Alysha Stroud

Tell us about your career journey so far

I interned with Serge DeNimes in summer 2019 to complete my 100 hours for Work Based Learning, a unit within the course. At the end of my 100 hours I was hired by the brand for the summer and then left to complete my third year at Solent. I was again hired by Serge in September 2020 and have been working there full time since. My typical day changes all the time. My main jobs consist of running the social media, designing, customer service, planning photoshoots and assisting on them.

What do you enjoy most about your role, and what are the biggest challenges?

The jobs I enjoy most would be the design process and being on photoshoots. The biggest challenge would be learning the new role from home. When I interned I didn’t see many sides of the business so it was a whole new world for me but the team have been amazing and so supportive. I also went to uni to study clothing, however I now work in men's streetwear jewellery. This has been a massive change to what I know but I have learnt so much and really enjoy working within this area of fashion.

How do you feel your studies at Solent helped you prepare for your career?

I am so grateful for Solent, I don’t think I would be where I am without the uni, course or lectures. If they didn’t have the work based learning unit in place I would not be working as a design assistant now, and I have taken so many of my skills from the course to my new job.

What advice would you give to students wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Work hard, turn up to your classes, build a bond with your lecturers, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and get as much feedback as you can. Also make sure you have fun! When it comes to completing your 100 hours interning, message anyone and everyone. I got my internship with Serge from an Instagram message, it works!