Graduate ready for NEXT chapter in her career

A recent graduate is set to start a position with one of the UK’s biggest fashion retailers.

Beth Stark is making the move to Leicester to begin her brand new role as a Trainee Buyer with NEXT, having been inspired during her time studying BA (Hons) International Fashion Branding at GCU.

“I wasn’t 100% sure what route I wanted to go down throughout my degree because the beauty of our course is that there are so many different options,” explained Beth.

“NEXT first came and visited us on campus in third year and it really put the idea of being a Buyer in my head. I had actually also heard a lot of positive things from my lecturers and I definitely felt like it was up my street.

“The applications to become a Trainee Buyer with NEXT opened at the start of fourth year and I just decided to go for it. There were four stages to it in total, with the last stage being an assessment centre down at their base in Leicester. I went there in February and had to do a presentation. I then got a phone call the next day with them basically offering me the job.

“It felt totally surreal. To get the opportunity with NEXT is just unbelievable, I’m so fortunate. It has been a lot of hard work so there honestly was a bit of relief there.

“It’s been a long journey because I took a lot on while I was studying. I was working part-time, captain of the GCU hockey team, involved in volunteering, and trying to get as much work experience as possible.”

With all of her efforts alongside her degree paying off, Beth now feels she has landed in the ideal position post-graduation.

Beth said: “I knew I wanted a role in fashion but there aren’t a huge amount available in Scotland. The marketing and public relations side of the industry did also interest me but my degree is obviously a fashion degree and that’s what I set out to do.

“I remember when I was down for the assessment centre in February that I just got such good energy. Something that was really noticeable was the fact that NEXT really look after their employees, which was definitely one of the factors that drew me there.

“It definitely feels like a great environment to be a team player, which is something that particularly resonates with me. Being a Buyer will obviously involve me working with the merchandiser and the designer, so teamwork is a huge part of it and something I’m really looking forward to.”

Beth is now excited to start her new role at the end of August and wants other GCU students to make the most of their time at university.

She explained: “It’s strange to think about because the past four years have all been about university and now it has just quite suddenly all ended. The overwhelming feeling is just how fortunate I am to be in this position.

“There are so many people that want to do fashion and so few jobs. My advice would be to take every opportunity and try to get a part-time job that supports your degree. Try and get involved in a society or club because it’s so important for gaining experience and making connections. GCU provide so many opportunities, so try and take them. I got the chance to go to Madrid and that really helped me be in this position. It’s hard work balancing everything, but it’s definitely worth it.”

Find out more about GCU’s BA (Hons) International Fashion Branding course

By Ross Clark       
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or message me on Twitter