Funding to help fashion a stylish career

Katie approached Herefordshire Community Foundation for financial support to help her take up a sought after fashion internship opportunity  in Shanghai.

In her own words, she explains what the internship meant to her and how it has helped her progress her career.

Dear Herefordshire Community Foundation,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generosity in helping me fund my internship to Shanghai, it was incredibly kind of you to help provide me with such a wonderful opportunity. My degree is my passion. I have always been encouraged by my lecturers to seek sector-specific experience throughout my studies.

Within my sector, internships provide one with invaluable experiences that excel your employability prospects. I achieved a two-month unpaid internship in Shanghai for Michael Kors and Horizon Marketing and Advertising Consultancy.  Without your funding it was very unlikely that I would have been able to complete such an opportunity.

I worked Monday to Friday where I was preparing company reports, brand books, developing strategies, presenting to major clients and styling photoshoots, surrounded by incredibly creative and inspirational individuals. My weekends were spent exploring such a fast-paced and vast city, as well as the culture that China had to offer.

Working in such a fast-paced environment has helped me develop a cultural understanding in the Chinese market and develop highly-sought professional skills such as initiative, communicational skills and adaptability that will positively impact my studies. I attended intensive Mandarin classes twice a week to immerse and increase myself in language proficiency.

Interning in Shanghai has been an incredibly advantageous component to my academic life but has also enriched my personal development. From touring the ‘Venice of the East’ to climbing the Great Wall of China, I was fortunate enough to be exploring the culture and history of this remarkable country. I also made sure I had enough time to taste the cuisine, attend fashion shows and exhibitions!

My overall experience in Shanghai has been a pivotal moment in my studies and I truly believe that it will equip me with the desirable skills for my future. I cannot thank you enough for your funding that has contributed to my experience of a lifetime.

The people, experiences and memories that I have taken away from this opportunity are ones that I will cherish forever and will have great impact on my studies and future career.

Yours sincerely,

Katie