Taking that first step into the real world can feel totally overwhelming. But guess what? Every incredible career started exactly where you are right now—with a dream and the courage to jump.
To prove it’s possible, we’re super excited to bring you the story of the amazing Sharon Rodrigues! This London College of Fashion grad (MA Fashion Entrepreneurship and Innovation) didn’t just follow her passion—she built a whole company around it. Say hello to the founder of Switch!
Can you tell us about your career journey and how Switch was born?
I trained in fashion design at NIFT Bombay, the National Institute of Fashion Technology, and began my career with leading designers in India. I loved the craft and the thrill of turning a sketch into something real. Over time I also felt a distance growing between the work and what mattered to me most.
That pull took me into talent development with The Times of India, where we trained young women for Miss World and Miss Universe. I learned discipline, presence and how to bring out confidence on a hard day. I also felt a quiet ache. I wanted my work with women to feel like care, not critique.
The turning point came much earlier, when I was a child in Mysore. I was about ten or eleven, I noticed my young housemaid Meera never went to school. I asked her why, and she told me she had dropped out when she got her first period. That simple truth stayed with me. It is the reality for many girls in small towns in India. They are held back because they bleed every month. Switch exists to help change that, so no girl’s education pauses because of her period.
When I joined UAL I was also exploring a plus size fashion idea to help women feel comfortable in their own skin. As I researched, menstrual health kept asking for my full attention. It felt more urgent and more foundational. I decided to give it my time and energy first. We pitched the idea of Switch at the Hult Prize on campus and won the inter college round. We later won Pitch It and received the Silver award at the UAL Enterprise Challenge. Each step gave us mentors, belief and the courage to keep going.
At its core Switch is simple. Period care should feel soft, safe and respectful. We are building a cup-based solution paired with honest education. For every cup sold, another goes to a girl who needs it, along with calm, practical guidance so she can use it with confidence.
Did you take part in any UAL programmes that helped your career?
Yes. Pitch It helped me find my voice and sharpen our message. The UAL Enterprise Challenge, where we received the Silver award, helped us test the business model under pressure. I also took part in the London Social Venture programme and pitched there. The mentors and peers I met through these programmes still guide me.
What advice would you give to creatives who are trying to get into this industry
Lead with your why and show small proofs of progress. A simple prototype and three real user quotes can open more doors than a perfect deck. Ask for specific help, like a short critique or one introduction, rather than a general request. Find your people. Community will carry you on the days your own belief is thin. And look after yourself. Steady work comes from a steady place.
Your time is now!
Sharon’s journey proves that raw talent is just the beginning—it’s about having the courage to seize the right opportunity. And that’s where we come in! From game-changing programmes like Pitch It and expert career workshops to our powerful global alumni network, UAL is your launchpad.
The path is waiting. Let’s seize it—together.
If you are looking for opportunities to gain experience to start your career, why not check out UAL’s jobs board, Creative Opportunities? Run by Careers and Employability, it is the go-to hub for creative students and graduates. You can find jobs, paid internships, competitions, and volunteering roles. If you are studying an art, design, communications, or a performance course or have recently graduated, then this is the place for you! Our goal is to help you achieve your ambitions and make a living doing what you love.