Aims:

To give a realistic idea of the working life of a visual merchandiser, including:

• the range of work, from dressing windows and hanging signs, to following corporate image guidelines
• the physical nature of the work
• the pressures of deadlines
• the abilities and personality type suited to this work
• the hours and pay.

To raise issues of self-awareness and career exploration, including:

• working with colleagues
• team leadership
• managing heavy workloads within tight timescales
• managing money
• behaving professionally despite one’s personal circumstances or state of exhaustion
• understanding the career path towards managerial level
• taking criticism from a boss
• rising to meet managerial challenges.