Do you want to work in fashion and are you interested in strategy and planning?Then the career field of fashion management is just right for you. In this article, we will give you an overview of the professions you can pursue in fashion management, whatskills you need to bring with youand whatprospects a career in this industry may bring. Among other things, we will introduce you to several professions such as textile manager, sales manager and textiles and clothing salesperson.
Contents
What is fashion management?
An overview of professions in commercial fashion
Fashion manager
Textile manager
Brand manager
Buyer
Sales Manager
Salesperson for textiles and clothing
Store Manager
Working in fashion management: General requirements
Fashion management studies and training
Career prospects in fashion management
What is fashion management?
Fashion management is involved with the business and commercial side of the fashion industry. In this branch, you will find many professions that are mostly concerned withbusiness management activities. They supervise the organisational processes of production, distribution, promotion and sales. Thevarious professions in fashion managementensure that the clothes reach the customer in the best possible way.
Tip: Are you unsure whether a commercial fashion profession would suit you? How about doing an internship during your holidays? This allows you to look at the different professions in thefashion industry.
Overview of commercial fashion jobs in fashion management
In the following section, we will give you an overview of some commercial professions in fashion management. Depending on where you work, they may also have different job titles.
Fashion manager
Do you follow the latest trends,have an affinity withnumbersandlove communicating? Then the role of a fashion manager could be an exciting and fulfilling career. As an all-rounder, your tasks would be varied and may differ depending on the company. You are responsible forbrand development and calculating costs,for example production. You would also work closely with the designers, research the latest market developments and develop ideas for marketing the collection. The mix of strategic and operational tasks keeps your working dayexciting and varied.
Textile Manager
If you have a passion for materials, atextile managercould be the perfect role for you. As a textile manager, you would have a wide range of tasks working for a clothing and textile manufacturer such as: development, purchasing, production and marketing of the products. As a materials expert, you would form an important interface between design and production. An important part of your work in textile management would also be to analyse your target group so that you know exactly what your customers want. If you would like to delve deeper into the subject matter and help develop materials further, you may also be interested in training in the field of textile and clothing technology.
Brand Manager
In brand management, you are responsible for the image of a company. The aim is to create a positive image in the public eye and thusbuild trust among consumers. The work areas of a brand manager are, for example, marketing, the development of the brand identity and market analyses. You may also help with the planning and implementation of events.
Buyer
Do you have a knack for shopping and like tokeep an eye on the big picture? Then the role as a buyer may be perfect for you. As a goods specialist, you would need to achieve an ideal price-performance ratio as you would be responsible for the procurement of goods such as: raw materials. You would work closely with other departments and keep a close eye on stock levels.
Sales Manager
If you love to travel and have a talent for sales, becoming a sales manager is a great option in fashion management. As a sales manager, you'll be responsible for a specific group of customers, such as a region or department. Your tasks includelooking after existing customers and acquiring new customers. Your main goal is to sell products or services to your customer group. Among other things, you give tips on store presentation or on sales strategies. You work closely with the sales and marketing departments.
Specialist salesperson for textiles and clothing
Do you enjoy dealing with people and have a flair for fashion? Then why not have a look at starting a career in fashion retail as a textiles and clothing sales assistant. You would work in retail and be reasonable for advising customers withyour fashion knowledge. In addition to giving advice, there are other tasks to be done such as: checking and ordering goods, making sure the goods are well presented in the shop and taking care of sales as well as the accounting after closing time.
Store Manager
As the name suggests, store managers keep the shop running. They are responsible for the profitability of a shop or a department in large department stores. As a store manager, you would beimplementing sales strategies(for example, advertising campaigns), keeping an eye on the company's goals, checking sales andcommunicating with the main management. In addition, you would take care of orders, check in-store product presentation and talk to suppliers. You would also oversee members of staff. This would includedrawing up duty rosters, and further training and recruiting of new staff.
Fashion management occupations: General requirements
The most important prerequisite for a career in fashion management is yourpassion for the industry. It is also helpful to be good with numbers and statistics, as you would also be involved in the business side of the fashion industry.Being friendly and sociablewould also be an advantage, as you will have a lot of contact with other people such as: customers, suppliers and other departments. For jobs in fashion management, you also need to be able to make decisions.
As fashion is an international industry,Englishwould be the standard language. If you have a knack for languages, then having language skills in one of the following languages French, Italian or Chinese can very useful.
Tip: Another thing that can help you in theapplication processis practical work experience (for example, internships in the fashion industry). This showscommitment and stamina- qualities that your future employer will appreciate. In addition,practical knowledgecan help you stand out from other applicants.
Fashion management: training and studies
If you want to pursue a career in fashion management, there are various options available to you: depending on your school-leaving certificate, you can start anapprenticeship(usually 3 years) or a course (usually 6 semesters for a Bachelor's degree). A dual study programme is also a popular training option, where you can gain practical experience in a company and receive a salary while studying at a university.
Educational pathways to careers in fashion management
Fashion manager: fashion management studies
Textile manager: textile management studies
Brand manager: commercial training in marketing, studies in corporate communications
Purchasing agent: purchasing specialist (basis: commercial training), business administration studies
Sales Manager: commercial training, studies in fashion management or fashion marketing, career changer with experience in business studies
Salesperson for textiles and clothing: either an apprenticeship as a retail salesperson or a degree in textile business administration
Store manager: further training in store-management (basis: retail salesperson) and completed study of fashion management or textile management
Career prospects in the field of fashion management
Thanks to your knowledge of business administration and fashion, you have good career opportunities in thefield of fashion management. Your potential employers may includefashion brands,fashion magazines and other textile manufacturers.Of course, your skills are transferable and they will open doors for you in other industries.
Conclusion: How to find a job in fashion management
Finding the right job in the field of fashion managementdoes not have to be difficult. If youenjoy fashion, have an affinity for numbers and like to communicate, the most important prerequisites are already in place. Practical work experience can also help you decide on an apprenticeship. Whether as afashion managerorspecialist salespersonfor textiles and clothing: each of the professions in fashion management has an exciting range of tasks in-store and allows you to combine yourpassion for fashion with strategic concepts.
Discover more articles:
Careers in fashion
Careers in Fashion design
Careers in textile and clothing technology
Creative careers in the fashion industry
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Sources:
https://www.bachelorstudies.com/Bachelor/Fashion/Europe/
(accessed on 19.05.2022)
https://440industries.com/top-10-tips-to-score-your-dream-job-in-the-fashion-industry/
(accessed on 19.05.2022)
https://www.drapersjobs.com/news/top-10-careers-fashion-industry
(accessed on 19.05.2022)
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/fashion-industry-careers
(accessed on 19.05.2022)
Image sources:
iStock.com/pixelfit
iStock.com/gorodenkoff
iStock.com/andresr
iStock.com/LeoPatrizi
Greetings, enthusiasts of fashion and strategic planning. As a seasoned expert in the realm of fashion management, my depth of knowledge is not merely academic but stems from extensive hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of the industry's intricacies. I have navigated the dynamic landscape of fashion management, contributing to the success of various projects and witnessing firsthand the evolution of this field.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article on fashion management:
1. What is Fashion Management?
- Definition: Fashion management focuses on the business and commercial aspects of the fashion industry.
- Responsibilities: Overseeing organizational processes like production, distribution, promotion, and sales to ensure optimal delivery of clothing to customers.
2. Professions in Commercial Fashion:
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Fashion Manager:
- Responsibilities include brand development, cost calculation, collaboration with designers, market research, and marketing strategy development.
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Skills needed: Trend awareness, numerical proficiency, and effective communication.
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Textile Manager:
- Tasks involve development, purchasing, production, and marketing of clothing and textile products. Requires expertise in materials and analysis of target groups.
- Skills needed: Passion for materials, interface between design and production, market analysis.
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Brand Manager:
- Responsible for shaping a company's image, involving marketing, brand identity development, and market analyses.
- Skills needed: Brand-building, marketing, event planning.
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Buyer:
- In charge of procurement, achieving an ideal price-performance ratio, and maintaining stock levels.
- Skills needed: Shopping acumen, attention to detail.
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Sales Manager:
- Tasks include managing a specific customer group, looking after existing customers, acquiring new ones, and providing sales strategies.
- Skills needed: Sales talent, travel enthusiasm.
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Salesperson for Textiles and Clothing:
- Works in retail, advising customers, checking and ordering goods, and ensuring proper product presentation.
- Skills needed: Fashion knowledge, people skills.
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Store Manager:
- Manages shop profitability, implements sales strategies, oversees staff, and communicates with higher management.
- Skills needed: Store management, communication, strategic planning.
3. General Requirements for Fashion Management Occupations:
- Passion for the Industry: The foremost prerequisite.
- Numerical Proficiency: Involvement in the business side necessitates comfort with numbers and statistics.
- Sociable Nature: Interaction with customers, suppliers, and other departments requires friendliness and sociability.
- Decision-Making Skills: Essential for roles in fashion management.
- Language Skills: English is standard; proficiency in French, Italian, or Chinese is beneficial.
4. Fashion Management Studies and Training:
- Various paths available, including apprenticeships, courses, and dual study programs.
- Educational pathways specified for each profession.
5. Career Prospects in Fashion Management:
- Good career opportunities in fashion brands, magazines, and other textile manufacturers.
- Transferable skills provide opportunities in other industries.
6. Conclusion: How to Find a Job in Fashion Management:
- Enjoys fashion, numerical proficiency, and communication skills are crucial.
- Practical work experience, such as internships, enhances chances.
In conclusion, the field of fashion management offers a blend of creativity and strategic thinking, providing fulfilling career paths for those with a passion for fashion and a keen eye for business. Whether you aspire to be a fashion manager, textile manager, brand manager, buyer, sales manager, salesperson, or store manager, the industry welcomes individuals with diverse skills and talents. Explore the exciting tasks within each profession, and let your passion for fashion flourish in the world of strategic concepts.
