When members and students ask me during our consulting sessions whether attending a fashion school is their right choice, the first thing I ask is: what is the reason why you would like to attend a fashion course?
Many people believe that attending a fashion course represents a direct, almost predictable, access to the working world of fashion.
The truth is that despite fashion schools being a big financial investment, paying such a high price is not really a guarantee for a job in the fashion industry. You need to put our own (hard) work and show real passion to see the results. In fact, those who study fashion have the same difficulty in getting a job compared to those who have not attended a fashion school. Imagine that like you, there are also all your fellow students and thousands of other young fashion enthusiasts who are attending yours and all other fashion schools in other cities as well. Therefore you are not the only one to have access to this privilege. In addition, companies give less and less weight to the education when it comes to hire, because nowadays everyone has access to it and prefer those who have worked hard rather than those who wait for the opportunity to come by itself, demanding it only for having paid so much money for a fashion school.
So once you’ve decided to make this investment, you have to get the most out of it. Don’t just passively take the lessons and carry out the tasks assigned waiting for something to happen.
Here is how to maximize your investment of time and money in a fashion school to get a job in fashion.
Collect the email of professors, classmates and guests and add them to your LinkedIn Network
When a professor or a fashion professional enters the classroom for a lecture or to talk about their experience in the industry, turn this visit into an opportunity not only in terms of learning. Connections are fundamental in the fashion industry. I’ll never stop telling you. Most jobs are assigned through word of mouth, so the more people you know, the more opportunities you will have. Whenever you get in contact with someone in school during a lesson, an event or a group project, establish a relationship and ask for the business card/email contact. Connect with them on LinkedIn the same day or the day after the meeting, send a personal note remembering how you met: a lesson, an event at school, a project … Even if at that moment you think that that person won’t be useful for your career, I can assure you that the more connections you make, the better. And then you never know who that person might know or if in six months that contact you thought you didn’t need, actually brought you a great opportunity.
Attend events and conferences
Fashion schools often organize meetings with industry professionals, panels and conferences. Attend all the events and talk to the speakers. Ask them for business cards and add them on LinkedIn. If you know that there will be a meeting with a person who works in the company you would like to work for, do not be afraid to bring your CV and portfolio or ask for the contact of the person to whom you wish to send the application.
Build a portfolio
Build your portfolio with all your school projects and show it to as many people as possible (teachers, guest lecturers, company’s spokespeople..) Ask for their opinion on your portfolio to improve it and then you never know if someone will be impressed by your work and so you get an opportunity 😉
Speak often with the course manager
Some fashion schools regularly organize meetings with the course manager for updates and, especially when the end of the course is approaching, to discuss your future career opportunities. If this does not happen, send an email to the course coordinator or contact person at your school and ask for an appointment. On this occasion, you will have to talk about your internship opportunity that can take place during the courses, during a break (such as summer for example) or after graduation. Explain your career preferences and ask for advice on your application or better, if they know of any career opportunities and if they can recommend you. Submit to them a copy of your updated CV and portfolio so they have it in case something arrives. Fashion companies usually submit their internships and work opportunities to schools. Another valid help that the school can offer is providing you with the contact of someone inside the company to ensure that your application is even more direct and effective.
Take parts in as many projects as possible
Fashion schools often organize group projects and assign various tasks, projects and contests also in collaboration with fashion companies. Try to participate in as many initiatives as possible to reach more people and show your work. Probably at that moment you would be more tempted to do only what is regularly assigned to you during the lessons, but taking part in extra projects is not only advantageous in terms of learning and relationships, but you can take advantage of it to enrich your CV. For example, during my master’s degree in luxury and fashion management, I took part in 3 projects, one with Versace and another with Estee Lauder, and not only I met with people from the company who came to present the project and attend the final presentation, but I have been able to enrich my CV with these projects.
Talk to as many people as possible about what you would like to do
Talk to as many people as possible and don’t be afraid to say that you are looking for an internship in PR, marketing … or that you would like to launch your brand … you never know if that person could have contacts in the company or in general that might be useful. Although fashion is a competitive sector, there are many people willing to help others and contacts are those who will make a difference in your career.
