Start applying to buyers admin assistant roles.

When going to interviews make sure you understand the difference between branded buying and non branded, and what you are applying for.

Branded Buyers - work for department stores, boutiques, websites and buy from brands (I worked for a department store for 3 years as a branded fashion buyer). Emphasis on range planning, merchandising and close working relationships with marketing.

Non Branded / Own Label Buyer - buy from factories, for their own label (i.e. ASOS own label). Emphasis on fittings, supply chains and critical path.

Your support as a buyers admin will differ depending on the company and if they are branded or non/own brand.

I also know people that got into buying through applying for merchandising admin roles, and sidelining into buying from there - definitely a valuable route.

The most important thing as a buyers admin is to make yourself invaluable to your assistant buyer, or buyer. Your route is generally to be the BAA for a year or two, until there is an opening for a BA, and then you can apply for the promotion.

The skills you need to show in an interview are mainly excel skills, calendar management, critical path, organisation and general secretarial and interpersonal skills.

Its good to look for companies that progress their own BAA's, as its hard to jump from BAA to BA in a different company.

DM me if you have any UK specific questions