Sometimes in fashion, as in any other business, being at the right time in the right place and the right company can make a difference in your career. But we believe that nothing happens by chance, and as far as luck can affect, it is not something we can control, and we can not wait for it to be on our side. What we can do instead, to improve our life and our career, is to take actions that lead us to achieve our goals. The fashion industry is a big world and some people come to the office and stay anonymous for the rest of their career and others instead who stand out and achieve success. It’s not all luck; some personal and professional qualities allow you to get what you want.
So here are the personal and professional skills you need to work in fashion, first to get a job and then reach the next levels of your career.
Patience
The first and perhaps most important personal skill you must have is patience. We must be patient at the beginning during the research because, although there are different career options, it is not easy to get the first internship or job on the first shot. Most people apply for several positions before being called by a company, so do not be discouraged. When you finally got the job, bring patience with you every day at the office, because the fashion industry is fast and hectic, especially when the fashion week approaches. Timing is critical, and you will realize that people want everything immediately and most of the time they forget something last minute. There may be situations where the pressure is high; everyone wants to do her job well and show the boss what she was able to do, sometimes this means that nervousness pours out above all to the lower floors. Try to be the person who spreads calm and confidence, and everyone will adore you. Do your homework with serenity because at the end there is always a solution for everything.
Knowledge
If it is true that it is not necessary to study fashion in order to work in this industry, it is also true that most people are very well skilled. Â Someone can recognize all the designers people are wearing and other know the various creative directors who have followed a brand. We must always stay connected, updated and informed about what is happening in the fashion industry and study the key events that have made its history. You do not want to have a speech during a corporate happy hour or a coffee break, and you do not know what they’re talking about. Never stop learning, but do not do it for others, do it for yourself.
Versatility
Especially at the beginning of your career, when you are an intern people will ask you to manage tasks that are outside of your responsibilities, so be ready to cover different roles. Show yourself always available and able to do anything they ask you. Remeber you can Google everything you don’t know. During your days at the office, watch what others are doing, keep your ears open and be curious. Ask questions so you’ll be prepared one day when they will ask you to take another job, and you will even be ready to offer yourself to manage a new project.
Humility
Some people working in fashion constantly feel on a pedestal. Be humble and kind to everyone. You never know where you’ll meet the person you’re talking to today. After all, the world of fashion is not so big and you’ll be astonished as in the end, everyone seems to know everyone. There is always a person who knows a friend who knows that other person. It’s all a circle. Also, gossip and rumors are at home in the fashion industry, so let the stories about you be all positive.
Passion
It does not matter if you have a brilliant CV, fashion companies hire people even just from the passion they spread because they know that if there is passion everything else will come. Those who are motivated by the love for this industry and are enthusiastic about their role and the company, are more productive and efficient. Also, Â hard days and business weekends that often happen especially at the beginning of your fashion career, are faced only if you have the passion that drives you.
Social skills
Connections in the fashion industry are everything. Many jobs are not even advertised on websites because word of mouth is enough, especially when it comes to positions at high levels. So create your connections and be open and always available to meet new people. Attend events, connect on LinkedIn and Instagram, open your network to the maximum and your fashion career will reach the next level.
Commitment
People who give 100% are the ones who get the results and promotions. Work hard and go even beyond the expectation. Do not always wait for people to ask you to do things, take the initiative and amaze your boss. The world of fashion is a business; it’s not just beautiful parties and clothes. In the end, companies need to make ends meet. Work hard and the results will come.
