Personal Statement

I am a motivated, organised and determined individual, with the ambition to be a Buyer.

My passions lie in creativity, social media and finding the next big thing.

I have recently graduated from Birmingham City University with a BA (HONS) degree in Fashion Retail Management. The Buying module I completed in first year allowed me to gained an insight into how buying works and the skills needed to succeed. Using Photoshop I produced four range boards with garments for new AW12 knitwear. Additionally, I created a critical path showing the buying process. During my first year I also had the opportunity to complete a buying work placement at Topman. I really gained an insight by learning on the job what really goes on in the team to produce a range. I was lucky enough to be there during the lead up to their big AW meeting. I was able to sit in the meeting and see how an idea went from a piece of paper to a product.

While studying at university I worked part time at Schuh in Solihull, Birmingham. By working here I have gained merchandising and leadership skills from supervising on Sunday's, and also helping the managers merchandise new stock. I have organisational and budgeting skills, which are essential in the buying job role and proved helpful when I travelled Australia this summer. Finally, I have basic knowledge of InDesign and Photoshop.

- Ciara Lawson