Fashion Business Management with Professional Experience BA – 2026
A defining feature of my degree is the integrated placement year, which has been one of the most transformative aspects of my academic journey. Through these experiences, I significantly expanded my industry network, sharpened my practical skills, and gained invaluable clarity about my future career trajectory. It was not only the most challenging part of my degree, but also the most rewarding & therefore my favourite!
Why did you choose the University of Westminster?
From an early stage, I was certain that fashion was not simply an interest, but the field in which I wanted to build my future. With that clarity, pursuing my education in the United Kingdom rather than my home country (US) felt like the right choice. The UK’s specialised academic structure and London's strong global influence in the fashion industry offered an environment where I could fully immerse myself in my discipline from the outset!
Choosing the University of Westminster then was the natural next step. It was a great decision; its strong reputation in fashion education and its industry connections aligned perfectly with my aspirations. I was considering other courses within the university, so when I found out they had a course that reflected all aspects of fashion I knew I had to apply!
Tell us about your course (what have you particularly enjoyed about the programme)?
My course encompasses all aspects of the fashion business, providing a comprehensive understanding of the industry from both creative and commercial perspectives. Through modules in buying, merchandising, garment technology, supply chain management, marketing, and sustainability, I have developed a well-rounded foundation that allows me to see fashion not only as art, but as a global industry that controls a lot of our lives!
A defining feature of my degree is the integrated placement year, which has been one of the most transformative aspects of my academic journey. The expectation to secure highly competitive internships pushed me beyond my comfort zone and motivated me to pursue opportunities that challenged and inspired me. Through these experiences, I significantly expanded my industry network, sharpened my practical skills, and gained invaluable clarity about my future career trajectory. It was not only the most challenging part of my degree, but also the most rewarding & therefore my favourite!
How have you found the academic/ lecturer support as part of your studies?
During my time at the University of Westminster, I have made full use of the academic support available to me, particularly through regular engagement with my personal tutors. This became especially important during my final year, where the academic demands intensified and independent research became central to my development.
My dissertation supervisor, Berit Marleen Eis, has been instrumental in supporting my Final Major Project. Her guidance, encouragement, and willingness to dedicate time whenever I encountered challenges have had a significant impact on both the quality of my work and my confidence as a researcher. Having a mentor who is consistently approachable and invested in my progress has allowed me to push my ideas further and refine my critical thinking.
Where did you undertake your work placement year?
MaxMara Wholesale and Whistles Buying
What was the application process for your placement?
During my placement year, I was fortunate to gain experience with both Max Mara and Whistles, two brands that offered very different application journeys and learning experiences.
At Max Mara, I was able to leverage the strength of the Westminster network. I had previously connected with a fellow University of Westminster student who was interning there at the time. When applications opened, I formally applied and then reached out to her directly. Her insight into the company culture and recruitment process was invaluable, and her guidance significantly strengthened my approach. This experience highlighted the importance of professional relationships and proactive networking within the fashion industry.
In contrast, my experience securing a role at Whistles required a more independent approach. Without prior connections, I applied through LinkedIn and progressed through a competitive selection process. After an initial introductory call, I was invited to interview with the buying team, where I was asked to present a brief set by the brand. Preparing for and delivering this presentation allowed me to demonstrate both my commercial awareness and analytical skills. Receiving the offer the following week was incredibly rewarding and reinforced my confidence in my abilities.
How has your course helped you with your work placement?
As mentioned above, having connections with students in the year above me proved to be incredibly valuable. Their insight, advice, and willingness to share their experiences provided both practical guidance and reassurance throughout the application process. Learning from those who had recently navigated the same path gave me a clearer understanding of expectations and how best to position myself competitively.
I have also seen peers benefit in similar ways when applying to larger companies, which highlights the strength of the Westminster network. Applying as a University of Westminster student carries a strong reputation within the industry, and the alumni community actively supports current students. This sense of continuity and collaboration creates a genuine advantage, reinforcing both professional confidence and opportunity.
Please provide examples of the type of work you've been undertaking/ undertook on your placement?
As a Wholesale Intern at Max Mara, I supported the team during buying appointments with major department stores including Liberty, Harrods, and Selfridges. This experience provided valuable insight into the commercial relationships between luxury brands and leading retailers. My responsibilities included preparing the showroom for appointments, entering orders into internal systems, and managing administrative tasks such as liaising with clients via email and phone to confirm order quantities. Working in this fast-paced environment strengthened my attention to detail, organisational skills, and understanding of wholesale operations.
At Whistles, I worked across the knitwear, jersey, petites, and denim categories. My role involved preparing product rails for trade meetings, inputting orders to suppliers, confirming lab dips, and maintaining regular communication with suppliers regarding updates and amendments. This position gave me direct exposure to the buying cycle and supplier relationships, enhancing my understanding of product development, timelines, and cross-functional collaboration.
Together, these roles developed both my commercial awareness and operational confidence, allowing me to contribute meaningfully within professional fashion environments.
What have you learnt and what skills did you gain during your placement?
Both my analytical and commercial understanding of the industry. I significantly improved my proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft applications, using them to analyse trade reports, monitor performance data, and support decision-making processes within the buying teams.
I also gained a clearer understanding of how the buying cycle operates from initial concept through to production and delivery. Exposure to fit sessions introduced me to essential garment terminology and the technical considerations involved in product development. Being part of these discussions enhanced my attention to detail and deepened my appreciation for the balance between design, fit, cost, and commercial viability.
How do you plan to use your placement experience in your professional future?
I intend to continue leveraging the professional relationships I have built within the industry, alongside the strong foundation reflected in my CV, to guide and strengthen my future career path. The connections, practical experience, and technical knowledge I have gained thus far position me confidently as I take the next steps in the fashion industry, and I am motivated to continue building on this momentum with ambition and purpose.
What would be your advice to someone considering studying at Westminster?
If you are considering applying to the University of Westminster, I would strongly recommend choosing a course that offers an optional or mandatory placement year. In my experience, the placement year significantly enhanced my employability upon graduation. It provided invaluable hands-on industry exposure, strengthened my professional network, and allowed me to translate academic knowledge into real-world application.
Beyond developing technical and commercial skills, the experience gave me clarity, confidence, and a competitive edge within the job market. For anyone serious about building a career in the fashion industry, a placement year is an opportunity that should not be overlooked.