Alumni Spotlight
Ella May Sangster
Fashion Retail Coordinator, Net-A-Porter
How did your get your job at Net-A-Porter?
I was tipped off by a friend who said there was a vacancy for a Retail Coordinator for Fashion Jewellery. Luckily I was accepted for an interview and to my delight I was offered the job the following day.
What was it like on your first day?
My first day was THE most over whelming experience of my whole life. I was completely petrified. The office was the biggest thing I had ever seen. However everyone was super friendly and kind – I was the youngest starter in our group by a long way which was also quite intimidating but thankfully, as the day went on, with many introductions and talks, I began to understand the incredible degree of organisation and efficiency that takes place in order for the Net-A-Porter Group to run so smoothly. It was a huge eye opener and I began to feel excited and very proud that I had been accepted into the company.
Is working at Net-A-Porter what you expected?
Starting work at Net-A-Porter was a big shock to the system. I felt very much thrown in at the deep end, especially being the youngest in my team with no experience – it was all very challenging. Having said that, I have been given lots of support and training and now feel that I am slowly finding my feet. Everyone is so welcoming and helpful and there is always someone who is willing to give you a helping hand no matter how busy they are.
Describe an average day of a Retail Coordinator for Fashion Jewellery.
My role is incredibly full on and there is never a moment to spare – it is endless! Looking after the fashion jewellery department globally means you never run out of things to do. In the morning I make APAC (Asia) my priority, throughout the day I focus on INTL (England, International) and then I spend my afternoons with AM (America). I work very closely with my buyers and merchandisers to ensure that the stock arrives into the business on time. I look after around 75 brands but that number is increasing each season. My priority is to keep a good relationship with all my vendors and make sure they are happy with what is featured online for customers to buy. I visit the warehouse once every two weeks to check for any problems, discrepancies or wrong shipments. Emails, emails, emails – I get an average of 180 a day these all have to be actioned and authorised. In a nut shell every day is just as busy as the next.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done in your role so far?
My favourite part of my role is when we have something called ‘Brand Academies’. This is when the brand/designers come in to the offices and talk us through their collections and the inspirations. It’s an incredible privilege to be given a first hand understating of the collections from the creators themselves.
What are the key qualities you need for your role as Fashion Retail Coordinator?
I would say the main qualities for this role would be time-management! Learning how to prioritise is the key quality behind this role. You have to also be quick, incredibly organised and have a key understanding of how each brand works. Excel and Outlook are the main and key programmes we use every day so a really good technical proficiency helps too.
Rebecca Wright
Beauty Assistant, Glamour
How did your get your job at Glamour?
Glamour’s Beauty Director (and my now boss!) Alessandra Steinherr came and gave a talk at the college near the end of my course. At the end I went up and asked her if she had any opportunities for work experience coming up, about a month later I went in for a one-week work shadow placement. I was then invited back for a 6-month internship once I had graduated and was promoted to a full time role back in December.
What was it like on your first day?
It’s funny looking back on my first day as I remember being really nervous and subsequently got there way too early. I was introduced to the team, the rest of the office and explained was told what my responsibilities would be. I remember being really excited but also rather overwhelmed!
Is working at Glamour what you expected?
It’s even better – if that’s possible. I’ve always known that I wanted to work in beauty editorial so I was very excited to start my career. I’m incredibly lucky to work with a very talented and friendly bunch of people, so going to work everyday doesn’t even feel like work.
Describe an average day as Beauty Assistant.
Every day is slightly different as I assist each member of the beauty team. Obviously my job is very product based, so it’s all about trying out all the different things we get sent, liaising with PR’s to call things in for stories, writing copy for either print or online, doing research etc. It is definitely the dream job!
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done in your role so far?
I’ve been lucky enough to assist on shoots with celebrities like Suki Waterhouse and Ellie Goulding. I also get to go backstage at London Fashion Week – which is a crazy but incredible experience. I also write a page in the magazine which is a dream come true, especially being so junior and new to the industry – I never expected any of the amazing opportunities I’ve been given.
What are the key qualities you need for your role as Beauty Assistant at Glamour?
Initiative is key quality when you’re assisting a whole team as you almost have to know what they need before they’ve even asked you. The other obvious things are punctuality, enthusiasm etc… I think as long as you’re polite and hardworking people will really notice that.
Morgan Stukes
Merchant Assistant, Saks Fifth Avenue
How did your get your job at Saks Fifth Avenue?
After applying for a few interesting sounding positions on the Saks careers website, I finally received an email from them wanting to interview me for the Merchandise Assistant position within the company.
What was it like on your first day?
My first day at Saks was a big induction day: learning the company’s history, what my day-to-day tasks were going to be, who the members of my team were, and how I would be working to assist them with their jobs going forward.
Is working at Saks as you expected?
Absolutely. I knew that working for a leading, luxury retailer would mean a fast-paced work environment, surrounded by people who work extremely hard, and who are very good at what they do. I have learned more than I ever thought I would about the retail business and how to be successful within it.
Describe an average day in the Executive Excellence Programme.
Typically, we spend three days out of the week within the buying office that we are training in, and two days out of the week taking classes. The classes vary from retail maths, to communication skills, all valuable tools that you will need to be a successful buyer or planner. On the days we spend within our buying offices, we are working on projects for our buyer or planner, to help recap on the existing business and make suggestions to drive the business further in the future.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done in your role so far?
During the first month of the programme, I shadowed a Selling Manager in our NY Flagship store. This was a really exciting opportunity for me, as I have never worked on the floor of a retail store, and never knew the ins-and-outs of how the selling processs actually operates. It was an eye opening experience, where I not only made amazing connections with sales associates and managers, but also learned their tips and tricks for selling our merchandise. The energy in the store is also so positive and exciting!
What are the key qualities you have to have to be a Buyer at Saks?
I believe that to be a buyer at Saks you need to be extremely business minded, and know how a retail business works in all aspects. You have to know the key trend-based pieces to buy in for the season, but, at the same time, you have to be able to budget your cheque book for the season in a pragmatic way. You are running a business and, yes, it may be fun to pick all these exciting pieces for your stores, but, at the end of the day, you need to make a profit out of them.
Helene van Santen
Managing Editor, Libelle Daily
How did your get your job at Libelle Daily?
In October 2014, I responded to a vacancy on the website of Sanoma Media (the publisher of Libelle Daily). I got invited for an interview and, a few weeks later, I started as online editor and acting managing editor. That eventually led to me getting the full time job of managing editor in March 2016.
What was it like on your first day?
Very exciting! And nerve-racking (many new faces, a new office). But most of all: a lot of fun. Working at the largest women’s weekly magazine in the Netherlands is a dream come true.
Is working at Libelle Daily what you expected?
Yes, it’s everything I expected and more. I love the rush and adrenaline that is always present in an online editorial room. Watching our brand grow larger and larger each day is also very rewarding.
Describe an average day in your role as Managing Editor.
In the morning, I decide with our team of online editors which stories we are going to run that day. After that, I usually have staff meetings with other departments such as Marketing, Sales, Web team, etc. We always have lunch together with the entire online team. After lunch I catch up on my emails, make the shift schedule for the editors, make sure the content plan is followed and check invoices. In the meantime I always keep one eye on the number of real-time visitors on our website.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done in your role so far?
Writing a new content strategy for Libelle Daily, which, of course, is a secret…
What are the key qualities you need to be a Managing Editor?
You have to be a go-getter, hands-on, quick, organised, creative and a people-manager. You must also have a deep passion for the online world and a keen interest in digital developments.
Amy Warren
Business Analyst, Charlotte Tilbury
How did your get your job at Charlotte Tilbury?
The role was advertised on LinkedIn.
What was it like on your first day?
Exciting, thrilling and slightly nerve-racking.
Is working at Charlotte Tilbury as you expected?
Yes, it is a brilliant luxury beauty brand that is growing unbelievably quickly.
Describe an average day in your role.
I look after markets in the UK, Europe, the USA and Australia so calls are scheduled throughout the day to incorporate all the different time zones. Then typically there is a new product launch to prepare for and a lot of time is spent checking on our Google Analytics, SEO etc.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done in your role so far?
Launching Charlotte Tilbury in a whole new European market was very exciting.
What are the key qualities you have to have to be a Business Analyst at Charlotte Tilbury?
Fast paced, adaptable, methodical and analytical.
Siffat Haider
Fashion Web Editorial Assistant, Elle Canada
How did you get your job at Elle Canada?
After graduating from the Condé Nast College, I interned at a fashion PR firm, during which time I decided I wanted to work in media. My managers introduced me to people at different publications, and through those introductions, I began working as a freelance writer. After 4 months of freelancing, I applied for an internship at Elle for which I got an interview. I didn’t get the position but decided to keep in contact with the Fashion Editor. She recommended that I apply for the Fashion Editorial position, which I did, and after an editorial test and interview, I got the job.
What was it like on your first day?
Nerve-wracking and very exciting! I was thrown into the deep end right from the get-go. I had my web training on my very first day, and was given assignments straight away. The team was warm and welcoming from the very beginning, which made things easy and fun.
Is working at Elle what you expected?
Yes and no. I think everyone has a certain fear that fashion magazines are intimidating, especially if you believe The Devil Wears Prada. I expected to put in a lot of hard work, but didn’t expect the team to be as easygoing as they are. To this day, my editor has never yelled at me for doing something wrong, she’s very nurturing, which makes working for her very easy and straight forward.
Describe an average day as Fashion Web Editorial Assistant.
Immediately after coming into work, I compile a news roundup of everything that’s going on in fashion plus come up with three story ideas for the day. Afterwards I look at our web calendar to see the stories that are due for the week and dive right in. The research for each story differs, sometimes it’s a celebrity style piece, and other times it’s a trend-based story. On top of working on my assigned content, I also have to keep an eye out all day for newsworthy things going on so we can cover the story right away.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done in your role so far?
I was able to interview Christina Ehrlich while she was in town which was really interesting. I loved hearing about what it’s like to work as a celebrity stylist.
What are the key qualities you have to have to be a Fashion Web Editorial Assistant?
Hardworking, dedicated, and in the know.
Anna Lei
Copywriter, GUESS
How did your get your job at GUESS?
GUESS was looking for a copywriter at the time I was looking for a full-time copywriting role (I was working as a freelance writer at the time) so I applied and was lucky enough to get it.
What was it like on your first day?
It was awesome! I was just like, “Wow I’m really happy to be here!” Think obnoxiously overenthusiastic cartoon character – that was me on my first day.
Is working at GUESS as you expected?
Better than I expected. I feel lucky every day to work and make a living as a creative in the fashion industry. #waxpoetic
Describe an average day as Copywriter at Guess.
I mostly balance my time between writing editorials for our products and writing creative copy for the website, emails, campaigns, promotions and events.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done in your role so far?
I really enjoy participating in the art direction for the brand. Photography is my favourite hobby so I love being able to steer the direction of our imagery at work. It makes for a really powerful visual when you have an arresting photograph with standout copy. A wonderful feeling.
What are the key qualities you have to have to be Copywriter ?
The ability to write and be creative in an efficient manner.
Laura Grabiner
Fashion Assistant, Grazia
How did you get your job as Fashion Assistant at Grazia?
I was finishing up a 6-month stint as a Fashion Assistant at The Telegraph when a friend from CNC told me there was a vacancy coming up at Grazia. I sent over my CV and started as an intern. I was meant to stay for three weeks and I’ve been here for nearly a year now! You really are each other’s best contacts.
What was it like on your first day?
As I’d been doing a similar job already I wasn’t so worried about tasks I’d be undertaking, but it’s always nerve-racking meeting a new team. Fortunately, everyone was really lovely and I spent the first day working out where everything was, how they kept the fashion cupboard in order, meeting the guys in the courier room (a word of advice for anyone wanting to work at a magazine: these guys have a major impact on your working life – treat them with the same respect with which you would your editor!) …. And drinking milkshakes from Shake Shack, which is round the corner, and has become the bane of my existence.
Is working at Grazia as you expected?
Better! Working at a magazine is tough, especially at a weekly when pretty much every day is a new deadline, and office life is incredibly fast paced. But you really are at the centre of where it all happens, and if you love fashion, trends and being part of a team, there’s no place more exciting.
Describe an average day in your role.
I always start by checking my emails (while drinking an enormous coffee). I try to switch off as much as possible when I leave the office, although this isn’t always possible, so I always get in to lots of mail! I’m constantly either prepping for a shoot, or having just come back from one. If it’s the former I’ll be relentlessly liaising with PRs on the phone or via email, requesting samples and bartering with other titles for specific looks from that season (every editor always wants the same look form each show!) I’ll also be creating moodboards, talking to the stylist I’m assisting, and collating contact information for various models, photographers, hair stylists and make-up artists. If it’s the latter I’ll be focusing on how to get samples returned as quickly and efficiently as possible, as people will be ringing all morning demanding things back immediately, and if this doesn’t happen quickly, all hell will inevitably break loose. I’ll also spend time looking for new street style, trends and hero pieces to include in my weekly feature Style Hunter. Often, I’ll also be helping other members of the team with ad-hoc tasks such as high res image requests, credits for clothing or accessories we’ve shot for the magazine, training interns, sending things to our studio to be shot still life, or booking couriers to collect and return samples. Before you know it (or have had lunch) the day is well and truly gone!
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done in your role so far?
Pitching and writing a 10 Hot Story was pretty cool. That’s real front-of-book stuff that we discuss every Monday in our weekly fashion features meetings. Shooting Claudia Schiffer for our Big Fashion Issue was kind of major too!
What are the key qualities you have to have to be Fashion Assistant at Grazia?
Organisation is key. I’m often doing five or six things at one time, and it’s easy to forget to finish something if you haven’t got yourself into a personal routine that enables you to work efficiently. Being personable, polite and articulate is also important. Magazines are a huge part of what connects business to the consumer and you have to deal with hundreds of different people every day from readers, to PR’s, designers and model agents. And let’s face it, not every one of those people is going to be friendly. Most importantly you have to be driven, and to really want the career you’re pursuing. It’s not for the faint hearted. A lot of my job is lugging six or seven suitcases up and down stairs, frantically trying to locate samples worth thousands of pounds while someone screams at me down the phone, and often I’m in the office until 10pm. The glamour and the perks and the fun really is all there, but it comes with a big slog, sometimes little sleep, always little money, and really, really hard work. You must be prepared to give 110%.
Alice Herbet
PR & Events Assistant, Tiffany & Co.
How did your get your job at Tiffany & Co?
After seeing an article on Tiffany in Stella magazine I was inspired to visit their careers website and found this position advertised. After I applied, three rounds of interviews then followed. I hadn’t met anyone who had worked here before – so it is possible to find a job without using connections!
What was it like on your first day?
This was my first full-time job, so I felt under pressure to be confident and knowledgeable from the start. However the first few days ended up being great as it was all focused upon me getting to know the different teams and hearing about the things they do.
Is working at Tiffany as you expected?
As Tiffany is such a huge, global brand, I expected to feel like one tiny part of it, possibly a little insignificant. But away from the ‘bigger picture’, the PR team I work in is small, close and everyone has a voice that can be heard.
Describe an average day in your role.
My main tasks are focused on liaising with press, suggesting jewellery for fashion features, and organising the logistics of photo-shoots. Unlike ready-to-wear, there aren’t scheduled seasons or press days as such, but there are lots of events for customers and press, which I assist in planning daily.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done in your role so far?
Celebrity dressings are pretty exciting!
What are the key qualities you have to have to be PR & Events Assistant for UK & Europe at Tiffany?
Be interested in what’s going on – in media, magazines and with competitors – this helps with PR strategy planning and anticipating what press will respond well to. And above all keeping a level head when everything’s happening at once!
Caroline Pascall
Advertising Operations Executive, Condé Nast Publications
How did your get your job as Advertising Operations Executive?
During my course at the College we had a visit from Simon Kippin, the then Publisher of Glamour, who spoke about the business side of the magazine and specifically how advertising plays its role. Following the lecture he invited me to enquire about work experience in his team for a short period during the autumn, after I graduated. I followed up on the offer and completed a week of work experience within the Glamour advertising team.
During this time a 3 month internship came up for an admin assistant on the Condé Nast Digital team which I immediately applied for. A couple of weeks prior to my week with Glamour my details had been passed to the department PA of the Digital team who desperately needed some last minute work experience help for a couple of days. Whilst heading out of London on a train I received a call asking if I was available immediately. I was so I turned around, got back on a train to London and went to Vogue House to help out. I spent a day and half licking envelopes for an event invitation. It must have helped as on my last day with the Glamour team I was offered the internship.
I then spent 3 months assisting the PA to the Digital team. I got experience across brands – especially Tatler, who needed help scanning and uploading old Bystander photos from the 90’s. I also helped arrange the Christmas party and stood in for the PA when needed.
Once my 3 months were up I got offered a week temping as a PA to the editor of Brides – which saw me help out at a big bridal event in London. After a couple more days temping with the HR team I was offered a month’s position temping as an assistant to the Vogue Advertising team. After a week with Vogue I was offered a permanent position as an Advertising Operations Assistant. I was thrilled and after six months progressed to a Junior Advertising Operations Exec and then early last year I was promoted to an Advertising Operations Executive.
What was it like on your first day?
My first day with the Ad Ops team was slightly strange as I already knew the team fairly well from the internship and temping – however, it felt completely different to be a permanent member of the team – suddenly it felt like everything started to fit together. The Digital team is incredibly warm and made me very welcome and it wasn’t long until I felt completely settled with them.
Every team I’ve joined (even for just a couple days here and there) at Condé Nast has always been really friendly and quick to offer support and reassurance – it is a definite theme throughout the company.
I’ve not always been the most confident person in new situations but temping and interning really helped. When you’re only with a team for a short amount of time you quickly realise you need to jump in and get involved in order to make the most of the situation.
Is working at Condé Nast what you expected?
In many respects yes – it is definitely the fast paced and exciting environment I thought and hoped it would be. There is always something going on and something new to be working on.
One thing that was more unexpected is the level of dedication from everyone. Everyone really cares about their role and works exceptionally hard. Of course you expect this – but the level of constant dedication is somehow still surprising when you see it first-hand.
Describe an average day as Advertising Operations Executive at Condé Nast Digital
The beginning and end of the week are traditionally the busiest for us. Generally speaking the beginning of the week sees us checking new campaign launches, monitoring their performance and taking screengrabs of the campaigns on sites. We can have multiple large campaigns going live at any one time so things quickly stack up – especially during busy periods like Fashion Week.
We support the central and brand sales team. Each member of the Ad Ops team is buddied with a member of the central sales team and some of the brands. Currently I look after Vogue and House & Garden but we work across all sites. We then provide them with inventory checks for availability on the sites whilst they negotiate sales with clients and help with specs so that the client knows what they need to give us to run a campaign.
We also work on reporting and problem shooting during the week and continue to monitor and optimise campaigns. Any in-house advertising also come through us to get trafficked on the sites – which is quite a lengthy monthly task as all the magazines have new issues that need to be promoted.
The end of week tends to get very busy again as we set-up and test campaigns that are due to launch. Usually a week prior to a campaigns launch we’ll chase for assets, however they often come in fairly close to deadline. Once we have assets we have to check that they match specs and that nothing is missing and everything works as expected. The last step is to upload everything so that the campaign is set-up and ready to launch.
Although most campaign launches are at the beginning of the week, they can start at any time throughout the week so we are always working on something.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done in your role so far?
One thing that always sticks in my memory is my first ever sponsorship launch in the Autumn of 2014. A sponsorship means a client has booked to run completely on a particular section of the site – no other advertiser will feature on their section. For example Vogue’s Beauty section on the website. My first sponsorship sticks with me as it really did feel like an achievement and also as if I had finally become part of the Ad Ops team. It was for a jewellery client and featured on the Vogue Fashion and Vogue News sections.
I was also really excited to start looking after Vogue’s trafficking recently – I have been paired with other sites previously but was so pleased to get a chance to be buddied with Vogue and work with the Digital sales team.
What are the key qualities you need for your role as Advertising Operations Executive at Condé Nast Digital?
Attention to detail is a complete must – the campaigns we deal with have a very real worth so we need to make sure we get them right. For this reason organisation is also a very essential skill as we are often looking after multiple campaigns at once, each at different stages and needing different support. Patience is also a requirement – especially when a campaign is not being as straight-forward as you hoped. You always get there in the end but sometimes it can be tricky.
Some digital know-how is certainly very helpful. I’ve learnt a massive amount on the job and still have a lot to learn, but some back ground knowledge is certainly very helpful. There is always something new to get your head around so you would never get bored.
Marta Lorente Domingo
Retail Performance Analyst, Louis Vuitton
How did your get your job?
I made a list of brands where I wanted to work and checked their websites regularly. I discovered roles I didn’t know existed! I applied for my job through the LVMH website.
What was it like on your first day?
I was very lucky because I spent a fortnight with the girl who was about to leave the role; so she could teach me and give me tips for my new position.
Is working at luxury brand Louis Vuitton what you expected?
I did not have a clear idea what working for Louis Vuitton would be like. People are much nicer and friendlier than I had expected. They are really helpful, and they do not expect you to know everything about retail when you first start.
They do expect you to be helpful, enthusiastic and have a proactive attitude. Even though my role is not a managerial role, they give me a lot of responsibility and autonomy to do my job and organise myself.
Describe an average day as Retail Performance Analyst.
Every day is different. I am in Head Office and responsible for all matters related to the stores. I have fixed tasks generating and analysing sales reports or calculating the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the bonuses for sales staff. My role also involves helping the stores with the daily planning, uniforms, repairs, etc. This means I have to spend some days in the stores as well. It has been really interesting learning how each store works, because even though they are all Louis Vuitton stores, they work very differently.
I am also getting involved more creative task such as organising a charity auction with Louis Vuitton products, analysing store hours in order to make them more effective and helping organise different kind of Louis Vuitton events.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done in your role so far?
I really enjoyed helping in Louis Vuitton Trunk Show. I was backstage helping dressing the models.
I enjoy going to the stores to understand what their daily problems are and develop ideas to help them.
I also enjoy the training sessions as they help you develop many skills crucial for your career. Louis Vuitton want you to know about the history of the brand and the quality of the products.
What are the key qualities you need for your role as Retail Performance Analyst at Louis Vuitton?
It is essential to have a proficient level of Excel as you have to deal with a large amount of data. You have to be really meticulous because you have to calculate KPIs for more than 400 employees. It is also important you are an organised person as I am responsible for twenty Louis Vuitton stores.
Ana Violas
Head of VIP Relations, HEWI London
How did your get your job?
After completing the Vogue Fashion Certificate, I was ready to put myself out there in the world of fashion. With the help of Samantha, the College’s Careers Advisor, I built my CV and I started applying to internships. I found an internship at HEWI London advertised on “Fashion Workie” I was really lucky- the process was quick and I got the internship! I worked really hard everyday, always stayed late to show my commitment, and sometimes give suggestions on what I thought could be improved. My boss started to notice my hard work and one month later, she offered me a permanent position.
What was it like on your first day?
I was extremely nervous. I had no idea what to expect. Fortunately, everyone was very welcoming. The team is quite small so they go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. I have to admit however, that I didn’t love my first day. It wasn’t as glamorous as I thought it would be. I was not doing anything stimulating and challenging. I think it was because of those first days that I started to voice my opinions, as I wanted to make sure that they knew that I could do more, and that I wanted to do more. It worked!
Describe an average day in your role as Head of VIP Relations at HEWI London.
I start my day by going over my emails. Everyday I have several emails from clients who want updates on their accounts. That is, what has sold, how much they are due, and what the prices are of the remaining active items. At the same time, I check our stock and determine what should go up on the website first. I then delegate to the interns what should go up and in what order. I then have to do some approve what is accepted on to the website. This is very important because it is our window shop and it most look good at all times. I also have to ensure that all the items are authentic, which is quite hard considering that I don’t have the items in front of me.
Everyday, we receive new stock from existing clients and we have requests from new clients, which I deal with. There are days when we receive multiple deliveries, which is quite chaotic. I have to determine which ones have priority and I do those inventories personally. I then delegate the remaining ones to the interns and oversee the process. Finally, I then go back to the clients with our suggested prices for their approval.
I also produce content for our social media platforms. Although that is not part of my job description, it is something I really enjoy. Being part of a start-up allows you to do more than just your role, which is great as you get to do a bit of everything and learn a lot.
The day is super fast-paced. We need to get 50/60 items from our VIP service onto the website everyday, plus non-VIP items as well. There is inevitably a problem that appears which means that we always have to be able to think fast. I love that.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done in your role so far?
I don’t know if this was the most exciting thing but it was definitely the most challenging! The previous person that was doing my role was let go and she left some loose ties behind. Some clients were very upset with the service and they threaten to leave the site and promote it badly on social media. I was able to change their minds and reassure them that this would no longer happen now that I’m in charge. They believed me and actually ended up sending us more items for sale! The most exciting thing has probably been going to the houses of some of our famous clients.
What are the key qualities you have to have to be Head of VIP Relations at HEWI?
Be organised
Be polite
Be able to act well under pressure
Have a thick skin as some clients are not easy.
What advice would you offer to anyone else who hopes to go from intern to permanent employee?
Don’t be afraid to speak up when you see something that could be improved. People value that because it shows that you are committed to the company and want to see it succeed.
Always give 110% and never leave early. If you like what you are doing, it is totally worth it. Try to absorb as much information and knowledge as possible and use it!
Does this role follow the career path you had anticipated?
It does actually. I want to work in marketing and branding. Although this is not what I’m doing currently, I have the opportunity to assist the marketing director with the marketing and digital marketing strategies. Plus, I am getting to know brands and their identity really well, which is crucial for branding. I am also learning how to deal with people and build relationships, which is important in any career one chooses. I think this really is a great first job.
https://www.hardlyeverwornit.com/
Nat Eursirisub
Marketing Manager, The Central Group
How did you get your job at The Central Group?
I began with a career search online at The Central Group in Singapore and I applied for a Marketing position. However, after the interview, HR thought I would fit better in the Luxury Imported Brands team.
What was it like on your first day?
I knew it was going to be super busy working in the fashion industry, and I was right! There was so much to learn as I had never worked in a fashion-related field before, so it was all very exciting!
Is working at The Central Group what you expected?
Working at a big company is not what quite what I had imagined. Adapting yourself to the organisation’s culture is quite a big deal.
Describe an average day in your role as Marketing Manager.
I am responsible for four brands; Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Tom Ford and REDValentino. Each day is filled with an incredible amount of work – from media and PR planning, to organising events, and customer relationship management. Each brand has to be individually marketed so detailed planning is necessary for each one.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done in your role so far?
I got a chance to get involved in the marketing for Gucci Thailand. It’s great timing for me to be working with Gucci as the brand has an air of contemporary coolness brought by their new Creative Director, Alessandro Michele. This new era of Gucci is definitely the time for me to learn, to experience and to be inspired.
What are the key qualities you have to have to be Marketing Manager at the Central Group?
These are the qualities I need for my role:
-Be able to prioritise
-Be good at time management
-Have excellent negotiation skills
-Be flexible and adaptable
-Be up-to-date with the trends and what’s happening in the world
-Be open-minded
-Make effective and quick decisions
-Be good at problem solving
Guido Jackels
Founder & CEO of Gilbano
Tell us about how you launched your brand Gilbano:
I’ve always had a passion for travel and good design. After selling an accessory company I was running in Asia in 2014, I decided travel the world and brainstorm what business I could launch next. Combining my skills, business contacts and passions it seemed logical to start a “travel accessory” brand. I decided to settle in London and to start Gilbano from scratch.
How did the course at the Condé Nast College help you build Gilbano?
The course gave me precisely what I was looking for: It’s an intensive programme with great insights into all aspects of the modern fashion industry, with valuable contacts to industry leaders and helpful lecturers. London is still the number one fashion start-up city so the location of this course was a terrific opportunity to take advantage of.
Is setting up your own brand harder or easier than you expected?
Gilbano is my second business. It has been much easier compared with my first endeavour as I could draw from all experiences. However, setting up a business in fashion is certainly harder than I had expected. In particular the design, manufacturing and logistics process can be very time-consuming and require plenty of blood, sweat and tears.
Describe an average day as founder of a travel and fashion brand.
My days are usually packed with all aspect of running the business: product design, sourcing, production, marketing, sales, social media, and finance. I try to maintain a good work-life balance: I plan my day around a good night’s sleep, healthy food and exercise. Without these I don’t think I could operate well.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done in your role so far?
Being in control of your own company and having the freedom to decide when and where to work is one of the greatest rewards as an entrepreneur. So in particular during the pre-launch phase, I have worked from several different city offices including in Hong Kong, New York, London, Brussels, Berlin and Saigon. These city trips continue to be my single biggest source of inspiration.
What are the key qualities you have to have to be founder & CEO of your own brand?
Founding a company and running a company take two totally different skill sets. As a founder, I believe you need a lot of ambition, perseverance and patience. If you are not 100% passionate about your business you will find it difficult to succeed. As a CEO, your focus is on coaching your team members and on facilitating communication between team. Setting the overall vision and strategy will furthermore influence the brand’s success.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting their own brand?
When you think you are ready, take action! It’s never been easier to launch your own brand. Many European cities have vibrant start-up communities with healthy eco-systems comprising venture capital firms, co-working spaces, showrooms, pop-up stores, incubators and governmental support schemes. To mitigate risk, I’d suggest working on something as a side project whilst having a regular job instead of going “all-in” right from the start.
Therese Riis Nielsen
Fashion Assistant, Elle Denmark
How did your get your job?
I saw an article on elle.dk about becoming a fashion assistant and I simply went for it- I wrote an email to the Fashion Director and she then contacted me regarding an interview. Initially she turned me down because I wouldn’t be able to work right at the time they needed a new assistant, but I was persistent and at last she asked if I could come to Copenhagen for an interview. Persistency is key! I was still at the College when I applied and everyone was super helpful, especially when preparing for the interview, which is always nerve wracking. A few days after my interview, I received the job offer.
What was it like on your first day?
I was, of course, nervous on my first day, but everyone at the office was super nice- the fashion industry is nothing like what you see in movies. I was introduced to everyone at the magazine and started my training. It could not have been a better first day.
Is working at ELLE Denmark as you expected? Why or why not?
Working at ELLE Denmark is better than I could have imagined. I have gotten way more responsibility than I could have ever wished for. I’m not just the fashion assistant, I am a part of the editorial office. I get to do so much fun stuff, but there’s also a lot of responsibility. But it is all part of the job.
Describe an average day doing your job
I get in at 9am and start the day checking emails. Usually one of the editors will have some pieces to be requested or quoted, which I will sort out. There’s a lot of communication with the different brands, marketing departments and PR agencies. I’m also responsible for keeping the fashion and styling room (where we keep all the goods) tidy. Besides that, I also get to assist shoots, help at our events, attend events, and write articles for the website. Usually the whole office eats lunch together around 12pm, and a regular working day ends at 5pm.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done in your role so far?
The most exiting thing so far was probably when I assisted on ELLE Style Awards. I interviewed all the guests about their clothes, and assisted backstage during the show- it was an amazing experience. But fashion week is probably the event I am looking forward to the most. I am the one organizing it for ELLE Denmark, which is going to be hard work but at lot of fun!
What are the key qualities you have to have to be a Fashion Assistant at ELLE Denmark?
First of all, you have to have a huge interest in fashion to maintain the interest in the job. You have to be super organized because of the amount of responsibilities you have. You also have to be ambitious and flexible. Other than that, being outgoing is a must for this job when meeting and interacting with so many different people.
Do you feel that your time at the college helped to prepare you for working in the industry?
I definitely feel that my time at the college helped me get the job, and especially helped me prepare for the interview. In general I came in feeling like I was ready and I had enough background knowledge to be confident in professional working life. I cannot count how many times I’ve said ‘Without the college, I wouldn’t have gotten this job’.
Orla Pentelow
Digital Intern, Vogue.co.uk
How did your get your job?
I had been at Vogue for three weeks on their work experience placement with the Features team, and applied for my role on the Digital team. I think it definitely helps to speak to people and make connections during work experience- it also helps them remember you when it comes to applying for roles.
What was it like on your first day?
It was still nerve-wracking! I had been there 2 weeks before so I knew some people, but it was a different team, and a slightly different role in the new realm of online. Luckily, everyone is super nice and I feel like I’m settling in.
Is working at Vogue as you expected? Why or why not?
Yes and no. I think there is a level of prestige with a brand like Vogue, and often there is an element of expected pressure being in the office but it’s not like that at all. It’s incredible to work with such amazing people every day and they’re all so nice, but really it is just an office !
Describe an average day doing your job?
Most of my day is spent contacting PRs and liaising with other members of the team. I work closely with the Fashion Features team, collaborating to create online galleries.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done in your role so far?
Whilst I was on work experience I helped out at a shoot which was pretty cool!
What are the key qualities you have to have to be a Digital Intern at Vogue.co.uk?
Organisation! Managing and juggling different projects can be a bit mind boggling but if you’re organised it definitely helps. And people skills!
Do you feel that your time at the college helped to prepare you for working in the industry and your job search?
It definitely helped in understanding the magazine publishing industry, and just having that extra insight into knowing how everything runs has really helped.
Gabriella Chaudri
PR & Management Assistant, Donna Management
How did you get your job at Donna Management?
The job was listed on the Condé Nast College career emails, which are sent to students and alumni. I loved the sound of it and applied directly. My past experience in PR and editorial combined with my personal attributes turned out to be a great fit for the role and company.
What was it like on the first day?
I was thrown straight into the fast-paced lifestyle of talent management. I was immediately introduced to all the clients and started gaining hands on experience from day one, which I loved!
Is working at Donna Management what you expected?
As it’s such a small company I’m given far more responsibility than I could have ever imagined. The exposure and the new challenges I’m confronted with every day is what I love most about the role.
Describe an average day as PR & Management Assistant at Donna Management
There really is no average day! In the morning I will scan and circulate any coverage for our clients. The rest of the day ranges from pulling in samples for events, pitching to clients and brands, and attending fittings, photoshoots and events with my colleagues at Donna Management.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done in your role so far?
I worked on the set of a photoshoot for one of our clients, Millie Mackintosh, who was debuting her new clothing line a few weeks ago. There’s a great buzz and excitement being in this environment. Last weekend I went to Glastonbury with four of our clients to work on brand collaborations we set up for the festival . I’ve also attended some great events with the team such as LCM shows. I could go on forever, I’m very lucky with the opportunities this role has given me!
What are the key qualities you have to be a PR and Management Assistant?
Calm, personable, creative, organised, proactive and hard working.
Hakan Demiray
Junior Agent, Sarah Laird & Good Company
How did you get your job at Sarah Laird & Good Company?
The College sent me the job description for the position of Junior Agent, and I immediately applied. I was really interested in the role, and knew that I wanted a full time job after freelancing on the Picture Desk at British Vogue. After my initial application, references were sent to the company and I was invited for a first interview at the London office. The next stage in the application was a phone interview with the Managing Director of the Agency who is based in New York. I was offered the position a few days later!
What was it like on your first day?
I was quite nervous early the first morning, but felt part of the team within the first ten minutes. I had previously met my boss at my interview so I felt comfortable with her already. Everyone on the team was super welcoming and really took time to get to know me. The first day consisted of a handover and then we had an amazing lunch and desserts to welcome me. Then, the Agent I replaced was having leaving drinks that evening and they invited me along, so the whole day finished in Soho (it was a Friday!)
Is working at Sarah Laird Agency what you expected?
I’d say that working at an Agency is a lot less dramatic than I imagined. We’re quite a small team but get a lot done, so there’s a family feeling in the office with very minimal drama. I’ve found that the environment isn’t as corporate as I expected as we are constantly surrounded by creativity, and by creative individuals.
Describe an average day in your role.
Not one day is the same, which is what I love the most about my job. Most moments of the day are spent corresponding with people via email, but I’ve also found myself doing plenty of newer tasks like model castings, social media editing and assistant interviews. I’ve found that the role is one in which I’m able to grow, and it is essentially what I make of it. The ultimate goal is to book our talent jobs, and there’s range of ways this can be done.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done in your role so far?
Working towards getting our talent big commercial or editorial jobs is always exciting, especially when you see the incredible outcomes. I also love to meet with the artists at events and build relationships within the industry. There are many exciting day-to-day moments in this role, and although it’s sometimes quite high pressured, it’s also super rewarding.
What do you consider are the key qualities you need have to have to be Junior Agent?
I think a real sense of confidence is most important in this role, as you are constantly communicating with clients, talent and of course, your colleagues. Personality is also key, particularly when building relationships with clients. Initiative is essential, as you’ll often stumble upon challenges or tasks that’ll need to be resolved in a matter of minutes. A desire and natural love for the industry also helps, as it’s what will keep you striving to get the most for your artists.
Hannah Rogers
Editor Assistant, The Times
How did your get your job at The Times?
After leaving CNC I went back to Durham University to finish my degree. After graduating, I interned for a year in fashion features across a number of magazines and newspapers, and managed to get in at The Times twice on the fashion desk. That was in October 2015, and in January of this year I started an MA in Fashion Journalism at Central Saint Martins. Shortly after that, the Times fashion desk recommended me to go paid cover for a month on the features desk earlier this year, through which I met the editor of the magazine, who then hired me full time.
What was it like on your first day?
I think I was lucky that I already knew the office so well, so my first day just felt like the next day. But it was nice to feel part of the team permanently.
Is working as Editorial Assistant at The Times what you expected?
I knew I loved working at The Times from my first internship, so in that way, yes, the role is what I expected in terms of office atmosphere. What I didn’t expect was how encouraging my editor would be to develop me, or how keen to use my ideas. I have gone from doing straight administrative tasks, to writing a column for the magazine and fashion news for the paper in quite a short time! I also help with styling and spend a lot of time in the fashion cupboard.
Can you describe an average day in your role?
My day starts by organising the papers for the team. Then I head into the fashion cupboard to check it’s in a fit state, and unpack any deliveries. After that, I browse the news for any pitch ideas for the magazine and from that point on, it could be anything – picture research, transcriptions, writing, assisting on a photo shoot, getting credits for photographs, calling in samples, or making sure my editor gets lunch and coffee! My hours are 10am – 6pm which is very reasonable, and I rarely work later than that.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done in your role so far?
I am most exciting about writing the ‘Fashion Stalker’ column for the magazine, which starts this Saturday – look out for it on the Shop! page of the style section!
What do you consider are the key qualities you need have to have to be Editorial Assistant at The Times?
You need to be able to work under your own steam and preempt what your team needs. Common sense is a must, as is a sense of humour, confidence, an up beat attitude and lots of ideas. More than anything, you should be prepared to get your hands dirty – anything could pop up, and the answer is always YES!