JUICEBOX
CLIMBING THE LADDER
FROM FOUNDATION TO EMPLOYMENT , IT ' S ALWAYS MOTI- VATING TO SEE SOMEONE AT YOUR LEVEL KEEPING THEIR ENTHUSIASM HIGH AND GOALS AMBITIOUS . JESSIE BROOKS SPEAKS TO STUDENTS AND GRADU- ATES ABOUT CLIMBING THE INDUSTRY LADDER .
The rise of the successful student has recently seemed to of become something that is celebrated more than what it used to . Is it because we ’ re becoming so astounded that students are getting through university after the government cuts that have made it such a chore ? Or is it because we ’ re so often bombarded with stories of unemployment rates being at their highest , that we ’ re shocked when youngsters successfully complete a degree and find immediate work ? Either way , the praise is relevant and somewhat inspiring to achieve . As a student myself , and as many of the students yet to graduate will hopefully agree , it is so refreshing to hear stories of the undergrads that have high hopes and dreams and still have the passion to succeed and thrive in their chosen industries . We can ’ t help but be inspired and deeply enticed as the younger generation hoping to gain similar successes , as those making a sheer fortune out of doing something they are thoroughly passionate about . For example , we have the likes of ‘ The Tea Shed ’, which is the tale of a young girl who loved tea so much , she decided she wanted to make it ‘ pretty ’ and now earns millions selling her silky and exotic teabags to international countries and department stores , as exclusive as Fortnum & Mason . Or maybe even the makers behind the delicious ‘ Innocent Smoothie ’ range , which were in fact a group of 3rd year students whom are now in possession of a multimillion pound business . Either way , there ’ s no shortage of creativity in the UK . As long as you give it your full commitment and remain to think outside the box , anything is possible for which I am sure of . But who are the ones to watch ? What is the next big thing on the scene and who is going to hit us with
6 it ? After visiting some of the most promising undergraduates and asking them about their hopes and plans for the future , we ’ ve selected a fine few whose futures are certainly looking bright . Not only is this a selection of diverse graduates with an array of talent situated in multiple industries , but it ’ s also a display of those who want to create their own success and refuse to let anything hold them back . None of these hopefuls are expecting anything to be handed to them on a plate and I think what ’ s so refreshing is the possession they were so clearly born with , for having such a strong work ethic , especially considering the current economical state ; particularly from such a young age group . I ’ ve also had the privilege of contacting established New York based designer Shaun Kearney , to find out what advice he may have for anyone taking the university route . Kearney also shares with us how he got where he ’ s at today and what his plans after graduating were . Starting in the UK with no real industry links , Shaun is the perfect example of someone who has truly made it based purely on his hunger , talent and sheer drive to succeed . From sleeping on the streets of New York in order to gain any hope of making his dreams come true , to recently being appointed Creative Director of multiple fashion labels , as well as owning his own label at the same time ; Shaun ’ s success story is one that could inspire everyone . Those that may be having second thoughts about the university life style should definitely take a read before any final decision is made . It certainly helps for those days when you wonder if the stressful deadlines , debts and risks are worth it , to remember that you only get out what you put in and here I present you with just a snippet of proof .