Working at Hayley Menzies has been an amazing and rewarding experience. As I look to pursue a career in the fashion industry, this role has provided me first hand experience to luxury fashion, specifically in women’s clothing. Working in logistics and wholesale has allowed me to learn extensively and apply the knowledge from my supply chain major directly to my internship.
I’ve acquired many valuable skills on the job, with communication and critical thinking standing out as key soft skills, and proficiency in Zedonk and textile knowledge as essential hard skills. I’ve noticed that my communication skills have improved due to me having to coordinate with retailers, manufacturers, and showrooms globally to ensure timely product deliveries and meet assigned ex-factory dates, ensuring our retailers receive products within the scheduled contract time. For instance, I’ve had to arrange timely and accurate deliveries by meticulously tracking all samples and live products, ensuring their safe and efficient arrival. This has required clear, concise, and effective communication across different time zones and cultural contexts with all the parties involved. I’ve also noticed how vague people in London are when it comes to assigning tasks. They tell you what to do, not necessarily how to do it. I believe this has honed my critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. I have enjoyed the challenge of interpreting and executing tasks with minimal guidance. It has enabled me to take initiative and develop solutions independently, which I believe is crucial in a dynamic work environment.
The most significant skill I’ve developed is proficiency in Zedonk, a specialist ERP software for the fashion industry. Using Zedonk daily has equipped me to manage inventory, orders, and streamline various operational processes effectively. For example, I organized the Spring/Summer 2025 inventory and created SKUs using Excel, then uploaded them to Zedonk, ensuring accurate and streamlined inventory management. This was followed by having Zedonk create line sheets, which were sent to our retailers to facilitate easy order placement. Another hard skill I’ve developed, which I’ve become particularly interested in over the past few weeks, is textiles. Throughout my internship, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of textiles and the clothing manufacturing process. This knowledge is vital for making informed decisions regarding material selection, quality control, and production processes. One of my first days on the job, I was told that the quality of a product is in the design. This perspective has stayed with me, as I had never thought of the quality of a shirt, for example, as being solely the design.
Overall, I’ve had such an amazing time! My experience has equipped me with invaluable technical skills that are directly applicable to my career in the fashion industry. For instance, gaining proficiency in Zedonk and developing a comprehensive understanding of textiles has significantly increased my ability to manage inventory efficiently and contribute effectively to product development processes. These technical competencies are crucial as they ensure I can navigate complex operational challenges with confidence and precision. Additionally, soft skills such as communication and critical thinking have proven indispensable in fostering effective leadership and promoting seamless collaboration across global teams within the industry. Moreover, these critical thinking abilities are not limited to professional contexts; they also play a pivotal role in supporting my academic pursuits by enabling me to approach research and coursework with a more analytical mindset. Furthermore, my technical knowledge of textiles and ERP systems enhances my academic performance, enriching discussions and insights in related projects. This combined skill set positions me well to achieve my personal, professional, and academic goals in the fashion industry and beyond.
Check out this behind the scenes shot from our Spring/Summer 2025 shoot!
