HANIFA BLAKEMORE
This bright young hopeful has recently finished her 2nd year at university and is eagerly awaiting the start of her final year as a student in October 2013 .
What course are you studying and what university are you at ? I study Fashion Promotion at UCA Rochester .
When asked what she hopes to achieve Hanifa replies , “ My ideal job is to go into PR and events management although I am more drawn towards events . I ’ d like to have at least a 2:1 degree and have a good idea of the industry before I go to work in it as when I started my course I had no idea what the industry was really like to work in .”
The confident young woman holds her own and talks as though she knows exactly what she wants . “ My aim is to have enough intern experience to go straight into a job when I graduate .”
JUICEBOX
We asked Hanifa what we can expect form her over the next year she effortlessly answered , “ From September to June of my final year i ’ ll be interning in PR and I hope to earn myself a role with the brand as a graduate job .”
You ’ ve had lots of opportunities in terms of gathering experience I say , whats your secret ?! “ When applying for internships it really is about showing your willingness to work for what you want and theres only so much of that you can prove on a cv , so my best advice is to network at every possible opportunity , meet people face to face and be brazen enough to offer yourself to them as an intern , if it doesn ’ t work , don ’ t be afraid to send out 300 emails to every company you know . The worst answer you can get is a ‘ no ’ so its always worth a try .”
Tell us about some of the internships you have done and the impact they ’ ve had on you ... The internships have really given me an idea of the industry and they ’ ve helped me learn to be good on my feet and practise life skills like time management . As much as my degree is fun its purely theoretical and thats not what helps me when i ’ m actually in the industry .
My top 3 internships if I had to choose would be , my first intern opportunity as a stylist at the wed-ding club in Birmingham . I love styling and it was so much fun
to be a part of someones big day in a way that I could be of help .
The second is FW with Fashion Scout where I have spent the past 3 seasons as a production assistant and truly learnt the importance of being able to work in a fast pace environment . Last but not least , is Asiana bridal magazine where I worked for 3 months as an assistant to the fashion department . This was one of my favourites as I ws able to learn a new job role but in bridal which is something I was already comfortable working in , the mixture was what made it enjoyable .
As well as these amazing opportunities Hanifa has interned as a BAA to schwepps and completed various work experiences in events management .
Fun Facts ! If anything was possible , where would you be in 10 years ? I ’ d be running my own events company in london .
What is your work motto ? Make the absolute most of EVERY day .