April Travell

Jaeger

Assistant Technologist (clothing & accessories)

What was your search ‘strategy’ for securing a great job?

Basically as soon we handed in our final project I made a massive effort to update my CV and make myself sound as professional as possible!

I went looking for a part time internship to do over the summer; my plan was to do this alongside my paid part time job.

I landed one with Felder Felder and managed to strike a deal which meant I designed all their embroidery textiles, I only did 2 days per week, had all expenses paid (and lets be honest interns are often lucky to get a sniff of any money!), but best of all I was fully credited for all my work and they agreed to act as references. I was lucky enough at the same time to get paid work as a sample machinist for Charles Anastase, which I still do in my spare time.

In terms of finding paid work I’ve also been fortunate that as my parents run a sportswear business, they took me on 2 days a week doing freelance design for them. But believe me, I’ve come to learn that working with family rather than anyone else can actually be harder as their expectations are then so high!

Once I had this experience, I was really able to bump up my CV to make more professional applications. I applied to lots of varied jobs and agencies and luckily was very well received, especially when meeting agencies who were very impressed with my folio.

What are your top tips for keeping moral up during your job search?

Although having a number of interviews gained through agencies, none of them were right and so I kept looking. The only way to find a job is to be stupidly determined, have realistic expectations and come up with creative ways of making your application stand out over the Internet/email. I think if you leave it too long and don’t keep yourself busy you just become more unattractive to employers.

What advice would you give those looking for work experience to fill out their CV’s?

I think work experience is really important, but your need is not a reason to let them take you for a ride (and they will if you let them). When looking for work experience you have to make yourself stand out, but once you get to a point where you’ve found a good position don’t be scared to say something if you think you should be paid or credited for your work. If they know how good you are they wont let you go and you can work something out to benefit both you and the company. Also don’t let yourself think that you’re not qualified/good enough to apply for a job – if you don’t try you’ll never know!

What advice would you give about taking on work?

One thing I really believe is that graduates come out being far too picky and thinking they are owed a job. Unfortunately that is not the case and realistically everyone has to start somewhere and the likelihood is it will not be your dream job.

One job I applied for direct was for the technologist position that was advertised by Jaeger. This was a company I had always wanted to work for and felt I had to get the job. I was sent an email from LCF advertising the Graduate fair and I noticed Jaeger were on the list. I made my way down and was shocked to see no-one around Jaeger! I spoke to Amy (HR from Jaeger) and said I’d applied for the job, I handed her my CV and some folio images and also forwarded her a PDF of my CV. Shorten the story – I had 2 interviews and was given the job.

How do you feel about where you are now in your career journey?

I now work with clothing and accessories and an assistant technologist. Although it’s not exactly where I see myself in 5 years, I do think it’s a great starting point. I’m in a great company which is really making me realise the importance of commercial design, how the industry really works and how to deal with working with a range of different people/cultures. I am still working on my own stuff so hopefully at some point can move into the development/design stage, you just have to keep motivated! (I find doing a drawing every day helps…)