Tal Shiry
BuyerWhat have you been doing since graduating from LCF?
I went on holiday for 3 months then came back to London to look for work. I was focusing on working in a luxury brand in Buying & Marketing so applied to Gucci without specifying a particular role.
At that point I had the opportunity to work for a Model Agency as I thought this would be a great opportunity to build on my network within the fashion industry. I learned a number of skills during this time and working continuously with people, using my initiative constantly and felt that I had a lot of responsibility managing these models’ careers. After some time I realised that it was not for me and really wanted to be in other areas of the fashion industry.
I decided to go back home to Israel for a while where I attended a restaurant opening party and met a DJ who recommended that I contact the Director of NONAME in Tel-Aviv. I sent my CV over the next day and he contacted me straight away to arrange an interview. He hired me to work part time to tell him the trends, especially as I was coming from London. He wanted me to tell him what I knew. I really enjoyed the job and worked really hard to get things together for him and putting all the information into reports. I became really committed and he took me on to work full time when I started working very long hours. This gave me excellent experience of working as a Buyer.
I have recently come back to London and am applying for jobs at the same time as continuing working for NONAME.
I have been in touch with LCF course staff who have been really helpful. My dissertation won the Oasis Prize 2006 which gave me great confidence.
What expectations did you have?
I was sure that I would be working in a luxury brand in Buying or Marketing and that I would be doing this straight away. I was so sure that it was going to happen. You have to do so much networking if you really want to do it and there is so much competition for few positions. In Dolce & Gabbana, in London, they have one Buyer and one Assistant for 2 departments (Womenswear and Accessories) and that is all.
What has the transition from your studies to your current life been like?
It was a real shock to me when I graduated as I had really enjoyed studying and suddenly to finish made me feel as though I had to sort out my life and take responsibility quickly. The BA (Hons) Fashion Management is a very varied course and you are taught so many skills. It takes a while to put all those skills together and to see what you can do with these skills. It is also really important that you know what you want to do so that you can focus. It is also vital that you gain work experience during your course.
Did you feel prepared?
Yes I felt very confident when I graduated. My time at LCF was amazing and I feel proud to be one of their graduates.
Are there any opportunities you wish now that you had taken?
I have realised that I had not used the university services enough to gain more work experience. If I had done these things then I would have been more focused and clearer of what I wanted to do.
Is there one thing that you would tell a current student that would help them when they graduate?
1. Get work experience as soon as possible.
2. Stay in London and work
3. Use your holidays to work
