Kate Hawkridge
DesignerWhat have you been up to since leaving University of the Arts London?
As soon as I graduated a friend got me an interview at Stussy Clothing and I started doing a couple of freelance designs for them whilst I was unemployed. Then I got some freelance work for Criminal Damage Clothing. For 2 years I worked at HMV and various other temp jobs to support myself whilst I worked freelance. Then Criminal Damage offered me a job. I worked there for 1 year. I then moved to Manchester to work at Underground England Shoes where I worked for 3 years and was promoted to Head of Design. I recently returned to London to work again for Criminal Damage, but now as Head of Design. I have also been working on personal side projects. www.katehawkridge.com
Are there any particular skills that you have come to rely on?
My ability to use Microsoft Office. Excel especially has been invaluable. I didn't learn this at University; I learnt it from my dad. It has helped me stand out from other designers who have no administration experience, and it has helped me become a Head of Design. Also, the skills I learnt whilst organising the degree show have helped me to organise events and trade shows.
What, if anything, would you do differently?
I wish that I had done more computer orientated classes on my course, as I never realised how much I would come to rely on computers! I would also have made more of an effort to get work experience or freelance work whilst still at Uni, as when I left I had no real industry experience. Also, after graduating I applied for hundreds of jobs, many of which I was unsuitable for. I also wish I had spent more time on one or two applications instead.
Did you feel prepared when you graduated? If not, was there anything else you wish you’d done, any opportunities you wish you’d seized?
I definitely wasn't prepared. We were given no advice on writing a CV or putting a portfolio together. As I say above, I also wish I had done more work experience.
What would be your advice to a student graduating now?
Don't expect to walk straight into a job. But also do not give up on your dream. You may have to work for little pay to get a foot in the door. Just because you have a degree that doesn't mean you will get a step up straight away! Make sure you have a strong portfolio showing your personal style, but also your commercial ability. Don't bother wasting your time applying for jobs you are not qualified to do or that you don't have a suitable portfolio for. Instead spend more time on honing your portfolio for those jobs which are more suited to your abilities and career aspirations.
