a previous internship in Design Development and Production, I felt confident going into the application process, but I still prepared thoroughly for the interview. I researched Chinti & Parker in depth, particularly their focus on knitwear, as it’s their speciality. This preparation helped me demonstrate both my technical knowledge and genuine enthusiasm for the role. Overall, the application process was a great learning experience and a chance to refine my professional skills.

4. Can you describe a typical day in your placement?

A typical day during my placement as a Design Development and Production Intern at Chinti & Parker was dynamic and varied, providing valuable insights into the fashion industry. I would start the day by assisting the design team with administrative tasks, such as updating range plans, design boards, or sending samples to factories. Collaboration was a key part of my role, so I also attended design meetings and fittings to take notes.

I frequently worked on creating CADs and tech packs, which involved refining design concepts and preparing detailed specifications for production. This was particularly exciting as it gave me hands-on experience in developing artwork packs for licensed collaborations like Peanuts, Hello Kitty and Mr. Men. Quality checks were another important aspect of my day, where I ensured garments met the required standards before proceeding to the next stage.

Afternoons were often spent researching trends and gathering inspiration to contribute to design ideation. I also assisted with special projects, such as hand-painting a backdrop for a Christmas campaign for Save The Children and doing some in house alterations. Each day brought new challenges and learning opportunities, blending creativity with practical problem-solving, which made the experience incredibly rewarding.

5. What were the main skills you developed during your time there?

During my placement at Chinti & Parker, I developed a wide range of skills that have been instrumental in shaping my professional abilities. A key skill I honed was creating detailed CADs and tech packs, which required precision and a strong understanding of garment construction. I also strengthened my proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, particularly in creating artwork packs for licensed collaborations, ensuring compliance with brand guidelines and legal requirements.

I gained significant insight into the design development and production process, learning to coordinate sample deliveries, update range plans, and document fit comments during fittings. Attention to detail became second nature as I conducted quality checks on garments to ensure they met production standards and measurement charts.

Collaboration and communication were essential skills I refined, as I worked closely with designers, suppliers, and production teams, gaining experience in managing relationships and coordinating tasks across different departments.

Additionally, I developed a deeper understanding of time management and prioritisation while juggling multiple responsibilities, from administrative tasks to contributing to creative. This hands-on experience enhanced my ability to problem-solve and adapt in a fast-paced professional environment.

6. How did the placement contribute to your understanding of your career goals?

My placement at Chinti & Parker significantly contributed to my understanding of my career goals by giving me a deeper insight into the design development and production processes within a professional setting. It allowed me to see how creative ideas are translated into tangible products and how collaboration with various departments, such as design, production, and suppliers, is key to successful product development.

This experience reinforced my passion for the intersection of creativity and technicality and helped me realise the importance of attention to detailand efficient project management. Additionally, it sparked an interest in the broader aspects of the fashion industry, such as sustainability, merchandising, and marketing, which I aim to explore further in my career.

The placement has clarified my goal to pursue a career that combines creative design with strategic thinking and has inspired me to continue developing both my design skillsand my understanding of business operations to create impactful, sustainable fashion.

7. What was the most challenging part of your placement, and how did you overcome it?

The most challenging part of my placement was managing multiple commitments at once. As my first full-time internship, joining Chinti & Parker came with significant responsibility from the start, alongside the need to adapt quickly to a new company and work environment. Midway through, my computer broke down, causing me to lose critical work that had to be redone under tight deadlines. I had to carefully manage and prioritise tasks to recover lost progress while staying on top of ongoing work, especially during the busy Autumn/Winter season and Black Friday period.

In addition to my internship, I was also balancing multiple commitments. Initially, this felt overwhelming, but it forced me to become more disciplined with time management. I learned to plan my days effectively, set boundaries, and approach tasks methodically. Crucially, I also became more attuned to recognising early signs of burnout and prioritising my physical and mental health.

These experiences strengthened my resilience, adaptability, and ability to balance competing demands—all invaluable skills that I’ll carry forward in my career.

8. How did you balance your placement along with your academic studies?

Although I didn’t have ongoing university work during my placement year, I focused on maintaining a balance between my internship and personal projects. My personal projects often involved working in teams, so if I ever felt overwhelmed due to time constraints or exhaustion, I made it a priority to communicate honestly with my team. They were always accommodating and understanding, which helped me manage my responsibilities effectively.

While I wasn’t actively studying, I didn’t let my academic learning pause for the year. I used this time to expand my knowledge through books, exhibitions, and documentaries. This approach allowed me to revisit academic concepts with a fresh perspective, especially now that I have more industry experience. During term time, learning can sometimes feel laborious due to tight deadlines and workloads, which can take the joy out of it. However, my placement year has reignited my passion for learning and provided a space to explore ideas more freely and creatively, which I’ll carry into my final year.

9. What kind of support did you receive from your placements team, the course team/academic team and placement supervisor/line manager?

I received a great deal of support from both the placements team and my managers during my time at Chinti & Parker. The placements team at my university was instrumental in helping me secure the role by sharing opportunities and providing guidance on preparing my application, such as refining my CV and cover letter. They also remained a reliable point of contact throughout the year, offering advice and checking in to ensure everything was going smoothly.

At Chinti & Parker, my managers were incredibly supportive in helping me transition into the role. They made sure I had a clear understanding of my responsibilities and provided detailed feedback on my work, which was invaluable for my growth. They encouraged an open and approachable working environment, where I felt comfortable asking questions or seeking clarification.

What stood out most was how accommodating my managers were of my other commitments. They understood the demands of balancing personal projects and a part-time job alongside a full-time internship. When I started to feel the strain, they were proactive in allowing me to take breaks when needed to avoid burnout, ensuring I could perform at my best. They also went above and beyond to help me understand the wider processes of design development and production, giving me a deeper appreciation of how these elements align with broader business objectives. Their guidance, patience, and encouragement made my placement an incredibly positive and enriching experience.

10. How did the placements team and the course team/academic team contribute to your confidence and overall preparation for the placement interview and recruitment process?

The placements team was instrumental in boosting my confidence and preparing me for the recruitment process. They shared tailored opportunities, including the one at Chinti & Parker, and provided feedback on crafting a standout CV and cover letter. Their advice on creating a mini portfolio showcasing my construction and development skills was key to securing the role.

They also emphasised thorough company research, helping me approach the interview confidently. Their support throughout ensured I felt prepared to tackle challenges and make the most of the experience.

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Big thanks to DCDI Placements team and Keren for this blog!

Remember: if you need careers support, your Careers Team is only an email / a message away!

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