Genevieve Sweeny - Placement Profile
Course: BA (Hons) Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles
Placement: Sophie Stellar / Marks and Spencer / New Look
Placement position: Design Assistant / Freelance Knitwear Assistant
Could you tell me about your work placement?
I spent the whole time between my second and fourth year working in industry, gaining contacts and developing my skills. I first started at Sophie Steller and was involved with client projects, designing collections and trend exhibitions, as well as designing for the company's own swatch collection that is sold all over the world. I was able to improve and learn new skills and techniques on a variety of different knitting machines.
I then worked at Marks and Spencer for three months as a design assistant to the senior knitwear designer. I learnt many skills needed for working in a commercial retail industry. I was involved in trend research, shop research, designing, yarn research, catwalk analysing. I then went on to work at New Look for three months as a freelance knitwear assistant.
What has been the highlight of your placement year so far?
Being able to develop my design handwriting in a commercial industry. Six months in a knitting placement was a fantastic opportunity as you develop your skills in every area, learn new skills and understand yarns, machines etc. You gain great experience to take with you into the final year and learn how to design for a certain brand or company. I've developed a greater understanding of the retail industry.
Has your placement experience helped you make a decision about your future career?
It has enabled me to realise what I'd like to do in the future. I don't think I can see myself in a commercial retail industry, but I enjoy knitting and designing. I enjoyed swatching as there was a mixture of designing and knitting for trade shows and trend exhibitions. Ideally I would like to work in a high end design company where I'm able to be creative, whilst knitting and designing.
