Case studies: Garment technologist: Samantha Clements

Samantha is a garment technologist at George at Asda

I made a conscious decision to be a technologist. I'd spent a few years studying in the evenings out of personal interest, doing dress making, pattern cutting and design. It was borderline obsessive so I decided to do something with it - I gave up a full-time job to go back to university.

I applied for the job along with everyone else and advise others to take all the CV advice on offer, no matter how good you think it is! Fortunately, I was able to secure an interview and was prepared enough to answer the questions. It was a tough process of three interviews, one including a presentation, but preparation is the key; you have to invest the time to get the results.

Don't rely on your degree to get you through. I had a whole host of other qualifications and experience that I was able to draw on and utilise. In order to get on, you must be prepared to face any challenge head on and be open minded. You will learn something every day - so long as you appreciate that, you will take that knowledge forward with you.

While my degree was fashion based, the most valuable part for me was the business/presentation side. No matter how hands-on your job is, it will include a host of project work and presentations, so anything that can prepare you for that is only a good thing.

My degree opened doors that would not otherwise have been there; however, I have to recognise that my previous employment, other qualifications and experience equally helped.

My job role has changed immensely over the last seven years, however, the business has also changed. Anyone's position in a fast-paced environment will evolve in order to sustain a successful business. I have worked on a vast array of products. I am now on ladies wear and all the areas I have covered have brought experience to the next.

We work closely with the buying and design teams to ensure the product they select fits and performs to our standards and expectations, taking the garment from initial development through to production. We have a model in every week, when samples are fitted and amended as necessary. This is communicated with our supply base and we liaise with them to ensure we all get the desired result. We have good working relationships with our supply base and visits are often required overseas.

I enjoy the majority of my role to be honest and the challenge of meeting our customers' expectations and ensuring the garment they buy fits, lasts and performs well.