Ellie’s journey to studying MA Fashion Business and Marketing

Meet Ellie a BA (Hons) Fashion Business and Promotion graduate, who furthered her learning and enrolled onto the MA Fashion Business and Marketing degree. Read on to find out more about Ellie’s experience and the transition to postgraduate study.

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE THE UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD?

I knew I wanted to study in Manchester before I chose this university. As Manchester has so much to offer and is a hive of activity, especially regarding creative industries. And what convinced me that the University of Salford was the right choice for me was when I attended the Open Day’s. The New Adelphi building was highly equipped with modern computer suites, photography studios and much more; I can say that the excellent facilities here are equal to the friendliness of the staff. Having attended other universities whilst I was still considering studying an undergraduate degree, the University of Salford became my first choice.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY FROM SALFORD STUDENT, TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW AND WHAT YOU’VE DONE.

During my first year studying my undergraduate degree, I was assigned the role of student representative. Unfortunately, at this time we were still in the pandemic and like so many other students forced to work remotely for a brief time. Fortunately, enough for us we were one of the first classes to return to lecture based learning, and as a representative I was able to open discussions regarding ways we could improve our learning experience and convey key points. As we were the first year studying this new degree we had a relatively small class size and completed group work which helped us connect to other students and create a friendly, enriching learning environment. In our final project, an exhibition was held where we relied on each other to bring the event to life. Of course, we all faced challenges throughout the course, but reflecting upon that period of time I’m thankful for the opportunities and experiences to learn how to work through obstacles which I’d inevitably face in the field.

Since completing the BA Fashion Business and Promotion course and graduating last summer with a first, I am currently studying the MA Fashion Business and Marketing degree. I initially considered jumping straight into a job from my undergraduate degree but after speaking to my tutors it lead me to applying for a masters as I believe I couldn’t turn down this opportunity. So far, we have met with business specialists and entrepreneurs to discuss the modules we’re completing and have recently operated business simulation, which we worked together in to teams to run a digital business for two years.

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR RESEARCHING AND APPLYING FOR A MASTER’S?

My main advice would be to attend as many open days as you can. If you’re unfamiliar of the teaching spaces where the course will be held, it’s important to get a glimpse of where you could be spending your time whilst studying a Master’s. It’s also a great way to find out who will be the course leader so you can reach out to them via email if you have any queries before applying.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE MODULE AND WHY?

In the second year of my undergraduate we were given the opportunity to complete work experience with a company of our choice. For this module we followed a live brief where we worked with established companies to create a brand package, and as a result I was fortunate enough to be offered an internship from the CEO of the company that I collaborated with. Work experience has enabled me to get a better understanding of the field I’m preparing for, as well as learn new skills like assisting photoshoots, managing the affiliate marketing spreadsheets, scheduling content for the company S-commerce platform, and overall being in the presence of other people who have specialised in these departments.

WERE THERE ANY TIMES YOU WERE ABLE TO LISTEN TO ANY GUEST SPEAKERS? OR ANY EVENTS RELATING TO YOUR COURSE THAT YOU WERE ABLE TO ATTEND?

Depending on the module we were on, we had guest speakers who would attend lectures to discuss their expertise. From PETA activists discussing ethical implications in the fashion industry to entrepreneurs sharing their company manufacturing details, and we were then given these contacts to help us aid our projects. We even had recruitment agencies attending classes to review our CV applications and portfolios.

We had multiple events within the time I studied my undergraduate degree. For example, in our second year, we coordinated a Swap Shop system where students and lecturers brought second hand clothes into the university to resell and swap to raise money for charity. The event was student lead and held in the apex area of the New Adelphi. Trips were also offered to students to visit Barcelona and London as part of their primary research for their projects and capture images of city life and architecture. Our class also shared a WhatsApp group which included the tutors, which was a great tool to share events held around Manchester that may be of interest to students. As well as providing us the opportunity to create new contacts.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

One of the proudest achievements I can say in regards to my time at the University of Salford is that for each module I completed over the 3 years, I achieved a first class grad.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE LEARNING EXPERIENCE A THE UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD?

I’d say that hearing a CEO’s honest reaction to the work I completed for their company after a presentation was the most memorable learning experience I had. I’ve always been quite critical about the work I produce, only in that I feel that I can always find a way to improve upon what I’ve already completed. Yet hearing a business professional value the effort I put into a module and give such positive feedback to me was really an uplifting experience. It’s a hard trait to stop doubting myself but that presentation and review really altered the way I view my work.

IF YOU HAD ONE MESSAGE TO CURRENT STUDENTS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

My message would to be kinder to yourself, I know the pressures that are common for many students and that sometimes it can become overwhelming. Therefore, my advice would be to reach out to lecturers and staff for support. From first-hand experience, your tutors only want what’s best for your, don’t feel embarrassed to ask for help when you need it.

Find out more about studying Fashion at Salford