Here's How I Got a Job in the Sneaker Industry

I’m Paige, I’m 26 years young and I’m a Content Manager at The Sole Supplier. When I was a kid, there were only a few jobs that seemed like real jobs to me. My mum was a nurse, my dad was a plumber and everyone around us was in the same kind of job. Turning your hobby into a career was practically unheard of, but there’s since been a shift in career choices for young people and being a YouTuber, Influencer or Blogger is a totally normal thing. In fact, these jobs are now some of the most highly sought-after careers; in a study published by The Sun, three quarters of the Gen-Z and Millennials surveyed selected ‘YouTuber’ as their most-wanted job path.

For sneakerheads across the globe, working in the sneaker industry would be a dream come true. I mean, how lucky am I? I get to write about sneakers all day, work alongside some of my best friends and create content that makes me proud! Each and every time The Sole Supplier or The Sole Supplier put out a job ad, the response we get is amazing and we’re always asked how we managed to get a job in the industry. So, I’m here to share my story on how I got to be Content Manager at The Sole Supplier, so buckle in – because let me tell you, it wasn’t easy. But, man, was it worth it.

After getting my A-levels in English Literature, Sociology and Media Studies, I went to Greenwich University to study English Literature and Creative Writing. I decided early on (before applying for uni) that I wanted to be a writer and I wanted to work in the fashion industry. How did I decide this? I watched Devil Wears Prada, thought it looked like fun and that was that.

Once I had a general idea of what career I wanted to go into, choosing a university course was easy! During my third year, I thought I’d better start looking for internships in fashion so it would be easier to get a job when I graduated. I interned for two months at Sheerluxe, interned for six months for an online wellness blog and got a job at Zara part-time (that I quit almost immediately. Retail workers, I salute you.)

I graduated with a 2:1 and got a job as a Junior Copywriter for Harrods. This was my first real job. I was 19 years old, working with women who seriously knew their sh*t, and I knew I’d have to learn fast to keep up. I stayed there for just over a year – making some amazing friends along the way – then left to be a Junior Content Editor at New Look.

Back in the day, I used a website called Fashion Workie. Companies would put ads up if they needed interns or such alike and you’d just apply! I’d also find brands or blogs I liked and just drop them an email. Now, you can use The Dots or LinkedIn or go through your university’s career portal (if you decide to go to uni, that is).

After my, ahem, very short stint at New Look, I went freelance for a bit to keep my head above water. I eventually got a job as a Copywriter at Karen Millen where I learnt practically everything I know thanks to my manager. I decided I needed to try out a different industry, so I moved to a sports nutrition company where I got to work on some super exciting campaigns – but ultimately, I missed fashion. I went on The Dots website, searched “Writer” and there it was! The Sole Supplier was hiring and my luck was in.

For my TSS interview, I had an informal phone call with my would-be line manager. After this, I was invited in for a face-to-face interview. After that, I had to complete a task, then I had a meeting with the CEO and I was in! To this day, a colleague of mine says I was always her fave candidate because I was the only one who said hello to the whole team before heading in to be interviewed. Rule #1 – always remember your manners, people!

If I can get a job in the sneaker industry, anyone can. You need three main things: experience, a good portfolio and the stamina to try, try and try again! If you’re in university now, apply for as many internships as you can – this will give you experience, a feel for the industry and you’ll get so many networking opportunities. Working for free is rough, but I did it for about two years and the experience alone was invaluable.

Ultimately, if you’re a die-hard sneakerhead, working in the industry will be a dream come true – so the pressure will be on. Take a step back, prove your worth, keep trying and you can’t go wrong!