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. Read the first article on here.

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.

What advice would you give someone preparing to go on a placement?

• Be open-minded about opportunities: There’s often pressure to aim only for placements at big-name companies or highly conceptual brands, but don’t underestimate the value of roles at smaller or more commercial organisations. High-street and commercial brands might not always be the most ‘creative’, but they provide an excellent grounding in essential industry skills like Excel, cross-functional collaboration, and working within financial targets. Smaller companies can also give you more responsibility and a broader understanding of business.

• Be proactive in your search: Start early and tailor your applications to each role. Highlight relevant skills and showcase your enthusiasm through a personalised CV, cover letter, and portfolio if required (also ensure portfolios aren’t too long and are concise. Be cautious of how much intellectual property you give away).

• Do your research: Learn as much as you can about the company and industry before applying. This not only helps in interviews but also shows genuine interest and initiative.

• Embrace adaptability: Placement environments can be fast-paced and challenging, so be open to learning and adjusting quickly. It’s okay not to know everything straight away—what matters is your willingness to grow.

• Manage your time wisely: Balancing responsibilities, whether it’s personal projects or part-time jobs, can be tough. Set boundaries, prioritise tasks, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

• Look after yourself: Placements can be demanding, so remember to check in with yourself and prioritise your mental and physical health. Breaks are as important as productivity.

• Ensure fair compensation: Since many fashion internships are unpaid, it’s important to ensure that organisations compensate you in other meaningful ways, such as providing genuine work experience, a positive work environment, and flexibility to work elsewhere if you need to make up for the lack of pay. Unfortunately, some companies take advantage of students, so be sure to set boundaries, ensure you’re not asked to do things outside your role, and follow up on promised expenses like food or travel reimbursements.

• Stay curious: Use your placement year to explore and expand your knowledge. Attend events, watch documentaries, read books, and absorb as much as you can to supplement your learning.

• Focus on your own journey: Don’t worry about what your peers are doing. Everyone has different goals, skills they want to develop, and personal circumstances that shape their placement year. If you don’t secure a role at a major company, land a cool internship abroad, or find a paid opportunity, it doesn’t mean you’re less talented or a failure. Every placement, no matter where, is a valuable learning experience if you approach it with the right mindset. Trust that the right opportunities for you will come in time. Most importantly, approach the experience with an open mind and a willingness to make the most of every opportunity—it’s a chance to learn, grow, and clarify your career goals. Take every opportunity that comes, because you will never know where it will take you until you try.

How has the placement experience influenced your confidence in entering the job market?

My placement experience so far has greatly enhanced my confidence in entering the job market. Working in a professional, fast-paced environment gave me the opportunity to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world setting, which has made me feel more prepared for future roles. The responsibility I was given, particularly in design development and production, has bolstered my ability to manage projects independently and contribute meaningfully to a team. Additionally, overcoming challenges like managing multiple tasks and adapting to new work environments has taught me resilience and problem-solving skills. Overall, this experience has shown me that I can navigate the professional world with confidence, and I now feel more equipped for future placement opportunities, and to pursue my career goals, whether in design, marketing, or other creative fields.

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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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