Insights, inspiration, and industry pathways: A student reflection on the Graduate Symposium

9 April 2026

Students of Surface Pattern and Textiles were recently immersed in the buzz of the Graduate Symposium - an annual celebration of creativity, opportunity, and designer-driven futures.

Curated by the dedicated lecturing team, the Symposium brings together inspiring alumni, industry innovators, hands‑on workshops, and real‑world insights, offering students a glimpse into the extraordinary employment and entrepreneurial pathways that await them.

A girl smiling next to artwork on display — Third year Surface Pattern & Textiles student, Samantha McGrath

Among those taking part was third‑year student Samantha McGrath who not only explored the diverse talks and live briefs on offer but also presented her own internship experiences to peers.

Here, Sam reflects on the opportunities that sparked her imagination, the advice that resonated most, and how the Symposium is shaping her next steps as she prepares to enter the industry.

I attended the Graduate Symposium this year hoping to gain insight on opportunities I could pursue during the rest of my time at UWTSD’s Swansea College of Art, as well as hear about what some of the programme’s graduates have been able to accomplish. I was also excited to present on my own experience working as an intern for the London Embroidery Studio and the Biophilic Living Project in Swansea.

The first presentation was by Amanda Roberts from the National Landscape Association who had an internship opportunity to share: a paid residency with four days observing the Gower, followed by three days creating a final visual piece that will be exhibited to the community. I found this brief particularly exciting as I have a background in environmental studies, originally studying it for a year at a different university, so I was drawn to the intersection between art and environmentalism. The brief offered rare creative freedom, with minimal restrictions and room for experimentation.

After the briefing it was my turn to present. Last summer, I spent 7 weeks as an intern for the London Embroidery Studio, and am now currently an intern for the Biophilic Living Project. I explained what I did on each internship and what my take aways were. The embroidery studio role was hands‑on, working on final products for clients, whereas the Biophilic Living Project is research‑focused and allows much more freedom in both direction and presentation. I also shared some of the logistical aspects like how I was able to secure the internships and where I was able to find accommodation. I really enjoyed presenting to my peers about my experiences, and was happy to share what I had learned and what I may do differently going forward.

A girl smiling in front of audience, looking at a large display screen reading 'Samanth McGrath'

The Anti Copying in Design (ACID) session was completely new to me and gave a clear introduction to protecting your work as a designer. I hadn’t realised how many options there are for safeguarding your intellectual property, especially in a time when AI and digital sharing make it easy for work to be copied or used without permission. As students, we’re particularly vulnerable, so learning how to track and protect our designs felt incredibly important.

It was so nice to see 2021 graduate Naomi Seaward present, as I had been taught by her for a period in my first year and was so happy to see all her accomplishments since then. I found her journey inspiring hearing how she went from exhibiting at various design events, to teaching for a while before starting a role at UW Home as a designer and colourist. Hearing about the responsibilities that she was given quickly after joining the brand really encouraged me as I appreciated how the brand trusted her so quickly and was able to recognise her skills straight away. As someone about to enter the industry I was nervous new employers may underestimate my abilities, but Naomi’s story reassured us that brands wouldn’t hire us if they didn’t believe we were capable.

I had been in the year below 2025 graduate Emily Elias, so to listen to her presentation was inspiring, especially seeing how quickly she was able to find success. Emily spoke about how she joined IG Design Group in October 2025, only a few months after graduating. While working for them she was able to exhibit at Heimtextil, a leading textile design fair in Frankfurt, Germany. I found her ambition admirable seeing how she could work for a company while simultaneously presenting her own work, providing herself with a large amount of experience and opportunities so early in her career. Her presentation reminded me that preparation is key, and that you never know where your next opportunity may come from.

This was my third year listening to 2021 graduate Rebecca Davies’ presentation, yet I feel like I always learn something new from her. Her journey is prime example of why it is so important to try for all the opportunities that the university presents us with. When Rolls-Royce first approached the Surface Pattern and Textiles course with a brief in 2021, Rebecca presented a well thought out and refined response, one that earned her a 13-month internship. Her skills and ideas then earned her a permanent position as a bespoke designer for the brand, where she continues to work today. It highlights how the course can directly open doors to industry opportunities, with Rolls‑Royce taking on at least one of our students as an intern every year since. This year there are two internship positions available, and while I am unable to apply as an international student - from Kennebunk, Maine - due to Visa restrictions, I am ecstatic for my peers to be considered by such an established and prestigious brand. I find the responses to this brief particularly impressive given the quick turnaround and high-quality expectations in the submissions, providing a true insight into how the industry works.

After hearing all the presentations, I felt not only excited but hopeful for the future, and more confident now that I have a deeper understanding of what I should focus on going forward. It also taught me that the path after graduation is not always linear, but to persevere and stay prepared. The live briefs and internships that I have been able to participate in through the course have provided a strong foundation of skills that are directly transferable to real industry work, and have shaped and refined my skills to the point where I am confident in my abilities to enter the industry after graduation. I am so excited to apply the lessons I have learned from the symposium to the internship and job applications that I will submit going forward and am sure these lessons will continue to be applicable far into my career.