Day in a life of a Fashion Minority Report Mentee
Day in a life of a Fashion Minority Report Mentee
Fashion Minority Report (FMR) has opened doors for many aspiring fashion professionals, and one such success story comes from a recent University of Manchester graduate, Alina Zhakenova, graduating with a First Class degree in Fashion Management this July. Here she shares her story of how Fashion Minority Report helped shape the start of her professional career.
The adventure began when professors at the University of Manchester circulated an email about the FMR mentorship programme. Recognising a golden opportunity, Alina applied and was thrilled to be accepted. The mentorship programme offered invaluable support and insights, especially crucial for her as an international student facing challenges in breaking into the fashion industry.
Initially, their mentoring sessions were held online, with Tom Howard, the Head of Wholesale at Hugo Boss providing a wealth of knowledge and guidance. However, the pinnacle of this mentorship was an in-person visit to the Hugo Boss headquarters in Camden Town, London, on June 28th. This visit marked a significant moment in their burgeoning fashion career, offering a firsthand look at the operations of a leading fashion brand and solidifying the practical aspects of their studies and online mentorship sessions.
This story is a testament to the opportunities provided by FMR, helping bridge the gap between academic learning and industry experience. It highlights how dedicated support and mentorship can make a profound difference in the career trajectories of young professionals in the fashion industry.
14:00 – I arrived at the Hugo Boss headquarters feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. At the reception, I was warmly welcomed by Alina, a friendly lady who happened to share my name. After a brief chat, she invited me to wait on the couches while she informed Tom of my arrival. The reception area looked very modern, with mannequins, magazines, and a TV featuring the latest Boss campaign.
14:10 – Tom met me promptly and introduced me to Matt, the Marketing Manager. Since I had expressed my interest in marketing, Tom had arranged for us to have a conversation. We sat in the beautifully designed lounge area, surrounded by the company’s values displayed on the walls. The environment was truly inspiring, reflecting the company’s dedication to creating a positive workspace.
14:15 – Matt shared his journey in fashion marketing, discussing the responsibilities and key skills needed for the role. Our conversation was enlightening, and I listened intently to his advice. Unfortunately, Matt had to leave for a meeting at 14:40, but those 15 minutes were packed with valuable insights.
14:30 – Tom then took me on a tour of the offices, introducing me to various departments such as HR, Finance, Operations and IT. I met several of his colleagues, all of whom were very welcoming and friendly. Seeing the different functions within the company provided a holistic view of how each department contributes to Hugo Boss’s success.
14:50 – We then moved onto the Boss showroom. Tom explained the distinction between Boss and Hugo, presenting me with the different collections. The showroom featured footwear and garments from Boss Orange, Boss Green, and the more formal Boss lines. The quality and fit of the apparel were exceptional, and I really enjoyed the visual presentation of it. Tom encouraged me to take photos, which I eagerly did.
15:05 – In the Hugo section, Tom introduced me to his colleagues in sales. They gave me a tour of the showroom, explaining the fit, quality, and performance of the garments. It was fascinating to see the difference between Hugo, targeted at a younger, Gen Z consumer, and Boss, aimed at a more classic, older customer. I also learned about Hugo Blue, a new line that had been recently introduced.
15:20 – One of the highlights of my visit was being walked through the process customers experience when making an order. I was shown several videos used to start meetings, which were incredibly enjoyable to watch. What really stood out to me was the editing and presentation of these videos. They were top-notch, reflecting the brand’s high standards.
15:30 – As the visit came to an end, Tom had to leave for a meeting. I thanked everyone for their time and the incredible opportunity. Before leaving, I made sure to take a photo with Tom to remember this memorable day.
This visit to the Hugo Boss headquarters was an inspiring and educational experience. I am immensely grateful to Tom, Matt, and everyone at Hugo Boss for their warmth and willingness to share their knowledge. A special thank you to Fashion Minority Report and Daniel Peters for making this mentorship programme possible. This experience has left me feeling deeply inspired and motivated to pursue my career aspirations in the fashion industry.
If hearing Alina’s story has inspired you to apply for our mentorship scheme, please follow us on Instagram to ensure you see when we next open up our applications!
