You arrive early. You stay late. The dark and airless fashion cupboard in which you dwell is spotless, and you make countless cups of tea with a friendly smile and willing attitude. Run to the other side of London to pick up a fashion sample? “Of course, I’d love to – and do let me know if I can get you a Starbucks on the way back.”
If this sounds like a game in playing teacher’s pet, you’re not far off. However, it is the day-to-day runnings of any keen fashion intern – and had been my existence for a year after graduating in attempting to build a name for myself. Notorious for its competitive nature, initially I felt lucky to even make it onto the ladder in the industry. But over time, my patience wore thin. How many more placements could I leave without an offer to move up? The idea of making that step from intern to editorial assistant seemed to become increasingly challenging and some days, impossible.
Though at the very beginning of my career, my experience is relevant at every professional level. It’s not rare to feel under appreciated at work, or outgrow a role. But how best to prove this to those with the power of upward mobility at their fingertips? We spoke to five women at the top of their game in the fashion industry about their own experiences, and asked them to share their tips and tricks on gaining that lucrative promotion. Lean in.
Susie Forbes, Journalist and Principal at Conde Nast College, London
When it comes to standing out in an office environment, I have two sets of rules. Firstly, always be polite, punctual and unabashedly grateful – it’s amazing how many interns trying to get into journalism have an awful sense of entitlement. Good manners and humility will set you apart. Once you have made the leap to a full time role, be relentlessly curious and don’t sweat the small stuff. These are two mantras I have carried with me throughout my career and they have yet to let me down.
When looking to promote someone, I look for evidence that that person has shown genuine progression in the role and they deserve to be rewarded for their hard work thus far; I also think that people should, when appropriate, put themselves forward for a more senior position as opposed to waiting for to be offered something. Though I have only consciously put my hat in the ring once before, I would definitely now do it again.
Finally, if you find yourself in a rut at one company, be brave enough to jump ship. It might seem risky and unsettling but invariably it’s better to move on to something new if you are stuck where you are. After all, you can always come back again further into your career!
Katrina Macpherson, Founder of In+Addition, London
I think for the first 10 years or so of your professional life, you need to just put your head down, absorb and earn your stripes. Enjoy learning from the people and the places around you, and over time, you will come into your own naturally. Respect and success don’t happen overnight, it’s a building process. Never see something as a chore or a hassle, see it as an opportunity. Combine this with being proactive, and opportunities to move up will certainly present themselves – and if they don’t, then take it into your own hands. I have always been comfortable asking for a promotion, if the time was right.
Looking to promote a member of my team, I like to assess someone’s feeling of responsibility and dedication, alongside their performance, passion and determination. Where do they seem themselves going and why, and is this in line with the business? Have they proved themselves and have they been proactive in resolving problems and creating opportunities? If you get to a point when you’re feeling stuck, I think it’s important to have stayed in a job for at least one year or even better for two years before moving. Ideally, sit with your director and have a open discussion about the opportunity for progression and what you need to work towards to make it happen. If there is no room for promotion internally, don’t be afraid to see what else is out there and put the feelers out. Life is too short to stay put!
Lauren Taylor, International Marketing & Partnerships Manager at Bergdorf Goodman, New York
If you’re looking to cement your place in a team in the initial stages of a job, be enthusiastic and eager for the projects given regardless of how small each task may seem. It is all part of a bigger picture, and you are helping the team more than you know. Ask your team and superiors about projects that interest you and if you can take part. It shows that you’re interested in the company and learning more about your superiors day-to-day. Show that you’re eager to work – there may be an opportunity to work on something you might otherwise not have, and a chance to learn a new skill. Finally, always appreciate the opportunity at hand. It may not be a dream role, but gaining the work skills and focusing on your goals will be beneficial in the long term
Remember that you have to go after what you want. If you see an opportunity, ask about it! The opportunities will come too, especially when you’re working hard and focusing on your dreams. I believe anything can be manifested when you put the energy into it. If I was looking to promote an employee, I would like someone who shows an active interest in the company, takes pride in their job and looks to take on challenges or additional responsibilities. I also like a team player, and individuals who are supportive of their colleagues. More than anything, be present and stay focused – that’s a professional rule to live by.
Julie de Libran, Creative Director of Sonia Rykiel, Paris
When I started working, I always tried to be very precise, attentive and bring in details of my own personal touches that made a difference. I’ve always been pretty serious and responsible. I grew up in America and started my first job when I was 14 years old. I was already pretty independent. I believe that helps give you the confidence to take on responsibilities in your first job. It becomes a good challenge to succeed. Once you have done this, you can start thinking about moving up.
In considering a member of my team for a promotion, I always look for creativity, motivation, dedication, discipline, responsibility, the ability to work well with others, and evidence of thinking outside the box. Moreover, my main advice would be to work hard and prove yourself, but that it takes time so be patient. Learn how to talk about your work and what you are doing and believe in, think about how you can help bring things forward and have a certain vision about your work. Believe in what you are doing and go for it!
Alannah Sparks, Fashion Editor at Farfetch, London
As a freelancer, my experience has been different to most – but my advice in trying to move up would always be to work hard. When I first went freelance, I was very persistent, and always followed up with any contacts I had. Paula Reed had been an external examiner when I was doing my Fashion Journalism MA at Central Saint Martins, so I cycled around to all of the shows at London Fashion Week to find her and pitch some ideas to her, which led to me having my own column for Grazia Daily and a lot of freelance work with them. I always did everything with a smile, and was lucky enough to meet a few people early on in my career who really backed me up and believed in me, leading to many more opportunities. Grazia led to work for Agent Provocateur, my first job internship at Fashionair (Simon Fuller’s luxury start-up) led to ELLE, and so on. It’s important to always follow up with your contacts, leave them with a great impression and give them a reason to think of you next time they are looking for someone.
When you are a freelancer you are only ever as good as your last job, so you need to create every opportunity for yourself. Email your contacts, be active on social media and follow up with people. The more you do that, the more likely it is that something unexpected will come your way.
If you find yourself stuck in a position you have outgrown, take a leap of faith and do something different. I was stuck in a commercial job that paid really well. I had a great position and lots of perks, but I knew that it was never going to get me where I wanted to be. So, I handed in my notice, ramped up the freelance work I was doing in the evenings and weekends so I was in a position that I could finish up there and be fully sufficient going it alone. It was the best decision I ever made because shortly afterwards I landed the position of online fashion editor at ELLE covering Emma Sells’ maternity leave, and that was finally where I wanted to be – from then on the jobs got better and better.
I fought tooth and nail to get to where I am today. I always had to take money jobs – commercial jobs that pay well but don’t necessarily advance your career – so I would work nights and weekends to do the jobs that helped me get my name out there – at Fashion Week I’d work from 8am for Topshop doing behind the scenes video work, then I’d write up the shows I’d seen for ELLE whilst on a break, then in the evenings I’d attend the parties and interview celebrities for WWD, get 5 hours sleep and do it all again the next day.
Not everyone will have the same situation but my advice would be to work hard. Work every hour that’s available to you, and then work some more. You’ll go through phases in life where you don’t see your friends for months at a time but you know what, they’ll always be there on the other side.
Portraits of Katrina Judd and Alannah Sparks by Dvora exclusively for The Lifestyle Edit with art direction by Naomi Mdudu.