Katie
Sayer

What made you choose to study at NTU?
“I chose to study at NTU because it’s one of the most highly regarded universities in England for fashion. It has great industry links and I knew this would be important to start my career. I also knew about the Fashion Institute of Technology New York exchange opportunity prior to applying, as well as the opportunity to go on overseas study trips each year, which other universities don’t offer!”

What do you enjoy most about your course?
“I really like that the course is so varied. It gives you the opportunity to explore so many areas within fashion before deciding what to focus on in your third year. It is structured in a way that sets you up really well for your final year and ultimately for going into the industry. The course is both creative and academic; I like that balance. Learning how to integrate the two in everything I do has been really interesting.”

Has the course included any speakers / lecturers from industry?
“The course has had many industry professionals in to talk about their roles and why they do what they do. One that definitely stands out is Alexandra Shulman – the then Editor-in-Chief at British Vogue. It gave me a real insight into how hard she has worked. It was really interesting to learn about why she was moving on from Vogue and what she had planned next. She even stayed to meet and talk with us after!”

What do you think about the course staff?
“The course staff are all really helpful and always willing to help. They are incredibly knowledgeable and I definitely see that come through in seminars and lectures. It’s definitely encouraging to be taught by people that are so passionate about what they do. Technical staff are also always there to help. If we need any advice using any equipment, they are always on-hand.”

How do you find your course facilities?
“The Fashion Management, Marketing and Communication courses have our own brand new building! It’s great to be able to immerse ourselves in a space on campus that is just ours. It’s really clean and modern, with new Mac computers that are fully equipped with Adobe Creative Suite.”

Can you tell us more about your exchange to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York?
“My major was in Advertising Marketing Communications, which is what most closely reflected my course. However, I chose to study more creative classes such as Creative Media, Photographic Styling, Styling for Visual Presentation, Business of Fashion Styling as well as Yoga.

“Every day was different and there was an endless list of things to do in New York! We visited Coney Island, watched films in central park in the summer, walked along the Brooklyn Bridge and promenade, saw the Statue of Liberty, went to a shopping outlet in New Jersey, watched basketball, and much more.

“The highlight of my time in New York was getting to volunteer for Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2018 at NYFW. Working for such a renowned name was amazing. We got to see the ins and outs of how a fashion show is put together. It was a really intense day and went really fast, but it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”

What was the application process like? 
“The application process was quite straightforward and it all happened very fast. Applicants come from all the fashion courses and also graphic design. You’re up against a lot of people and it’s a chance to prove to yourself why you have what it takes.”

Can you tell us about the type of support you got from both institutions?
“NTU really helped me throughout the process. They directed me to information I was seeking and put me in contact with the international exchange team at FIT who then guided me through the process. I also found the people who went on the same exchange the year prior were really helpful. They gave me an insight into the exchange that no one else could have done.”

What was the most valuable lesson you learnt and would you recommend it to other students?
“The most valuable lesson I learnt whilst on exchange was true independence. When you’re in New York, you can’t go home when things get tiring! I learnt a lot about myself and what I’m capable of. Being able to navigate in a city like New York on my own is definitely something I’m proud of. The whole experience made me realise that I am capable of doing things out of my comfort zone. It’s not easy being in a new country for so long all on your own but I realised that I’m a really determined person and can do anything I put my mind to. I would absolutely recommend the exchange to other students. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in a new culture.”

Read more about Katie's exchange to New York.