The opening of the flagship store in Cologne was a key experience for me. In that unique building, I was able to experience the connections between fashion and architecture, aesthetics and passion from the customer’s perspective. At that moment, one thing became clear: I wanted to work there. As a fashion management student, I was not only fascinated by high-quality, exclusive fashion, but its aesthetic, goal-orientated presentation as well. That is why I chose Peek & Cloppenburg for my upcoming practical semester. After submitting my written application, I had an interview at the human resources centre in Düsseldorf — and was accepted for a six-month internship.

In those six months, I received exciting insights into the internal processes of the company, From the beginning, I was actively included in all decision-making processes. Whether the subject was order dates for suppliers, strategy meetings on house brand collections or an analysis meeting in the area of inventory management optimisation. Even as an intern, I was always part of the team and was always expected to act on my own initiative.

After graduation, I only had one aim: to participate in the Fashion Management Programme at P&C. Because my ambition had impressed P&C during the application process, I started as a trainee in March 2009. I received insights into the organisation and structure of the company – on the one hand by means of exciting practical phases in purchasing, for example, or while accompanying the business manager. On the other, by means of the versatile P&C skill training units and an information exchange with other programme participants and employees. Even today, I am still impressed by the direct contact I have with our customers on the sales floor. People who have worked in sales are the only ones who really know how customers feel about our merchandise and what we have to pay attention to – particularly when we are introducing new collections.

Because I had a practical phase in purchasing, I was able to work on an exciting project in the women’s wear area. This phase and the others I experienced as part of the Fashion Management Programme helped me to define my aims within the company. But before I was given my first position of responsibility as a departmental manager in sales, I accompanied the business manager during the opening of our Weiterstadt store. An experience that I will never forget. It taught me important lessons about the organisational processes of a new store, I experienced the day-to-day business of a business manager, and shared the team spirit of all of the employees who were involved in the store opening.

I would like to continue to have the combination of customer contact and contact to our merchandise in my new position as the departmental manager of the women’s wear area at our new store in Regensburg. I am looking forward to an exciting time in which I continuously have to master new challenges, learn something new every day, and can develop further – toward my target position of buyer.