It might be intimidating to break into the fashion business. It’s a cutthroat environment where stylish creatives and sassy strategists must collaborate to stay up with fast-shifting trends and an insatiably demanding audience. Fashion occupations may appeal to young, innovative university graduates whose passion for the fashion sector is only matched by their ambition to make their mark. Learn how to get your stiletto-clad foot in the door with this article.
My experience with the fashion business indicates that the duties required to keep it afloat are much more varied than they look on the surface. While certain fashion workplaces are unforgiving, The Devil Wears Prada is an inaccurate portrayal of the business! Here are some recommendations for identifying opportunities, capitalising on them, and preparing in the meantime.
Part 1: Identifying Potential Possibilities
Consider Applying For A Fashion Internship.
An internship is an ideal place to begin. Even if you’ve studied anything relevant to fashion, nothing beats on-the-job experience. You must be completely comfortable with beginning from the bottom. A fashion internship will undoubtedly supplement your academic knowledge and help you enhance your talents. Additionally, an internship occasionally functions as an extended job interview and may result in a permanent post.
In Tiny Ponds, Large Fish
Not everyone will have a career comparable to Lauren Conrad’s. The most critical thing to understand is that this profession has more role actors than Vogue and Fashion TV. Smaller players often allow you to learn more, get experience, and obtain exposure. Fashion start-ups depend heavily on interns, and since these businesses are still establishing and finding their feet, your contribution might be worth twice as much as if you were copying and collecting coffee orders at a glossy magazine.
Maintain An Internet Presence
The most critical location is online when it comes to today’s fashion sector. In order to stay up to date on the current fashion trends, use search engines, blogger networks, and social media. The majority of organizations will provide a link to their “careers” website. Additionally, several websites act as career centers for the fashion sector. LinkedIn and other social media channels are also excellent resources for locating jobs. Maintain a practice of monitoring these sites often and applying as soon as an opportunity arises. It should go without saying how critical it is to adapt your cover letter to the position you are applying for. Emphasize your strengths and demonstrate how they will help the organization.
2: How to Maximize An Opportunity
Maintain A Record Of Acquired Abilities.
As with any employment opportunity, it is critical to have a good attitude – even while doing repetitive chores or feeling overworked. Keeping a diary is an excellent way to document your progress in learning new things or honing existing abilities. You’d be shocked at how rapidly your curriculum vitae grows.
Determine Your Ideal Fashion Career Path
One of the most fruitful things I’ve done was to select my ideal job (regardless of how unreachable it seemed at the time) and concentrate on the skills and knowledge I’d need to be considered for it. While acquiring that level of expertise may take years, it makes career choices and determining your next step simpler.
Do Not Be Scared To Inquire.
During my first internship, I discovered that the simplest approach to growing yourself is to ask to do anything. Is public relations something you’d want to learn more about? Why not ask the person in charge if you can assist or just witness the process? Finding an industry mentor is also a good method to develop skills not specified in your job description.
3: What To Do In The Meantime.
Continue To Move
I’ve made several references to abilities. The fashion industry necessitates workers with a wide variety of skills. Project managers, business developers, market research analysts (and sometimes even accountants) are all needed. Concentrating on your strengths is an excellent place to start. If you cannot get a position in a fashion setting, there are still other organizations where you may acquire the same talents that the fashion business requires.
Take The Lead
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of the initiative. Creating a blog or a social media presence is one of the most effective strategies to expand your network and achieve exposure in the fashion industry. Even if your prospective employer has never heard of you, demonstrating what you’ve achieved in your leisure time puts you miles ahead of the competition. Creating an online platform is now easier than ever before. Utilise it to communicate your ideas, inspiration, personal style, and writing/creative/editorial abilities.
Maintain An Awareness Of Fashion Trends.
Finally, but certainly not least, keep abreast of developments in the fashion sector. A simple approach is to follow a few prominent figures or media outlets on Twitter and examine the trending topics and current fashion trends each morning before breakfast. You’ll be well-equipped to develop an opinion and provide useful insight when you get your big break.
There are several options available. Your zeal and imagination are two of your most valuable talents in the fashion sector. Make the mistake of being motionless – roll up your sleeves and demonstrate your worth to this sector!
Judy Hofmeyr is obsessed with two things: fashion and technology. She is presently employed at STYLIGHT, an online fashion community. What aspect of her profession does she like the most? Attending Fashion Weeks, blogging about the latest trends, chatting to fashion bloggers, and discovering the nooks and crannies of her present homeland of Munich.