Jennifer Smart

I decided to study at the University of Northampton as I wanted to complete my degree after studying the first two years at another college. I also knew people who had studied the same course at UON previously and felt inspired to do it myself.

My career goal is to own my own business, designing and making my own collections. I aspire to have my own team of designers who I can collaborate with to create affordable and fashionable collections that are appealing to a wide variety of people.

My year studying at Northampton will help me with my career as it’s enabled me to develop the relevant skills I need to go out into the industry. This includes collaborating with others and being able to convey my ideas in a professional and creative way, and developing the skills needed to be a fashion designer. I’ve also become more confident drafting my own patterns from my designs and refining my garment construction skills.

The skills I’ve gained on my degree that I feel will be most useful in my future career are the collaboration and presenting skills I’ve developed, as these will help me when I’m ready to create my own brand and business.

The advice I’d give to undergraduates interested in this career path would be that even though at times it will feel overwhelming and is a lot of work, it will all be worth it in the end. My UON experience has been both overwhelming and rewarding.