Your Loughborough Story

Can you tell us about your memories of Loughborough High School? 

I have only the fondest memories of my time at both LHS and Fairfield. My parents always used to say that “school days are the best days of your life” and it really was true for me. I grew, I developed, I had great fun and was believed in and encouraged throughout my time at school.

How has your time at Loughborough High School influenced your life and career?

School was a huge part of my life in a very positive way. It is here that I made some of my closest and long term friends. It shaped who I am and gave me an understanding of my strengths, and the confidence to follow my passion and push myself out of my comfort zones.  

What do you wish you had known when you were in Sixth Form?

I wish I had known more about the world after university and the many opportunities that are out there. Don’t force yourself into a workstream too early; explore your strengths, understand what you’re good at, what you enjoy and where you can apply those strengths. If you do what you enjoy and what you’re good at, you will succeed. But remember success doesn’t happen overnight, it requires hard work.

Are you still in touch with your school friends or teachers today?

I moved to London after university for 8 years before moving to Vienna for 2 years, and more recently moved back to Loughborough. Through all of this change I have remained in great contact with my school friends. Now being back in Loughborough, there are a few of us still living here and we still regularly catch up.

How are you involved with the school today? E.g., Have you been back to any alumni reunions?

I attended our 10 year school reunion in 2015 and now very happy that my 4 year old daughter has started in the Kindergarten at Fairfield.

What would you say to encourage alumni who are considering getting involved with the alumni community today? 

It is a great opportunity to give back to a community that gave you so much.

How would you describe LHS in three words?

Motivating, high expectations, fun

Alumni Career Wisdom

Could you provide an outline of your job role?

Retail merchandising jobs are very fast-paced. Varying from day to day, retail merchandising involves forecasting profits and sales, ensuring “best sellers” are back on the shelf before they sell out. Liaising with buyers, analysts, suppliers and distributors is also a key part of the job. Retail merchandising jobs also oversee the delivery and distribution of stock, dealing with any problems as they arise.

The role of a head of merchandising is ultimately to support, lead, manage and motivate individual merchandising teams within a fashion retail environment.

As a Head of Merchandising I work alongside fashion merchandising teams to ensure that commercial, yet profitable fashion product ranges are developed and bought in order to maximise profit and sales. The Head of Merchandising will ensure that the teams are all working in conjunction with the merchandising strategy, the needs of the customer and the ultimate direction of the company.

What are your career highlights?

I have taken great pride and satisfaction in leading teams to deliver results. I had the opportunity to travel and work abroad. I have led different teams in various stages, sizes and with diversified needs. I have learnt a lot about leadership and what a difference a great leader can do. My focus is on giving direction and stability, and to act with trust and compassion to enable teams to create and achieve almost anything. It’s important to believe in people and focus on individuals strengths.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to current pupils thinking about entering a similar role to yourself?

Go for it! Believe in yourself, follow your heart, don’t be impatient for success and find a company that values you. Don’t be afraid to take sideways steps and trust the process.

What advice for success would you give to current pupils and graduates?

Never stop learning and being curious. Hunt for potential and build on your strengths to be even better in the future. Be genuine, brave and humble. Stay true to yourself and find companies/employers who are aligned with your own values. Don’t compare yourself to others, life is a journey and we’re all on our own paths. “Do what you love and you’ll never do a day’s work”.

What job search tips would you give to pupils looking for a career in your industry?

Be clear of your strengths and how you can add value and contribute to the organisation. Connect with people in the industry, understand the job description and how it matches your skills. Do your research and use each conversation as an opportunity to find out about various roles/companies; an interview is a 2 way process. Make sure it’s right for you.

What are employers in your field looking for?

Employers will be looking for a number of key skills. A retail merchandiser should have good commercial awareness and strong analytical and numerical skills, the ability to plan and prioritise as well as working under pressure. Retail merchandising also requires strong decision-making skills. The “what” is as important as the “how” so how you act as a role model is as important as the skill set.

What ambitions would you still like to realise?

I want to keep growing, developing and doing what I love! I feel very lucky to have ended up in an industry which combines my passion of fashion with my strengths in strategic and commercial thinking. I’m passionate about developing others and want to continue to broaden my leadership experience.