E156: Breaking Stereotypes at NEXT

From trainee to assistant buyer in a single year, Mia shares her career journey at NEXT. Discover how early passion, hands on experience, and supportive product teams drive true progression within our Leicester head office.00:00 Seeing an Idea Become a Final Product00:50 Fast Progression in the NEXT Product Team02:08 Choosing a Career in Fashion Buying04:20 From Internship to a Full Time Buying Role08:27 Moving to Leicester and the Trainee House11:49 Collaborative Culture Across Product Teams14:20 Team Autonomy and Driving New Product IdeasDon't forget to subscribe, like, and share to stay updated with our latest episodes! Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team → https://bit.ly/4APH6l1Follow us!Instagram: @lifeatnext TikTok: @lifeatnext Facebook: @lifeatnext LinkedIn: ‪@lifeatnext‬ #LetsTakeItOn

Early years nursery practitioner shares why leaving construction for an apprenticeship at NEXT changed his life and how he supports young children.Discover what life is like inside the on site nursery at NEXT Head Office. In this episode of our podcast series, one of our dedicated early years practitioners talks openly about his journey from working on a building site to discovering his true vocation in child development.Starting with a Level 2 apprenticeship and now progressing through his Level 3 qualification, he shares how he helps children achieve key milestones from the toddler room through to preschool. Learn how our dedicated team supports inclusive communication through British Sign Language and Makaton, creates balanced daily routines, and works closely with parents across head office.He also reflects on the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme supported by NEXT, taking on expeditions in the Yorkshire Dales, learning essential map reading skills and building lasting friendships with colleagues across the wider business.00:00 Early years care and milestones00:59 Breaking stereotypes: Men in child care02:34 Switching careers from construction to nursery03:48 Inside the head office nursery at NEXT06:52 Learning British Sign Language and Makaton09:17 The importance of early child development11:02 Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition16:09 Gaining confidence and map reading skills19:17 Working in partnership with parentsDon't forget to subscribe, like, and share to stay updated with our latest episodes! Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team → https://bit.ly/4APH6l1Follow us!Instagram: @lifeatnext TikTok: @lifeatnext Facebook: @lifeatnext LinkedIn: ‪@lifeatnext‬ #LetsTakeItOn

Discover how retail career growth really works at NEXT, from building resilience to moving from customer service advisor to communications coordinator.In this episode, we sit down with Toby to talk about transferable skills, everyday resilience and career progression across our contact centres.Starting out as a professional cruise ship dancer, Toby shares how performing on stage taught him the adaptability and people skills needed for customer service. He walks us through his day to day role as a Communication and Support Coordinator at Radar Road in Leicester, connecting teams across Leicester, Doncaster and Pune. From organising workplace events like International Tea Day to representing colleague voices as a Your Voice representative, Toby explains why embracing variety and keeping an open mindset helps you thrive at work.Whether you are starting out as a customer service advisor or looking to take your next career step, Toby shares thoughtful, practical advice on finding your confidence and making an impact.0:00 Transferable Skills from Dance to Retail1:03 Life as a Cruise Ship Performer3:08 Learning Customer Service Resilience5:06 Day in the Life: Communications Coordinator7:19 Connecting Radar Road, Doncaster and Pune Teams10:30 Creating a Positive Workplace Culture14:55 Why Workplace Environment Matters17:23 Overcoming Shyness and Building Confidence20:00 Routine, Gym Consistency and Discipline24:06 Being a Your Voice Representative27:07 Advice for Career Growth in Customer ServiceDon't forget to subscribe, like, and share to stay updated with our latest episodes! Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team → https://bit.ly/4APH6l1Follow us!Instagram: @lifeatnext TikTok: @lifeatnext Facebook: @lifeatnext LinkedIn: ‪@lifeatnext‬ #LetsTakeItOn

Discover how data engineering and AI are reshaping tech at NEXT, driving efficiency across our business and making coding accessible for all.In this episode of the Life at NEXT podcast, we sit down with a BI Systems Developer to discuss the rapid growth of our technology teams, the practical applications of AI in data pipelines and how building a career in tech requires curiosity, continuous learning and collaboration.From managing cloud infrastructure with tools like Data Bricks and Gemini to breaking out of the data bubble through internal hackathons, explore what it really takes to innovate at one of the largest retailers in the UK.00:00 Introduction to Tech at NEXT00:53 What Is Business Intelligence02:02 Scaling AI and Efficiency05:20 Role of a BI Systems Developer07:11 AI Skepticism to Adoption12:05 Cloud Data and Data Bricks13:26 Hackathons and Cross-Team Collaboration18:48 Hybrid Working and Team Culture25:04 How to Build a Career in Data EngineeringDon't forget to subscribe, like, and share to stay updated with our latest episodes! Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team → https://bit.ly/4APH6l1Follow us!Instagram: @lifeatnext TikTok: @lifeatnext Facebook: @lifeatnext LinkedIn: ‪@lifeatnext‬ #LetsTakeItOn

Ever wondered what a finance career at NEXT looks like? Explore how the finance graduate scheme supports your move from university to a full time role.In this episode of our podcast series, we chat with Rory, an Assistant Finance Analyst at NEXT. Rory shares his journey transitioning from university life and competitive swimming into the NEXT finance graduate scheme.Discover what it is like to rotate across key financial departments, including stock finance, international accounts payable, cash accounting, and third party aggregators. Learn how early careers support helps you build broad industry experience, work on key business modernisation projects, and move the needle on international growth.00:00 Introduction & Seeing Your Impact at NEXT00:30 Transitioning From University to a 9-to-500:55 The NEXT Finance Graduate Scheme Structure01:45 Key Rotations Across Finance Departments03:00 Project Integration & Stakeholder Collaboration04:14 Career Progression & Broad Finance Experience05:09 Adapting to the Lifestyle Change After Uni06:48 Competitive Swimming & Team Dynamics08:40 Mindset & Key Strengths in the Workplace09:23 Managing International Finance & Aggregators11:30 Contributing to NEXT Financial Presentations13:50 Early Careers Ambassadors & Workplace Support15:00 Overcoming Challenges & Relocating to Leicester16:24 Bringing a Fresh Perspective to Processes17:16 Finance Modernisation & Utilising AI19:25 How Data Tells the Story Behind the Numbers23:36 Perceptions of Head Office vs Retail Stores25:57 Advice for Future Finance GraduatesDon't forget to subscribe, like, and share to stay updated with our latest episodes! Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team → https://bit.ly/4APH6l1Follow us!Instagram: @lifeatnext TikTok: @lifeatnext Facebook: @lifeatnext LinkedIn: ‪@lifeatnext‬ #LetsTakeItOn

What is it really like starting your career at NEXT? In this episode of Life at NEXT, we sit down with Beth (Trainee Buyer in Womenswear Dresses) and Oliver (Trainee Developer in E-Commerce) to talk about their early career journeys!From discovering that NEXT manages an in house tech team of over 1,600 people, to changing the button colours on a global website serving millions, Beth and Oliver break down the real responsibility trainees receive from Day 1. They discuss relocating to Leicester, staying at the 18 bedroom NEXT training house, making an impact as Early Careers ambassadors, and top interview tips for candidates looking to stand out.Whether you're interested in fashion buying, software engineering, or applying for graduate and placement schemes, tune in to see how our trainees take it on!00:00 Real Impact from Day 1 at NEXT00:53 Welcome & Introductions: Meet Beth & Oliver01:21 Describing Life at NEXT in 3 Words02:30 Perceptions vs. Reality: Did You Know NEXT Has an In-House Tech Team?03:44 Behind the Scenes of Womenswear Buying & Fit Teams04:30 How Beth & Oliver Joined NEXT (Placements & Applications)06:26 Beth's Journey: From Flower Markets to a First-Class Fashion Degree09:53 Life Experience & Reflecting on the Application Process10:51 What Does a Trainee E-Commerce Developer Actually Do?12:28 Changing the Website Shopping Bag (Global Impact!)13:06 Handing Over Responsibility to Trainees on Day 115:01 Community & Support: What is an Early Careers Ambassador?17:39 Why Become an Ambassador? Supporting New Starters & CV Tips18:51 Relocating to Leicester & Living in the NEXT Training House21:03 Support, Management & Fast-Paced Work Culture23:40 Life at Enderby Campus & Perks of the Job26:22 Top Application & Interview Tips for Graduates & Trainees28:04 Advice for Tech Applicants: Mindset Over Coding LanguagesDon't forget to subscribe, like, and share to stay updated with our latest episodes! Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team → https://bit.ly/4APH6l1Follow us!Instagram: @lifeatnext TikTok: @lifeatnext Facebook: @lifeatnext LinkedIn: ‪@lifeatnext‬ #LetsTakeItOn

Discover the story behind the opening of our anchor store at Bluewater. In this special episode, we explore the scale, logistics, and cross functional effort required to process 80,000 units of stock and open this expansive retail space in just three weeks. From a decade long journey securing the location to introducing exclusive brand offerings like Seraphine, Rocket St. George, and Cath Kidson, we look at how design innovations from our Thurrock store shaped this destination space. We also celebrate our collaborative culture and career longevity, highlighting team members who have built their careers with us over decades, including Menswear Lead Gary as he approaches his 50 year service milestone. Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share to stay updated with our latest episodes! Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team → https://shorturl.at/qbbyIFollow us!Instagram: @lifeatnext TikTok: @lifeatnext Facebook: @lifeatnext LinkedIn: ‪@lifeatnext‬ #LetsTakeItOn

Discover how the Charities department at NEXT collaborates with organiSations across the UK to deliver real community impact. In this episode, our guest, Livvi, shares how her dual role spans product collaborations and coordinating gifts in kind. Learn how menswear, childrenswear, home, and womenswear teams design items where 100% of profits go directly to charity partners, alongside how unsold stock is redirected to schools, shelters, and Women's Aid organisations. We also discuss raffle prize requests, partnerships with hospices like LOROS, and how all donation data is tracked for our annual Corporate Social Responsibility reporting. Explore community initiatives and careers at NEXT.Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share to stay updated with our latest episodes! Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team → https://shorturl.at/XOUoMFollow us!Instagram: @lifeatnext TikTok: @lifeatnext Facebook: @lifeatnext LinkedIn: ‪@lifeatnext‬ #LetsTakeItOn

Discover how software engineering teams at NEXT use an AI first approach to build backbone retail systems.In this episode, we sit down with developer, Nabin, from our product technology team to explore how tools like GitHub Copilot, Google Gemini, and NotebookLM are used to create rapid interactive prototypes and reduce administrative tasks. We also discuss the journey of relocating from Kerala to Leicester, adapting to a new city, and how participating in our Sports and Social community helped build lasting connections across departments.

Discover how taking risks, embracing change and stepping out of your comfort zone can build a fulfilling 24 year career at NEXT.In this episode, Assistant Operations Manager Tracy shares her 24 year journey within NEXT. From her early days in customer service and credit to training as a fitness instructor at 37, Tracy discusses the power of continuous learning, stepping out of your comfort zone and supporting your team. Learn how transferable skills, strong workplace culture and being brave can help you thrive in your career.0:00 Embracing New Challenges0:45 Welcome and Assistant Operations Manager Role1:09 Tracy’s 24 Year Journey at NEXT2:16 Customer Service Training and Personal Growth4:12 Moving Departments and Taking on New Roles6:10 Becoming a Fitness Instructor at 378:50 Bringing Fitness Lessons into Leadership13:46 Managing Peers and Team Dynamics18:26 The Supportive Culture at NEXT22:37 Being Brave and Office Culture29:06 Advice for Joining the NEXT TeamDon't forget to subscribe, like, and share to stay updated with our latest episodes! Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team → https://shorturl.at/c1lyBFollow us!Instagram: @lifeatnext TikTok: @lifeatnext Facebook: @lifeatnext LinkedIn: ‪@lifeatnext‬ #LetsTakeItOn