Grace Sweeney

After prior volunteering with this menswear company, I was selected to be employed within the quality control department in-between my studies. Through this employment I learnt and experienced a new level of professionalism in a workplace/office, this was due to the constant formal communication via email with important brands such as River Island and Mother care. Ensuring fabrics and samples were to the customers' standards. This taught me communication on a much larger scale. In addition to this I was trained in a variety of administration and IT software, using these skills to complete crucial forms, such as risk assessment sheets for Boyswear as well as River Island Testing Request Forms (TRF). These forms were essential for ensuring clothing orders were completed. Additionally, I had to make sure that clothing samples I had measured were sent out in a timely manner to be sent to the customer, whilst also ensuring these pieces were well made and precise. This provided me with more in-depth knowledge of the technical side of clothing and fabrics. This summer, I have strengthened my knowledge of the fashion industry and different work environments, as I continue to pursue my passion not just through my education but also in the working world.

Working as a server allowed me to gain a year and half of experience working in a high pressure and fast paced environment. This job required effective leadership paired with strong teamwork with other members of staff. This further aided me in improving both my teamwork and independence, as I was responsible for training inexperienced staff. As a server, it was my duty to uphold company standards and ensure that the food and beverages comply with food regulations. While on shift, I had to take care of 8-12 tables and working up to 12-hour shifts and overtime. Multitasking was essential for this role, as the restaurant could get remarkably busy, and I had to become accustomed to dealing with multiple tables at a time. Customer service is particularly important to me as the restaurant depends on this, therefore an enthusiastic attitude to work is always needed and is something I have adopted in all forms of employment.

My responsibilities at SNOOSC included looking after children with Special educational needs. Here, I provided support in the development and progression of children and teenagers, aiding them in learning key skills for their future. An example of this was engaging in problem solving through stimulating games. This job also required me to have challenging conversations with individuals of all ages, from children to adults, which strengthened my communication skills. Given the nature of this work, I would often assume a leadership role when put into high pressure situations. In addition, through working at SNOOSC, I have other relevant training certificates such as First Aid and Health and Safety.