Aakriti Jain

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your background? 

I am a fashion designer from India. Ever since my first interaction with the fashion industry, which was at the age of five, I knew I wanted to become a part of it. I did my under graduation from NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology), Bangalore, India. After that there was no stopping.  I worked for two years in the fashion industry as a designer for a luxury designer wear brand for two years before realising my passion for the management side of this industry. It was then that I decided to do my masters in that field.

What made you want to apply to your course and to Leeds? 

After working in fashion as a designer, I realised that I am more suited for the managerial side of this industry. I had all the knowledge and experience I needed to become a designer but I needed to learn more about how that organisation works. With that in mind I started looking for universities who were offering a fashion management course which will help me to gain and enhance the required skills. UK was always my first choice for pursuing my masters because of the successful and booming fashion industry here along with the cultural diversity. University of Leeds offers that exact course which I had been looking for. The combination of subjects that this course provides is extremely unique. It has the perfect blend of business and fashion studies. Other than the course that the University of Leeds offers, the city also has a very warm and welcoming atmosphere for students. 

What is it that makes you passionate about your area of study? 

Being able to provide answers or solutions to the practical challenges that the industry is facing, and contributing to the much-needed positive impact drives me to study more about it. The transferable skills and the in-depth knowledge about each subject that I am learning here is opening up my mind to the various possibilities and actions that we can do to make an impact. This course helps me analysis different situations and problems that organisations face and give viable solutions to those problems which further helps me develop my managerial skills.

What aspects of the course do you enjoy the most?   

Here is the best part of this course, it is so well integrated and connected to all the subjects and you need to apply the knowledge gained from one subject into the other. You can literally see the various parts that you study coming together as one. It pushes you to think differently yet practically.

Have you worked closely with a particular tutor or member or the University’s academic staff? Tell us about that experience.  

I have been working closely with my course leader Dr. Bruce Carnie, for one of my projects. It has been a pleasant experience. There is so much that I am learning. The feedback that I receive is always very constructive and value adding. He makes sure that everyone understands all the concepts and is always happy to help out with any kind of problems and questions. Along with that he ensures no one is left behind and that everyone is able to capture all the knowledge that is being given.

What other activities are available for students to take part in outside of their studies, and which ones have you tried out yourself? 

The University of Leeds is a very happening and social university. The university offers so many clubs and societies that you can join and be a part of. Other than that Leeds University Union (LUU), organises various events for the students to take part in. Ever since I have been in Leeds, I have been attending almost all the activities and events that the LUU has organised for us. The Global meet, freshers week, Halloween fest, trips to places around Leeds, open cinemas and so much more.

I often go to the Edge gym, where I go for Zumba classes. That is one way for me to just relax and enjoy since I love dancing.

What do you plan to do when you’ve finished your course, and how do you think the skills and knowledge you’ve developed so far at Leeds will help with these plans? 

I plan on working in this industry and gain more experience. I believe that the skills and knowledge that I am acquiring here will help me get the job that I am aiming for, where I will be able to use those skills and knowledge and make a positive impact hopefully. 

What would you say to anyone thinking of applying to your course? 

If you have a passion for fashion industry or are looking for an opportunity the enter the fashion world, then just go for it. It doesn’t matter if you’re from a design background or a business background. If it is something that you wish to pursue then this is the perfect choice.