Case studies: Merchandising assistant: Kate

Kate works in a support function as part of a team which is responsible for developing a commercial and exciting product range, working closely with suppliers to ensure that quality and value criteria are met, and that the flow of stock to stores is as smooth as possible.

Kate graduated from Loughborough University in 2008 with a BSc (Hons) degree in Mathematics and Management.

I chose my degree course because of the flexibility it gave me to tailor a programme that would suit my interests as they developed. We covered core subjects in both maths and management in the first year, and then we were able to choose optional modules which suited us, including statistics and operational research, financial reporting, decision making and banking, for example.

Before starting at university, I’d had a Saturday job in Top Shop, and I was really interested in fashion and retail. When I started looking for graduate jobs, I knew I’d like to work in the retail sector, but in a head office function, rather than in a store. I looked into the different schemes and jobs offered by retailers, and considered applying for one of the Finance management schemes, but most of them seemed to be store-based. During my research, I came across buying and merchandising roles, and decided that these were the types of roles I’d like to apply for.

The merchandising role particularly appealed to me because it offered the possibility to utilise skills and knowledge I’d gained during my degree studies, such as forecasting, budgeting, using spreadsheets and other IT packages, as well as decision-making, problem-solving and teamworking. I soon realised that I’d probably have to start at the bottom in a junior role and work my way up, but this didn’t bother me, as I could see there’s a clear career progression for people who work hard and are successful.

In my current role as a Merchandising Assistant, I have been able to develop my customer service and communication skills, as I’ve needed to build good working relationships with our designers, buyers, suppliers and branches, who depend on the Merchandising Team to keep their businesses running smoothly with on-time stock.

My tip for graduates seeking a career in this area is to get some work experience as soon as possible, ideally in an office environment or in retail, or preferably in both. Retail is pretty fast-paced and challenging, and the hours can be long, so some previous experience may help you know what you’re letting yourself in for, as well as having something good to put on your CV and talk about at interview. Also, don’t just focus on the typical graduate training scheme entry route, especially if you’re interested in a head office role. Be prepared to take on some unpaid work experience or work shadowing, to make countless speculative applications, and maybe to start in a junior or assistant role, with a view to learning lots, proving yourself and aiming to gain promotion.

I really love my job, and I’m learning lots. I’ve been told that my company will sponsor me to undertake a relevant professional or postgraduate qualification, so I’m just looking into these now, with a view to choosing one and getting started. My career aspiration is to progress in my current role and gain promotion to an assistant merchandiser role, and then on to merchandiser and beyond.