Ashleigh Plant
BA (Hons) Fashion, Product and Promotion 2014
Ashleigh studied Fashion, Product and Promotion at the University of Sunderland, graduating in 2014 with First Class honours. Ashleigh is currently employed as a buying assistant at Pink Boutique.
We asked Ashleigh about her current role.
“I work alongside my buyer on the separates category, helping to select new lines, raise new orders and ensure that these are delivered on time. Critical path helps us to track orders and keep up to date with the status of these. Within the fashion industry, critical path is a production plan that contains a list of all of the necessary
activities that are required to be done within a particular time frame. This ensures that production orders are shipped successfully within the estimated time of delivery. I also take charge of various campaigns which involves things like chasing samples for shoot and ensuring that bulk orders are processed and delivered ready for launch.”
Ashleigh told us why she decided to study Fashion, Product and Promotion at the University of Sunderland.
“The course enabled me to explore fashion and design, giving me a broad understanding of fashion, product and promotion. I liked the fact that I learned about the whole fashion industry from beginning to end and did not focus on just one specific area. This has really helped my overall knowledge and helped me identify which part of the fashion industry I wanted to work in.”
Ashleigh also wanted to mention her experience with staff on the Fashion, Product and Promotion course.
“The tutors were extremely motivating and approachable. My peers were also very ambitious and the level of creativity was just wonderful to be part of.”
We asked what Ashleigh’s greatest achievement was in her current role.
“Taking the lead on a campaign which had great sell through – it’s always great when a project where a lot of effort has gone into it, really pays off.”
We also wanted to know what Ashleigh found most challenging whilst working at Pink Boutique.
“The biggest challenge in this role involves chasing our suppliers to ensure that bulk orders are received on time. We put a lot of faith into our suppliers to deliver on time, which is why time management is key.”
Ashleigh’s advice to recent graduates is.
“Network! The more contacts the better. This will help when leaving University and for future endeavours.”
She also said that if she had her time again at the University.
“I would have done a placement of some sort to get some hands on experience in the workplace.”
Ashleigh left us with some pearls of wisdom, she explained why she loves working in a team and a good piece of advice that she would pass on.
"I love working with a team and pushing for success together on a project or working towards a tight deadline. I really like working with people who love what they do and strive to be their best every day. When things aren’t going my way, the best advice that I have received is, never give up! Simple but sweet".
Finally we asked Ashleigh what her future plans were?
“I’m happy where I am currently but I would love to grow within my role… to be continued!”