Breaking into fashion can feel impossible. But over the past years, I’ve seen hundreds of my students prove that with the right strategies, you don’t need experience or connections to get started.
After launching my Break Into The Fashion Industry Course in 2018, I’ve seen proof over and over that the traditional path (aka attending a fashion school, applying for jobs online, sending 200 resumes and hoping for the best…) isn’t the only path. With creativity, strategy, and the right tools, it’s possible to stand out and land your first opportunity in fashion – even if you’re starting from scratch: from another industry, degree, or simply when you think you’ve nothing to show to recruiters because you don’t have experience.
In fact, some of my students have amazed me with the out-of-the-box strategies they’ve learned and applied from my course. Their stories show that passion alone isn’t enough, but when combined with smart tactics, it can open doors you never thought possible.
Here are three powerful examples from my students, Beata, Mithi, and Karishma, who turned unconventional strategies into real jobs and internships in fashion. Take a look, get inspired, and apply the same tips to land YOUR dream role in fashion sooner than you think!
Beata: Landing an internship at CondĂ© Nast London and working at Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks Â
“Your Break Into The Fashion Industry course gave me the courage to fully immerse myself in the fashion world and start applying for various roles”
🌟 Beata joined my Summer Fashion Camp 2025 after already completing my Break Into the Fashion Industry course. At the time, she was working as a teacher, and like many career transitioners, she was undecided to take a leap. But after taking the course, she found newfound confidence to finally pursue her dream to work in fashion. Yes, many times the first step is to find a fashion mentor who’ll show you that you are enough to work in fashion, and have all the tools you need, and show you how to use them.
But motivation wasn’t the only catalyst for serious changes. Beata’s turning point came when she learned how to strategically use LinkedIn to build meaningful connections in fashion.
Soon after taking the course, Beata landed an internship at CondĂ© Nast London, one of the most competitive places to start in media. Not only that, she worked behind the scenes at Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks – an experience most fashion lovers only dream of.
Out-of-the-Box Strategy used from the Course:
Using LinkedIn not just as a digital CV, but as a platform to connect, engage, and showcase her passion directly to industry professionals.
Why It Matters:
In fashion, who you know and how you show up online matters. LinkedIn allows you to bypass gatekeepers, connect with professionals, and get noticed for opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
Career Takeaway:
Don’t be afraid to say YES – even if you feel unprepared. Beata’s willingness to step out of her teaching background and embrace a new identity in fashion is what opened doors to her dream experiences. It was then backed up by the tips she applied from the course – and LinkedIn specifically has unlocked unexpected opportunities!
Mithi: Becoming the Assistant Manager at Nordstrom
“I joined Nordstrom as a Customer Service Rep 11 months ago utilizing all the resume and cover letter tips I learned from the Break Into the Fashion Industry Course”
🌟 When Mithi enrolled in the Break Into the Fashion Industry course, her dream was to pivot into retail management, and she has proudly shared that Glam Observer and the Break Into the Fashion Industry has helped her a lot!
She learned how to craft a tailored, powerful resume and cover letter that highlighted her transferable skills — and the results were immediate. Within just 11 months, she went from Customer Service Rep to Assistant Manager at Nordstrom. After applying to five positions at the company, she received interviews for all of them and even had two offers to choose from.
Out-of-the-Box Strategy used from the Course:
Writing a customized resume and cover letter for each position instead of sending generic applications.
Why It Matters:
Fashion recruiters can spot a generic and copy-paste application instantly. A personalized resume and cover letter, tailored to the specific job and company, prove that you understand the role, the company, and what you bring to the table.
Career Takeaway:
Don’t underestimate the basics. A well-crafted application can set you apart, even in a sea of more “experienced” candidates.
Karishma: Securing a Permanent Role AND a higher salary by Building a Portfolio from Scratch
“Only 2 months after the course I have now secured a full-time permanent role as a purchasing coordinator. They were so impressed with my portfolio that they offered me a higher salary!”
🌟 Karishma’s story is proof that in today’s fashion industry, passion alone isn’t enough – you need to show, not tell.
Just two months after completing the course, she was scouted by a recruiter on LinkedIn (because it was so well crafted!) and eventually landed a full-time permanent role as a Purchasing Coordinator. The recruiters were so impressed with the portfolio she built during the program that they offered her a higher salary than expected, which is so inspiring to hear!
Out-of-the-Box Strategies used from the Course:
- Building a professional portfolio at home, without needing previous experience.
- Optimizing her LinkedIn profile to attract recruiters.
- Staying active on the platform to showcase her expertise.
Why It Matters:
In today’s fashion job market, recruiters are looking for two things: online visibility and proof of skills.
You can have a LinkedIn profile, an Instagram page, a website…but if you don’t present yourself and your skills properly, and if you just scroll the feed without actively engaging with companies, leaving thoughtful comments, and posting your own insights and projects, recruiters won’t notice you.
Moreover, a strong portfolio is a must-have for every role in fashion. It can simulate real experience and demonstrate your creativity, skills, initiative, and readiness for the role.
Career Takeaway:
You don’t need to wait for an internship to start creating. A mini magazine, PR campaign, or retail activation project can instantly communicate your skills and make you stand out from other applicants.
Breaking into fashion doesn’t have to mean waiting years for someone to give you a chance. I’m so so proud of my students, including Beata, Mithi, and Karishma, who are real proof that with smart strategies — from leveraging LinkedIn, to crafting tailored applications, to building a portfolio from scratch — you can create your own opportunities.
The fashion industry rewards courage, creativity, and persistence. So which out-of-the-box strategy will you try next? Need help with learning all of them and learning to apply them in your fashion applications?
Enroll in my online course, Break Into the Fashion Industry. More info here. Can’t wait to see you there and help in your fashion success story!
