Although the fashion industry is more and more accessible thanks to the social media that have democratized the sector, what is not often shared and that interests young talents
Here’s how to break into the fashion industry today:
Network
Your connections are probably the most powerful tool in terms of career development. Workers find jobs through word of mouth, so the more people you know, the more opportunities you’ll have. Creating your personal network at the beginning of your career seems impossible but look around and you will see that is not so difficult. Start with your college classmates, your professors, the people you meet in class, attend events, do some experience even as a volunteer during fashion weeks for example, and don’t underestimate the power of social networking. Thanks to Instagram and LinkedIn, it’s easier than ever to connect with anyone anywhere in the world. Adding an editor or a stylist between your connections has never been easier. However, try to establish a relationship and not only passively follow people. Make a list of those you are interested in and start interacting with a comment (not just a simple emoticon), then direct messages, emails and finally meet up in person. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone, the opportunities that a simple Instagram comment can bring are endless. You want to enter the fashion industry, so it is time to show how much you are worth, overcome shyness and start building your name in the industry.
Internships
What is essential for fashion companies when evaluating a candidate is no longer the school he or she attended, but the experience gained. At the beginning of your career your CV will consist only of your studies, so to earn that necessary experience that will get you a job in fashion, you have to start with the internships. When companies hire interns, they know that their experience is zero or minimal. Internships can be part-time, full-time only on weekends and have a duration ranging from a few weeks to 6 months up to a year. Fashion companies are constantly looking for interns. Internships are the key to break into the fashion industry, they represent your entry ticket and are very useful not only because one can turn one into a full-time job, but because they will help you to understand the fashion industry from the inside, what your real place in a fashion company is and you will begin to create your first connections. Work hard during your internship and opportunities will not fail to arrive.
Passion and determination
The competition in the fashion industry is very high. It takes passion and determination to work in this industry and to overcome uncomfortable situations. Although from the outside the fashion industry seems all about fashion shows and parties, in reality, there is so much work behind: late nights in the office, working during the weekend, and stressful situations are frequent, especially in peak periods such as fashion week. The fashion industry is not for everyone and some give up after trying. Passion and determination will allow you to face everything and be successful.
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Keep up with everything
The fashion industry is constantly evolving. You need to be updated on a frequent basis. Set a daily routine – choose whether to do it in the early morning, at lunch or in the evening – and make sure you read industry sites, listen to podcasts and use social media to inform about what’s happening in the fashion industry. Keeping up with everything happening in the industry is useful not only to be able to hold a conversation with anyone who happens to you – during a job interview, your colleagues or even just on your Instagram and LinkedIn profile – but it serves to understand the industry and therefore propose strategies.
Build your personal brand
Social media are precious but also a double-edged sword if you don’t use them properly. Today, recruiters consult the candidates’ social profiles, as well as your boss, so if your profile is public you have to clean it up before applying for a job. Cleaning up your social media profiles is important not only at the beginning of your career but throughout it. From the moment you decide to get a job, you will have to post consciously because your social media presence is the image you are presenting to the world. This does not mean that you only have to post perfect photos or only fashion-related content, but stay away from posting pictures with alcohol or inappropriate outfits if you want to break into the fashion industry. You can also choose to create two profiles and to keep one private and share the other with colleagues and other people interested in your job profile. Having a good Instagram profile or a website that serves as a portfolio can bring you job offers from those who notice you online. Take care of your LinkedIn profile as well and keep it updated. Use a professional photo, the same you would use for your CV, from the shoulders up with a plain background. Many recruiters use LinkedIn not only to post job offers but also to hire candidates directly, so use it frequently.
The fashion industry’s secrets, exclusivity
