We say goodbye to the #girlboss
After her amazing four-week stint as our Miss FQ intern thanks to Holden Spark, we sit down with Ashleigh Ilton where she reflects on her time in the office.
What was your highlight as the Miss FQ intern?
Reading fashion magazines is my go-to when trying to relax and I’ve always been super curious as to how it all works so that was a highlight. I never realised how much work goes into it – holy moly there’s a LOT. From coming up with editorial ideas, to sorting out advertising – and to think they do it four times a year, craziness! It was mental seeing something I had written there on the pages of the newest issue among all the other brilliant content. I pinched about 20 copies to give to my fam ha ha.
What is the greatest lesson you’ll take away from your experience?
I’ve been taught heaps so I’ll have to share a few with ya!
Firstly, don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. You have to chase and make them happen for yourself. Take the time to apply for everything you possibly can, it’s great to have options.
Secondly, this industry is fast paced. If you want to make it you have to be prepared to knuckle down and work hard. Prep yo’ self and never send anything away that you aren’t totally happy with. Tip: checklists will help.
On that note, a word from the wise: make the most of 12pm starts at uni! 8.30am starts are the death of me. Eeek!
Thirdly, you’ve got to have a passion for what you’re doing or you aren’t going to enjoy yourself. Otherwise it makes the days go super slow. For me, there is nothing better than seeing people commenting on an article I’ve written, that’s how I know the publishing life is the life for me.
Lastly, always be thinking. The greatest ideas come from thinking about what’s missing or what could be improved. My mind is programmed from studying advertising at uni to always be looking for insights, and ways to make things better. Bauer Media, Miss FQ’s parent company, is all about new ideas and innovation too!
What was the most hilarious moment during your time at Miss FQ HQ?
In the car on the way to Gypsy Carvan, I will remember that drive forever. “OMG I’m so hot. Don’t I look hot?!” That’s a direct quote from Marcel Gull (Creative Director of Fashion Quarterly and Miss FQ) as he was taking selfies in the back of the Holden Spark. There is never a dull moment around that man!
How has being the Miss FQ internship helped you in forging a career path?
Being at Miss FQ has exposed me to all the best magazines and editors in New Zealand. I’ve been able to meet influential people and create great relationships with them all. Tip: This is super important when you are starting out in any new industry. Being around the office all the time was great too, even just opening a door for someone will help them to remember you. In sight, in mind they say!
Congratulations on your new role at Bauer Media! Can you tell us a bit about your new job and how you approached applying for it?
Oh thank you! I’m so excited! Never in a million years did I think I’d be lucky enough to nab a fab job here. My official title is Digital Sale Coordinator.
My new job consists of making sure social media posts go out on time for all the magazines, managing the client-to-live-online process, and collaborating with editors on ideas that will work best for their demographic. I also get to work with Skye a little bit which is awesome! We’re working on a few super cool projects for fashion week! Watch this space, girlies.
From my internship, I learnt you’ll never get anywhere if you don’t apply and give it a shot. What’s the worst that could happen? They say no, zero harm done. My new role needed 1-2 years’ experience, but I went for it anyway. Mark, my new boss, told me that coordinator roles are more about what sort of person you are; organisation, being committed, having exceptional communication skills and being willing to learn are more important than experience.
One thing that without a doubt helped was interning. I cannot urge you gals enough to intern as much as you can while studying. 1. It’ll help you decide what exactly you want to do career-wise – it’s better to learn early on that you don’t love an industry before you 100% commit. 2. It is great for your knowledge, they will teach you from the ground up as you aren’t expected to know everything. This also means you can only impress. 3. It looks great on your CV as it shows you are proactive and determined!
Where do you hope to be in three years’ time?
Most definitely still at Bauer Media and hopefully back at Miss FQ ha ha. The digital space is growing like crazy, and I’m lucky enough to be at the front of it. I would love to help grow Bauer Media’s digital component of the business as online is becoming the main way people access information. I mean, how many of you are reading this article online or on your phone right now?! It is the future. Virtual Miss FQ anyone? Ha ha.
Any final words?
I want to take this opportunity to say I’m so grateful for this INSANE internship and it truly has kick-started my career into a direction that I didn’t think was even possible! It has been an absolute dream. Thank you times a million Holden Spark, Skye, and the Miss FQ team.
A big thank you to Holden Spark, our sponsor, for making the #MissFQIntern campaign possible.
