Adele Urquhart-Clare
BSc Fashion Buying for Retail, 2005
About me
- Senior Creative Director at Ralph Lauren Corporation
- Studied: BSc Fashion Buying for Retail, 2005
About my career
I chose to study at Manchester Met because of theReputation of being a leading university within Fashion education, the diversity of courses and modules available, and being situated in a dynamic, creative, evolving city which would provide an exciting student life experience. Manchester Met was my only university choice due to the specific courses I wanted to study and the career path I wished to pursue.
I am currently aSenior Creative Operations Director, where I am responsible for the design, investment, and deployment of the creative strategy consistently across all channels and elevating the consumer experience at Ralph Lauren. I collaborate cross-functionally across marketing, operations, real estate, finance, procurement, supply chain, buying, planning, digital to ensure the strategy aligns consistently across all consumer touch-points through the Ralph Lauren customer journey.
The skills and knowledge I gained at Manchester Met which I have used most so far in my career areclarity of the end-to-end apparel supply chain and how key departments within a business partner to deliver a project/product from ideology to the end consumer. This has enabled me to work in dynamic, multi skilled roles and bring people together to deliver common goals. Understanding of the importance and impact of strategic vision and how this differentiates a business has evolved my strategic skills as one of my key strengths and has empowered my influencing skills as a result.
Confidence and conviction through my journey and relationships at Manchester Met have enabled me to succeed in new environments or roles which may have formerly been out of my comfort zone.
Continued professional development is vital to succeed and stay relevant in such a competitive industry. I prioritise and make space for self-development across myself and my team. I have benefitted from two professional external coaches to date in my career which have been a huge support both in my personal and professional growth.
My top tip for students
1. Network!
Build your network and foster it. Be your authentic self- what differentiates you from the crowd?
Harness these skills & communicate them this is your Unique Selling Point (USP).
2. Work Experience
In today’s competitive industry I would highly recommend a placement or work experience- this enables you to get your foot in the door and understand if the function is for you. Once you are inside a corporate organisation there are opportunities across functions which are much easier to secure.
3. Your Learning Journey
I believe life is a consistent learning journey and this is what makes you competitive. Research, grasp learning opportunities in any form, make learning even after graduating part of your routines- Ted Talks, Harvard Business School, Trade journals and LinkedIn Articles, Reading, Seminars. If you truly prioritise your self-development your career aspirations will be fulfilled.
I’m inspired by
Art, the sea, landscapes, cultures and international travel, fashion, architecture, and Manchester! I am also inspired by people and their behaviours, and mostly importantly my daughter.
Why I love Manchester Met
I loved the modules across my degree and the diversity of the lecturers during that time which inspired me to develop in the fashion industry.