Katie Murphy is studying fashion production and business at Belfast Met and is currently on the Study USA programme.
Originally from Gorey in Co Wexford, Katie is doing a placement year at Ohio Wesleyan University, but will now undertake two fashion internships in New York city.
She is the first Study USA student to study across two different states.
“I spent my fall semester in Ohio Wesleyan University where my core focus was entrepreneurship, while also immersing myself in the Columbus Fashion District to prepare myself for my spring semester,” Katie explained.
“I am currently a participant in the New York Arts Programme [founded by Ohio Wesleyan University] in which I am a part of the visual art and art history syllabus and doing two fashion internships in New York City.”
Katie said the experience she is receiving in New York is invaluable.
“This has pushed me so far out of my comfort zone and highlighted my capabilities while boosting my employability, creative flair and international perspective,” she said.
However, she is eager to return to her studies in Belfast and is ready to showcase the skills she has developed during her gap year.
“I feel much better prepared, confident and excited for my future endeavours upon my return to Northern Ireland,” she said.
The Study USA programme enables students to study business or Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related subjects in American colleges, across 22 states, helping to develop their career prospects.
It is managed on behalf of the Department for the Economy by The British Council, which is the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations.
Since it began 1994, the initiative has sent over 2,000 students to all four corners of the United States.
Katie Murphy working on one of her designs.
As an ambassador for the programme, Katie met with Economy Minister Conor Murphy in New York this week to discuss the importance of the programme.
“It was great to have the opportunity to meet the Minister and share how beneficial my internship has been,” she said.
Katie hopes the programme will continue to support students achieving for years to come.
“The scholarship has been a fantastic opportunity, I have been incredibly lucky to be able to gain experience here in the fashion capital of New York,” she said.
Without the programme Katie feels she wouldn’t have been able to unleash her full potential as a fashion student.
“It has been the opportunity of a lifetime and will help me achieve my dream of working in sustainable fashion,” she added.
Belfast Met Fashion Course Director Caragh O’Hagan said the college is proud of the fashion student.
“Katie has been an incredible representative for Belfast Metropolitan College while in the USA and we are looking forward to welcoming her back to Belfast for her final year.”