Law

Dan Eldridge
BA (Hons) Law with Accountancy (2005)

I am currently employed as a Buyer in Comet's Commercial Department at their head office in Rickmansworth.  I have been working at Comet for three years. 

How did you did you get there?

I applied speculatively whilst in the latter stages of my degree in Brighton, after reviewing case studies of different roles within their business.  I targeted buying as an area that was of interest to me.  They brought me in for an interview in one of their marketing teams; not something I was particularly struck on but thought it would be good interview experience anyway.  The interview went well, but by the end of it the interviewer and I agreed it probably wasn't best suited to me and vice versa.  I was called back in a few weeks later for a role as a Buyer's Assistant.  I got the job, which was mainly admin based but I was hopeful that I would progress and started two days after my final exam! 

A few weeks after starting, the Buyer I was working for left the business, leaving me on my own in the category.  Whilst I wasn't expected to fill the gap until a replacement was found, I tried my best to learn as much as possible.  I was given lots of responsibility and thrived under the pressure of the relatively unknown.  After a couple of months I was promoted to Assistant Buyer.  After another 9 months I moved to be an Assistant Buyer on a bigger category where I gained some different experience.  A further 10 months after that (two years at Comet) I was promoted to my current role of Buyer. 

I had always had an interest in retail after working as a sales assistant while studying for A-levels, but had never really considered a career 'behind the scenes' as it were.  I was drawn to Comet as a big business that I hoped would give me plenty of opportunity, luckily it has.

What does your role entail?

My role involves selecting and implementing a range of products (mainly MP3 players) for Comet's stores and websites to deliver and exceed profit and market share targets.  I spend a lot of my time working with major consumer electronics brands such as Sony, Samsung and Philips as well as more specialised brands such as Creative, Archos and the most importantly of all, Apple.  It is my job to know the market inside out, to research competitors, different suppliers and consumer demands.  I am responsible for the profitability of the category, which means I need to negotiate all cost prices and supplier trading terms as well as decide on retail pricing and promotional strategies. 

What I enjoy most about the job is the variety.  Every day is different; I could be meeting with a supplier presenting a new range to me one day, at a trade show the next, or at our group head office in Paris working with the international commercial team.  The job is challenging and I love the amount of responsibility I have been given at every stage through my progression with the business.  The fast paced nature of retail and my job keep it exciting.

In what ways do you feel that your University of Brighton course has enabled you to progress in your career so far? 

When I started my course, my intentions were to follow a career in law.  It hasn't happened that way, but I feel that my degree has been extremely beneficial to me.  It has helped the way I work; the analysis, structure and thought required through my degree are all skills that I use today.  Specifics around the Accountancy elements of the degree have been helpful and some law modules such as Company and Employment law have been invaluable.

Did you undertake any work experience during your time at the University of Brighton?

I worked in a call centre through all university vacations, but not during term time.  I feel this prepared me for the world of work, as I was far from a stranger to it when I started my job.  Something that came as a surprise to my new colleagues who all seemed to think that all graduates had never done a day's work in their lives.  I far from consider this to be my first job.

What are your plans/goals for the future?

I see my short and medium term future where I am now, providing I am able to continue progressing.  I don't see myself working in retail for the rest of my career.