10 Ways to Start a Career in Fashion

Do Your Research

Whether you struggle spelling designers’ names or you’ve memorized their social security numbers, research is a fundamental part of establishing your budding fashion career, or any career for that matter. You need to know as much as possible; trends, terminology, history etc. No one expects you to know everything as a newbie but looking like a buffoon once you get your foot in the door is not the ideal first impression. As a beginner employers in the fashion industry look for passion in addition to talent. The depth of your research will prove that you genuinely care about fashion and aren’t just trying to live the glamorous life.

Ask Yourself: Do I Have What It Takes?

Does your personality type match that of someone who would succeed in the fashion industry? Those in the fashion industry need to be creative, be able to solve problems and have a thick skin in this overly competitive market. If you’re not sure, take a career aptitude test. It may be a challenge to find a free one but, Similar Minds and Six Wise are two free ones that may get the ball rolling. If your test results are saying something you’re not trying to hear, take a minute to let the outrage pass and calmly evaluate whether there’s any truth behind the results.

Choose Your Specialty

Breaking into such a competitive market, will require you to be a Jill of all trades and a master of at least one or two. In other words, be knowledgeable and well versed about all aspects of the business so that you could do any job, but pay special attention to a specific area so you can be the go-to-girl.

Visit a School that Specializes in Fashion

If you’ve had no professional training or experience in the world of fashion, you’ll most likely need some type of schooling. Whether you believe you’re ready to go back to school or enroll for the first time, you should visit the campus to see what the school has to offer. Plan a meeting with someone in the appropriate department.  Even if you never take a class there, you’ll have met someone in the industry.

Ask Questions

Once you’ve made it to campus, don’t get caught up in the scenery. Take this opportunity to ask questions. Connecting with a live person can be more valuable than your research. A real person with experience in fashion will be able to share their personal experiences and other advice. Prepare your questions before the visit or encounter and get contact information for any follow up questions that will arise after you leave.

Network

The fashion industry is a bit elusive but that doesn’t mean you have to hide your aspirations from anyone, except maybe your current boss. Be open with people about your attempted career switch. You never know what type of bizarre connections people have. If you’re looking to take a more direct approach, research fashion associations. These groups tend to host social events where you can get your name out there.

Make a List of Companies You’d Like to Work For

A list of ideal employers will make your dreams more concrete. When you’re finished, you can use it like a checklist. After you’ve contacted a company on your list highlight them to keep track of your progress. Highlight instead of scratching them off, in case you have to follow-up. Obtain contact information through mastheads, LinkedIn, and personal contacts. Remember to be persistent without pestering.

Create a Portfolio

Whether you want to be a fashion designer, editor, or photographer eventually your work will have to speak for you. Your portfolio is your mouthpiece. Showcase work that details all of your capabilities while simultaneously expressing your personality. Google or borrow someone else’s portfolio to make sure yours meets industry standards.

Humble Yourself if You Have To

Your breakthrough may not come in the form you expected it. Be careful not to pass up a wonderful opportunity because you think it’s beneath you. Don’t just take anything, but if an internship, volunteer experience, or an entry level position presents itself and it has the potential to lead you somewhere, seriously consider it.

Hustle, Grind, Hustle Again
You’ve heard it before and here it is again: anything worth having takes hard work. In your quest to reach your dreams you’ll definitely get tired along the way. During those times take a break to  remind yourself of your end goal. Visualize yourself where you want to be and if you’re not there yet, it’s time to go at it again.