To finish off the summer term of Year 1, I had to try to find a work placement to enrich my studies as part of the BA (Hons) Textiles Design course. A daunting task at first for me – but with some research, time and persistence, it all paid off. I want to talk you through my tips for finding a work placement.
As part of our Graduate Future topic, which runs for the whole year on the Textiles Design course, we had four weeks in the final semester dedicated to a work placement of our choice. For the unit requirement, we had to send off a minimum of three applications – made of our CV, a page of imagery of our work and a covering letter tailored to each company on why we would like to work for them or what we hoped to achieve from a placement there. After the minimum three applications, we were strongly advised to keep searching and applying until we found a placement. Although if we couldn’t secure one, or found one for a later date in the summer, there was a live brief running at AUB for us with a freelance designer – a great alternative.
I knew from the start that I really wanted to try and secure a placement – I wanted to experience working in a studio, seeing what I was learning in real-life industry use and building my network of contacts. But I won’t lie, the research and contacting were gruelling to say the least. By about application number 10, I finally secured a placement with a quilting and patchwork company, and it has been brilliant working for them.
At some points during my research, I did get disheartened, and I did feel like I was doing something wrong, but looking back, I know it wasn’t about me personally and I learnt a few things along the way. I am sharing them so hopefully you can make use of what I learnt in your search for an industry experience, and to remind you to be confident in how skilled you are!
Firstly, it may sound simple and obvious but exhaust all your contacts or relationships. The old saying ‘it’s who you know, not what you know’ really rings true in this situation. Don’t be afraid of asking twice, too. This is a big deal for you! At first, I thought ‘oh yeah I’ve asked my parents and my tutor, and I’ve been looking at lots of company websites, I’m running out of people to ask now’ but no … think again. If you’re set on getting a placement, ask people further afield than that. See if anyone your guardians work with knows of anything – you never know what previous careers people have had, and it might be exactly what you’re looking for! Reach out to other universities, especially if there’s one close to the area you want a work placement in (for example, closer to home) or even colleges, as some students do placements as part of A-levels – they may have a host of connections that their students have previously used. If you have a part-time job and can ask your colleagues at work about it do this as well. It’s a small world out there, and a connection might just arise – but you won’t know unless you ask. People are usually willing to help, but they won’t know you need it unless you put yourself out there.
My second top tip is to look at the travel to a company before you apply, especially if you’re relying on public transport. If you can walk, then it’s an easy judgement. However, if you will be driving, can you cover the fuel bills? Will someone else need your car too? If you’re relying on lifts or public transport, can you get there on time with a backup option to still arrive on time too? Can you cover the cost, as not every company will pay you or subsidise your travel, and will it realistically work out? It’s always best to consider all this before you apply, so you don’t waste your time, or theirs, in contacting them.
Lastly, be open-minded and show initiative. If a company responds saying, unfortunately they can’t take you for X, Y or Z reason, thank them for their time and ask if they know anyone else or a different company that might be able to help. Make sure your emails or communications are articulate and professional, ask someone trustworthy (a peer, tutor or guardian) to check it first for you if you’re not sure. It’s always better to be happy with it than rush it and lose out. Equally, don’t be afraid to play a game of chase. If you don’t get a response after a week or 10 days, send a polite follow-up email to check it was received and has been read – it may have gone to their spam, and they had no idea! Also, be optimistic in the opportunities out there. Even if an opportunity comes up to just visit a place that relates to your industry, take it. You never know what could happen. The same if you can apply to a company that wasn’t first on your radar, it might be different to what you expected to specialise in for a reason – you might just love it.
Overall, don’t give up! Opportunities are out there; you just have to be persistent and flexible. Remember, if you get turned down, it’s not about you personally, and it’s just a moment of re-direction. Getting industry experience is invaluable, and your hard work will show through eventually. Good luck!
