What did you do on a daily basis?
Each day varies, Mondays we have bestsellers so I look at the figures and out the samples, each day I check my critical path and make sure if all my orders are on track. We have fit meetings twice a week which I attend and make comments if styles look like deliveries are going to be delayed due to style alterations.
You will always be working on 2 seasons booking the upcoming season while watching the current season and its trading. We are consistently looking for newness and how we can improve our range for next season by continually trying to see what our customer wants.
Highlights of the job?
As Phase Eight has a small team working at head office, there is a wide range of opportunities that you are able to do. Highlights of my year would be attending SS13 and AW13 press day. Attending the SS13 mangers meeting and helping with our Catwalk show. Helping negotiate and confirm orders for our AW13 dresses range as well as keeping track of SS13 achievements by presenting best sellers.
How much responsibly were you given?
Dresses is the dominate category at Phase Eight and there is myself and a senior buyer on the buying team, therefore you are given the responsibilities of an acting buying assistant.
My responsibilities includes: raising/negotiating /booking orders, managing all orders from the critical path to check if they are on time, tracking all deliveries and negotiating with suppliers on new dates/discounts and of course developing the new upcoming range.
How has your placement or internship affected your career prospects?
Yes it has confirmed my love for buying and passion for developing the product on a daily basis.
What s your typical day on your placement or internship?
There is never a day the same in buying we are consistently looking at new styles for the upcoming seasons, fitting the product for next season and monitoring the sales for the current season. Therefore being highly organised is essential for monitoring your Critical path, attending fit meetings, keeping track of samples for press, visual merchandising and e-commerce.
Any top tips for a student interested in an internship here?
Showing enthusiasm, efficiency and drive to succeed is the best advice for anyone applying for any placement. Always try and be one step ahead and anticipate your bosses needs- keep your ears peeled as this is a fast pace industry and often decisions are decided quickly and you as an intern need to be ready to make those changes happen.
Phase eight advertise internships on their website and we often have temporary contracts in buying/merchandising.
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