For the weekly interview series where I ask fashion professionals to talk about their career path, what their role is about and their tips for those who want to get in fashion, today I have the pleasure to introduce you Lucie Zhang, Associate Director of Social Media at Vogue US. I asked her how she got in fashion and specifically how she got her first job at Vogue 4 years ago, what it takes to work in Social Media, what she likes the most about her job and her tips for those who want to start a career in fashion.
Enjoy it!
1.Hi Lucie! Could you please introduce yourself to the Glam Observer Community?
Hi! I’m Lucie Zhang, and I’m the Associate Director of Social Media at Vogue.
2. What did you study?
Public Policy Studies, Journalism & Media Studies, and Economics at Duke.
3. How did you get in fashion?
It wasn’t really a direct path, although I’d always been interested in fashion. I graduated Duke and moved immediately to New York City, where I took a job at a public relations firm working on their digital strategy team. While I wasn’t working directly in fashion there, on the side I had started a Tumblr blog which got picked up by Tumblr and Milk Studios, who invited me to attend New York Fashion Week with them in 2012. From there, I started working with more fashion clients at my office job, eventually going from agencies to in-house at a brand to editorial.
4. You’ve been working at Vogue in social media for almost 4 years. How did you get your first job there? Do you remember the application and interview phases?
A friend who was searching for jobs in New York City actually found the posting on Indeed.com and sent it to me. I sent in my resume, got called to interview, and, after heading home after my second round of interviews, saw I had a missed call on my train ride back saying I had the job.
5. You are now the Associate director of social media, what do you do?
My team manages all of American Vogue’s social media channels, including @voguemagazine, @voguerunway, @voguebeauty, and @vogueweddings.
6. What are the skills necessary to get a job in social media?
Be an engaging writer, a good listener, and a journalist at heart. It’s your job to be the eyes and ears of the company on social, so you have to always have your pulse on conversations happening on the Internet and approach stories with
7. What do you like the most about your job?
I love that it keeps me up-to-date on current trends and events, and my team is great. It’s a privilege to work with smart, passionate individuals who are experts in their fields every day.
8.Can you tell us about a memorable moment/story in your career?
There are a lot of memorable moments, but probably the four Met Galas I’ve attended stick out most. The night is always a whirlwind, but it’s really unique to see everyone doing what they do best together in order to make the night happen.
9. What does a day in your life look like?
It really depends on the news of the day and the stories happening.
10. You
It’s fast-paced and competitive; the hustle is extremely real in New York City. The energy people take into their careers here is inspiring.
11.What are your tips for those who want to get a job in fashion today?
Many jobs are posted online, so do your research, learn as much as you can in each role you take on, and cultivate your relationships in the industry.
