Textile Design @ Jefferson: Student Spotlight: Marjorie Bertrand and her study abroad experience

Senior Undergraduate Student, Marjorie Bertrand, talked about joining the Textile Design program at PhilaU and she also shared her experience while studying abroad in Scotland.

Textile Design student, Marjorie Bertrand, in Edinburgh

Why did you choose textile design?
After high school I started working in the medical field as a dental assistant. After a while I decided to go back to school and do something creative. I was trying to find something that I was passionate about. Because of my interest in interior design, I started looking at interior design schools and I came across Philadelphia University. While looking through the programs I found the Textile Design program, after searching the program I knew I wanted to be a Textile Designer and make the fabric for interiors.

What aspect of Philadelphia University drew you in?
After deciding that I wanted to study Textile Design. I took a step back and researched various schools. I found the program at PhilaU would be most beneficial for me. Before applying I took a tour of the university and I fell in love with the campus. And seeing the studio spaces of the textile design program was another deciding factor for me.

Marjorie then shared more information regarding her study abroad experience:

Where did you study abroad and how was your experience?
I went to Scotland, during Fall 2016 for about four months. It was a great experience in general, especially as a designer it takes you out of this bubble that you are in. In a way it forced me to reevaluate myself, because at school and in the studios you see who you are competing with for jobs but you don’t really realize other schools and other countries have great designers as well.

How did you find out about the study abroad program?
Through Philadelphia University I learned about study abroad. And I had friends that went the Fall prior to when I went. This was a great advantage, as they had useful tips to share with me on what to expect and how to prepare for the trip.

What where your expectations going into the study abroad program?
My main goal going there was to build my portfolio and to experience the Scottish culture. I did build my portfolio but I would still want to go back there, now I consider Scotland to be my second home.

What where some of the differences between your Textile Design experience at PhilaU and in Scotland?
One of the main differences was the nature of the classes. In Scotland I took all studio classes, for instance my weave class was three classes in one, I had weave technical part, studio, and a jacquard portion all in one class.
Another difference was in Scotland the program was more independent, we worked more on our own, the professors were there to help you during the class, whereas in PhilaU our director, Marcia Weiss, is always at reach no matter what.

What were some of the challenges that you faced while studying at Scotland?
The technical weave class was challenging for me in the beginning, they taught it completely different from what I was used to. It was also challenging to work on looms that I was not familiar with.

What was the best part of your experience while studying abroad?
The best part was the amazing people that I met and the connections that I made, which made the whole experience even better.

What are your future goals after graduating from PhilaU?
I’m considering doing a masters, but even after that I want to get some experience in the industry most likely in home and interior fabrics. My end goal would definitely be to have my own company. Which is something that I’m trying to figure out how to set in motion now and work towards that happening.

What would you wish to share with potential students coming into the program?
If you are a creative person, you love color, and you want that job that is not behind a desk all day then textile design is for you. Another great factor of our Textile Design program is the professors, they are very involved and supportive which makes the whole experience a lot better.

If you had one word to describe the Textile Design program at PhilaU what would that word be?
Rewarding, because now I’m a designer I have made great connections and thanks to this community I have been able to grow.