Millie Bright

Tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Millie, I am a final year Fashion Marketing student from Essex. I work part-time for Apple in Leeds which has been a really great place to work alongside my studies. I really love going travelling and exploring different places. After I graduate I am going to visit Australia with my family to visit my brother who now lives in Perth! After that, I am looking to buy a house up here with my boyfriend who lives near Harrogate.

What made you want to apply to your course and to Leeds? Are there any experiences or events that led you to consider studying your course?

I applied for Leeds because it offered Fashion Marketing as a BA rather than a BSc. At school I always loved textiles and subjects where I could be more creative, so although I wanted to study at a research-intensive University I preferred the idea of studying for an arts degree rather than a scientific one. I had also heard great things about Leeds itself, and despite having never had the chance to visit the City due to the pandemic, I can see why people move here and never move home (I am now doing just that!).

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

I have always loved fashion since I can remember, and I find it really interesting to see how brands operate behind the scenes and how everything they do is cleverly targeted at their consumers. I have always enjoyed reading Vogue magazines and I think developing a keen interest in what is going on in the fashion world from a young age has led me to become really passionate about emerging trends and always trying to think ahead and decipher what might come next. I also find fashion really fun and think it is amazing how people can express their personalities and feelings through what they are wearing.

What aspects of the course do you enjoy the most?

My favourite parts of the course have been a module on Fashion Promotions, as well as the optional Neuromarketing module. I also really enjoyed the Strategic Fashion Marketing Module as it has allowed me to refresh my design skills as well as develop a concept that I find really interesting.

How do you think the skills and knowledge you’ve developed at Leeds will help with your career plans?

I think the research skills I have developed will be useful if I apply for any roles that are centred around targeting certain consumer groups. As well as this, the skills I have developed in creating integrated marketing campaigns will be really useful if I look for a role involving brand strategy and communications.

Are you involved in any activities outside of your studies?

Outside of my studies, I was appointed the role of Marketing Manager for the Leeds RAG Fashion Show which was a great opportunity to develop my skills.

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? 

Although I currently don’t know what I am going to do career-wise, I am hoping to participate in work experience within Apple which will hopefully allow me to gain greater insight into how huge brands operate behind the scenes. This will give me a valuable experience to then progress my career and hopefully I would like to look into becoming part of a fashion brand’s social media or PR team.

What advice would you give to incoming students who are about to start their own university journey?

I was hesitant about coming to Uni, especially because I wasn’t 100% sure on what I wanted to study and I had never even been to Leeds. But, I am so glad I did! Moving to Leeds and studying at the University of Leeds has been the best decision of my life. I have made friends for life, fallen in love with the North and developed skills both academically and outside of Uni that will last me a lifetime. My advice would be to anyone thinking about moving here-100% do it, you won’t regret it!