Want to work in fashion? These are my tips on working in the fashion industry that will help you to understand better this industry and get ready for a successful career.
1. Your education is not so crucial
The most common misconception about the fashion industry is that you need to study fashion to work in this sector. As we have already said several times, coming from a fashion school is hardly a requirement of fashion companies You have to choose the fashion school only if you want to study a specific fashion subject
2. Be Passionate
You need to love your job and fashion to work in this industry. This was confirmed by almost all those we interviewed, and also during the fashion panel: Ambra who works at Gucci explained that being passionate is even more important than having attended a prestigious university. People who work in fashion have a great passion for the industry and can transmit it every time they have a conversation with anyone. Show this passion during your job interview and you will win.
3. Follow up
Do you know that in general those who work in fashion, especially fashion editors, receive more than 100 emails every day? If you have submitted an application or sent an email and you have not received an answer, do not be afraid to follow up. It is likely that people missed your email among the thousands received. Follow up after 3 days.
4. Do not give up
The fashion industry is difficult and competitive. Even during the fashion panel, Serena Castrignano, who works at Vogue, admitted that it is true what they say in “The Devil Wears Prada”: Everyone wants to do our job. So do not be discouraged if you do not get a job right away, if you’ve sent an email and you have not received an answer. Follow up, send another 1000 emails and you’ll see that something happens eventually. Do not let the NOs you receive, stop you. Keep going on your way and do not lose sight of your goal.
5. Network
The fashion industry is as big as it is small. Once inside, people seem to know each other. There is always a friend of a friend who introduces you to another friend who works in the company of your dreams and who can let you know about new opportunities. Networking at the beginning of your career may seem difficult, but remember that even those who have been in fashion for 20 years, continue to building connections today. You will never stop growing your network. (PS, join our community of girls in fashion for networking opportunities, free access to our panels, exclusive articles and more!)
6. Be humble and kind
Be nice to EVERYONE! From the intern, to your colleagues (even the unpleasant ones) to the porter, the storekeeper. As already mentioned in the previous point, connections are fundamental, but to build a good network you must know how to behave with people. Always be nice to anyone and make sure everyone has a good impression of you and your work. Always show yourself proactive, positive at work and be the best at your job. People in the fashion industry change jobs on average after 2-3 years, so one of your colleagues today could be somewhere else another day, and it is always useful to have a connection of who has a good reputation of you, you never know. In fashion, you could meet people who give themselves airs, do not be among those people who look down on everyone.
7. Always give your best
During your first internships/jobs you may be asked to do some “administrative” work such as making copies or getting coffee. Everyone did it, so wear your best smile for these activities too.
8. Learn to manage stress
As emerged from the fashion panel, it seems that the only cons about working in fashion, is the stressful situation that is often present in the offices of fashion companies. Although we do not save human lives, everyone tends to transmit anxiety and pressure as if it were a matter of life or death. You are asked to deliver a job today for YESTERDAY, a garment in the wardrobe is missing, a wrong article has been sent, the customer has complained, the model is ill for the fashion show, the items on the site can not be purchased … It’s not all roses and flowers, and as far as everyone puts 100% in what they do, at the end a last-minute problem always appears. Learn to manage stress and not be influenced too much by these situations of pressure. The only way to find a solution is staying calm and thinking rationally. There is always a solution to everything, so be the positive person you would like to have by your side in stressful situations that reassure you and shows you the solution. Nobody wants to have around those who have bad attitudes or panic attacks.
9. The Internships
The internship is your starting point in the fashion industry. Whatever your career goal, start with an internship. Everyone did it. You’ll need internships not only to get into the fashion industry, but above all, to understand what you really like, to create your reputation in the industry and build the first connections.
