Alumni

Emily Hopkinson

Whilst participating in the course I gained a wide range of relevant industry experience which has played a big role in creating my career path.

What are you doing now?

I am currently working and travelling in Australia for a year. When I return I wish to move to London and get a job in fashion related PR and events.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

The city is amazing. It's fun, vibrant and dynamic. It is also a good size, not too big and overwhelming. I always felt safe and it wasn't too far away from home. Northumbria as a university is lively, friendly and exciting. The course sounded perfect for me, I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to do but I knew it was something in fashion and the course was so broad it allowed me to explore different aspects to establish what I wanted to do.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

The course is a mix of everything. We had lectures, seminars, team projects, guest lectures and graduate fashion week. We also had some great trips, in the first year we went to New York during fashion week. Through all of the methods the tutors have been extremely helpful in guiding me through the course and ensuring I always achieved the best I could.

What impressed you most about our academic staff?

Their knowledge, previous industry experience and dedication to the course.

How connected was your course with industry?

The course was very applicable to the real world. We had interesting guest lecturers but I would have liked to have had a year placement as I feel this would have put what we had learnt into practice. It also would have acted as a nice stepping stone towards finishing uni and looking for a job.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/give your career an edge?

I think it pushed me, the lectures always made you strive to do better. They always encouraged students to do work experience when possible and gave us plenty of advice of interview techniques and cv tips.

What was the best thing about your course?

The variation of modules and how easy the academic staff are to approach. They have been extremely helpful.

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

Team work, presentations and communication.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

I absolutely loved every minute of university. I had a great experience and was sad to leave. I made some great lifelong friends and I did a course that has taught me a lot and set me up for life in the real world.

What advice would you give somebody who is thinking of studying at Northumbria?

Consider what you want to get out of the course and really make sure the course is right for you. Throw yourself into every activity and engage in as much as possible. Make use of the lectures, 24/7 library and sports central.