BA Digital Media Graduate, Ranjetha Ravichandran, looks back at her time working with the BFC
When I started university, I knew I wanted to make the most of the opportunities that came with doing my course here at Roehampton, and one of them took me into a professional creative environment. Studying Digital Media has allowed me to develop my creative skills and gain a better understanding of the different paths I could take within the industry. So, when the opportunity came to take my learning outside of the classroom and experience working life first-hand, I was excited to see where it could lead.
Being given the opportunity to work on a research project with the British Fashion Council was an experience I was genuinely excited about. It was my first chance to step into a professional office environment and experience what it was like to work alongside people in the creative industry, rather than just learning about it at university. I was excited to meet new people, see how a professional workplace operates, and put my university skills into practice while contributing to a real research project. It was an opportunity that made the world of work feel much more real and showed me how my Digital Media degree could translate into a professional career.
The project itself was a completely new experience for me, as I had never worked on a research project within a professional industry setting before. I was used to working on university briefs and assignments, so having the opportunity to contribute to research for the British Fashion Council felt very different. As part of a group, I worked on a project focused on raising career awareness among young people interested in the fashion industry, particularly highlighting the range of technical and operational roles that are often less visible or understood compared to more creative careers. It was interesting to explore the different opportunities available within the industry and consider why young people may not be aware of these roles or the skills required to pursue them. We then brought our research and findings together as a group and developed them into a presentation, which gave us the opportunity to communicate our ideas clearly and present our recommendations in a professional setting. It was exciting to work on something with a real purpose and see how research is carried out outside of an academic environment. It also encouraged me to think more independently, approach tasks differently, collaborate with others, and apply the skills I had developed throughout my degree in a new way.
Taking on something completely new also came with its challenges. Working on a professional research project meant having to manage my time effectively, understand new expectations and become more confident in working independently. At times, it could feel overwhelming trying to make sure I was meeting the needs of the project while also keeping up with university. However, I was fortunate to have support throughout the process. The project manager was always available to provide guidance and feedback, while the university also offered support whenever I needed it. Having people I could turn to made the experience much more manageable and gave me the confidence to keep learning and developing throughout the project.
Looking back, this is an experience I’m really grateful to have had during my time at university. I went into the project unsure of what to expect, but it pushed me outside of my comfort zone and gave me a chance to experience something completely different from my usual university work. I gained new skills, became more confident in a professional environment, and learnt a lot about myself along the way. It has made me more open to trying new opportunities and has shown me that some of the most valuable experiences can come from stepping outside of what feels familiar.
If you’re a student looking to gain experience outside of university, I’d recommend exploring the placement and internship opportunities available through the university. It’s a great way to gain industry experience and open the doors to your future.
Learn more about opportunities through the University here.