The 4 Principles That Got Me My Dream Job
From a mere idea of working within sports to Studio Operations exec in London, meet the creator who made her own future.
Since my youth, I’ve taken every chance to travel, envisioning that one day I’d live abroad. In November 2016, I moved to London from Finland without having a particular plan – after working in hospitality for ten years, I was simply in need of a change.
Sport has been a big part of my life for the past years, and I knew I wanted to work within sports and fitness. Not only that, I was determined to work for adidas. Without knowing what would happen next, when the next pay check would come, or if I would even get a job, the only thing I was certain of was that I was at least going to try.
The following four rules have pushed me forward along the way, eventually landing me a dream job.
1. Have the confidence to try
After multiple emails and many more phone calls, I landed an interview at the adidas Oxford Street store. The next step was to prepare for the interview, which was a daunting task. I had enthusiasm, but did I have any sort of background in retail, sports, or with a large brand? The short answer: No. However, I reminded myself of a tip I once heard: act confident, and no one will question you.
The morning of the interview I was understandably nervous. I went to the gym to smash a leg session and to calm my mind. On the way to the interview I scrolled through adidas’ social media channels to make sure I knew the latest updates. Walking in, I kept repeating myself, “You got this.” And I did.
2. Ask questions – also from yourself
I started working with the amazing Oxford St. team in December 2016, and boy did I learn a lot. I threw myself into my tasks and responsibilities, eager to soak up anything and everything there was to know about retail and working in a flagship store.
I’ve never asked so many questions in my life. I was also always asking myself: How can I go the extra mile? This led me to get creative. When it got quiet in the store, I even did yoga near the main entrance to keep things interesting and to encourage people to come in.
3. Network while staying fit
In January 2017, I joined my first adidas Runners session, which I saw as a great opportunity to network. But did I mention I’m not a runner at all? I persevered for a while, and then I (luckily) heard about the adidas Women’s fitness studio, which was right down my ally. A fitness studio with amazing women, exciting events, and free fitness classes – sign me up!
I jumped at the opportunity to volunteer at the studio, which meant I could “sweatwork” in a like-minded community. Through both running with the run club and by working at the studio, I’ve met people I can now call friends for life and colleagues whom I have continued working with on a weekly basis.
4. Hard work will pay off
In April, I was promoted to Senior Sales at Reebok Covent Garden, which came with increased responsibility, and the more I learnt, the more I wanted. I was still volunteering at the Women’s fitness studio up to four times a week, doing a range of tasks from NPS calls to front of house and everything stock related.
In June came the call that proves that everything I had done so far – from trusting myself and my ability to learn to working hard – does pay off: I was asked to be the Operations Executive at adidas Studio LDN. I was ecstatic. Considering my background in hospitality and event management, I didn’t even realise such an amazing opportunity could be within my reach.
I have been the Studio Operations Executive for four months now, working in a field I love, and for a brand I think is the best sports brand in the world. I can’t wait to see where my adidas career takes me next.
what was your favorite course in the adidas Studio? I'll be in London in August and I hope to find some time to take a course there.
I've been to the place before, but didn't have the chance to do a workout.
Best,
Nina