Zoe Thompson

Working within the Online Trading & Merchandising team ensuring all Papier sites are up to date with new products and content and merchandised in a way that supports the commercial goals of the business.

Set-up my own cupcake business producing homemade cupcakes, bursting with flavour and decorated to perfection. Shows my drive and ambition to channel a passion of baking into a functioning and growing business. As the owner, I manage the finances, marketing and day to day running of the business, highlighting my entrepreneurial skills, ability to work independently and how I can handle being given responsibility. I created the branding and advertising for Sweet Delights, giving me experience in building a brand from scratch and successfully creating designs which encompass a brand’s image and values.

My main duties are serving customers, making coffees, sandwiches, salads, milkshakes, handling money, clearing tables and washing up. Throughout my working day, I am constantly working face to face with customers taking orders and serving food which has allowed me to develop my customer service skills. I am highly trained and experienced in using a barista style coffee machine. Little Acorns has helped me develop my teamwork skills as I am constantly working with the other members of staff to ensure that we provide high quality customer service.

I successfully managed the product development of 30 licensees from across Europe, Middle East and Africa and dealt with their product approvals from concept to distribution showing key organisation and time management skills. Some of these licensees were Clintons, Pyramid International and Creativ’ World. I liaised with my licensees on a daily basis by email, telephone and face-to-face where I learnt how to communicate professionally and politely, developing an excellent office manner. Part of my role was to create product inspiration decks, mood boards and research reports which has developed my ability to successfully identify trends and understand consumer needs. Working with licensees from around the world has allowed me to develop my communication skills with dealing with language barriers and also understand cultural differences within consumer products. I successfully delivered clear and concise presentations of my creative projects to the Stationery team and other colleagues during my placement. This has increased my confidence in public speaking and delivering presentations. Developed excellent teamwork skills, through being an effective member of the Stationery team, completing team admin tasks on time, organising team meetings and producing creative work for fellow team members. During my time, I worked with licensees to develop product ranges which allowed me to learn how to create and implement a cohesive design style across all products. Provided experience handling confidential information and design assets.

CGC Events is the catering company who provides staff for the restaurants and bars at York Racecourse. My main role is working behind the bar, preparing and serving drinks to customers. My responsibilities are restocking, handling cash and basic hygiene of the bar. During my time here I have experienced working under high pressure and this has allowed me to develop the way I work so that I can stay calm during busy periods.

During my time at Fastlane Displays, I created 3D models of exhibition stands, produced graphics plans and also the print ready artwork for the stands. Displayed how I am a quick learner as I picked up a new piece of 3D modelling software, Google Sketch, within a day allowing me to start producing work for the company on my first day. This experience has developed my people and communication skills as I was entering into an established team where I successfully fitted in and learnt how I could contribute.

During my time at Yorvale, I worked both on my own and with other members of staff. My main duties were serving customers ice creams, beverages, milk shakes and light refreshments. I was responsible for handling the cash, stock control, basic hygiene within the van and opening and closing the van. I also helped out at sampling events at First Direct Arena Leeds which again involved working face to face with customers.