Graduate Symposiums ignite passion and potential for future designers
Students of Surface Pattern and Textiles at UWTSD’s Swansea College of Art recently immersed themselves in a series of inspiring symposium events that offered a glimpse into the extraordinary employment and entrepreneurial opportunities that lie ahead of them.
Organised by dedicated teaching staff of Surface Pattern and Textiles, this year’s symposiums celebrated the transformative power of embracing opportunities with a simple ‘yes.’
The events began with a spotlight on the power of internships, showcasing their potential to guide students towards discovering their passions and launching their careers.
Students were inspired by successful returning graduates, including Rebecca Davies (MDes, 2021) who shared her journey from internship to a prestigious role as a Bespoke Designer at Rolls-Royce, working with a range of high-end clients on exclusive and luxury car design requests. Rebecca’s numerous visits since graduating demonstrates her commitment to the course and bond with the University and teaching staff.
As well as wowing the audience with a glimpse into her work, Rebecca brought with her news of an exciting opportunity: a 13-month paid internship with Rolls-Royce.
Following in Rebecca’s footsteps, Emma Landek, the current Rolls-Royce intern and the second student from Surface Pattern and Textiles to secure a paid internship with the esteemed company, joined students online to her enriching experiences. From travelling to Italy to source materials for a limited-edition car collection, to collaborating with fellow graduate Rebecca, Emma expressed her gratitude for the invaluable journey she’s undertaken.
Students also had the opportunity to share their own internship adventures, ranging from collaborations with fashion designers at London Fashion Week to work experience with sustainable Welsh brand, Hiut Denim Co.
Throughout the event, entrepreneurship emerged as a central theme, with symposiums aiming to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit within students. Valuable insights and advice were shared by UWTSD’s Enterprise and Careers teams.
Third year student, Emily Philips shared how she opted to shadow graduate businesses including The Tiny Toucan founded by alumna Ciara Long, and freelance illustrative print and interior textiles designer, Harriet Popham, whom Emily met at the same event the previous year.
Emily expressed her aspirations to follow in their footsteps stating: “I was inspired by the entrepreneurial alumna. Seeing their set-up and workshops at the backs of gardens made it feel accessible for me to be able to start my own business and view myself in their shoes some day in the future.”
Naomi Seaward (MDes, 2021) delivered an inspiring talk, sharing her graduation journey to date, which includes establishing her own brand, Naomi Elizabeth Designs and establishing herself as a valuable member of staff at Swansea College of Art.
Many more inspiring graduates, including Lucy Ralph (BA, 2023), a re-work designer and Artist in Residence at Swansea College of Art, Ellie Jones (BA, 2021) now a Junior Homeware Designer at Matalan, and Charlie Treasure-Coates (BA, 201) who has returned to study MA Textiles – Contemporary Dialogues after a period of teaching abroad, all shared their testimonial and stories of what happened when they seized opportunities and pursued their dreams.
Reflecting on the Symposiums, Programme Manager of Surface Pattern and Textiles, Georgia McKie said: “Our speakers shared their growth in confidence and outlook, the valuable lessons they learned and the unique insights that they picked up from their experiences.
“Recognising that experiences like these relate to the core of what we do on the programme, the live projects that we integrate and the jobs our students go on to thrive in was an important message to the current cohort. There was a noted change in outlook as the days unfolded, the sense that everything is possible is palpable.”
UWTSD is 1st in Wales and 3rd in the UK for Fashion & Textiles (The Guardian University Guide 2024). For more information on this course, visit: Surface Pattern and Textiles (Full-time) | University of Wales Trinity Saint David (uwtsd.ac.uk)
Further Information
Mared Anthony
Communications and PR Officer: Alumni Relations
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: mared.anthony@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: +447482256996