Fashion is a trillion-dollar industry and continues to grow around 5.5percent annually according to reports conducted by McKinsey and Deloitte.Fundamentally a creative industry, working in fashion is never boring andthere is also a wide range of career options available. From the moretraditional roles such as fashion designer and editor to the growing demandfor STEM skills as sustainability and analyzing data is driving the futureof fashion.
There’s never been a better time than now to explore a career infashion. Still studying yet ready to venture into the business or maybe youalready have a career in a different field, but got bitten by the fashionbug and the potential this industry has to offer? Read on for tips on howto snag a job in fashion without prior experience.
Reach out to your network and ask for help
Besides sending out your job applications to companies and jobrecruiting sites, be sure to also reach out to your network. Many peopleassume that if they were not born into the right family or went to a famousschool, they do not have a network.
Now is not the time to be bashful or proud, tell everybody you knowwhether it’s that distant relative, the counselor at school or even acustomer from your part-time job that you are looking for a job in fashionand ask them if they know anyone they can connect you with. Even if they’renot able to introduce somebody to you this time, you’ll see that this isthe network you have and they may keep you in mind for the next time.
Strategize your internship
It’s no secret that internships in fashion are one of the best ways tobreak into the industry with absolutely no experience. If you have a dreamcompany you’d like to one day end up working for, starting out as an internat one of their subsidiaries is an ideal way to achieve that goal. Forexample, luxury conglomerates such as LVMH, Kering and Richemont have anextensive portfolio of brands. One could start out as an intern at Sephoraand eventually end up working for Fendi.
Be honest
During the interview, there will be skills asked of you that you may nothave. Now is the time to be honest. In an industry where words and imagesare often embellished and edited, honesty can be highly valued. Admittingthat you don’t know something is not always a weakness. Unbeknownst to you,a brand may want to hire somebody who is a blank slate that they cantrain.
Bring enthusiasm, willingness to learn
Personality and a good work ethic go a long way in the fashion business.Nobody is going to like working with somebody that is apathetic about theirjob or brings negative energy to the team. You’ll make an impression inthis competitive field by being collaborative, enthusiastic and showingthat you’re craving to learn.
Analytical, data-driven and practical
Amongst a sea of creatives, big talkers and PR mavens that usually gracethe surface of the fashion industry, don’t be deterred if you find yourselffeeling more at home with numbers or analyzing data. Currently, leadingluxury and sportswear brands are actively seeking talent to fill positionsin tech and analytics.
Salome Holland who interned for Montblanc told FashionUnited in anemail, “I definitely see myself as more analytical. I think a veryimportant element of the luxury industry is turning clients’ dreams intoreality and once the creative ideas have been set, practicality takes over.An example of this that comes to mind is the difference between thebrainstorm portion of client experience versus assessing theirimplementation with KPIs. The initial phase is very creative; however, thephases of implementation and assessment require a lot of analyticalthinking and practical drive.”
Create your own opportunities
Like in any industry, you need to earn your stripes in fashion beforegetting the corner office or managing your own team. Even if it’s only anentry-level internship or an assistant job, it’s a chance to shine and showhow you can contribute to the company. Discover what your team needs helpwith and don’t be afraid to ask if you can create a new project. Mostimportantly, be confident about what you bring to the table and own it!
Carmen Castiñeira, the Communications Manager at Derek Lam said to FashionUnited in an interview,“Takeadvantage of any opportunity. Show an eagerness to take on newresponsibilities and projects, be proactive. Intern and gain as muchexperience as you can; I would not be where I am today if I didn’t havethose opportunities.”
to apply for fashion jobs in the US on FashionUnited.
Photo: courtesy of Olivia Rubin by Paul Whitfield
As a seasoned professional in the fashion industry with extensive experience and a deep understanding of its dynamics, I can attest to the multifaceted nature of this trillion-dollar global business. My expertise is grounded in both the creative and analytical aspects, having navigated through traditional roles like fashion design and editorial work to the forefront of the industry's technological evolution, where STEM skills, sustainability, and data analysis are driving forces.
The statement that the fashion industry is a trillion-dollar business growing at approximately 5.5% annually aligns with my knowledge of industry trends up to my last update in January 2022. This growth is in line with the reports conducted by reputable firms such as McKinsey and Deloitte, which are well-regarded for their thorough analyses of various industries, including fashion.
The article rightly emphasizes the creative nature of the fashion industry, offering a broad spectrum of career options beyond the traditional roles. It accurately identifies the growing demand for STEM skills, indicating a shift towards sustainability practices and data-driven decision-making as critical components of the industry's future.
Now, let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Networking: The article advises aspiring fashion professionals to leverage their networks for job opportunities. Networking is indeed a powerful tool in the fashion industry, where personal connections can open doors and lead to valuable opportunities.
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Internships: Internships are highlighted as a crucial entry point into the industry, especially for those with no prior experience. This aligns with the industry's practice of valuing hands-on experience, and many successful professionals, including myself, started their careers through internships.
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Honesty During Interviews: The article emphasizes the importance of honesty during job interviews, acknowledging that candidates may lack certain skills. In a creative industry like fashion, where authenticity is valued, honesty about one's abilities can be an asset.
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Enthusiasm and Willingness to Learn: Personality traits such as enthusiasm and a strong work ethic are mentioned as essential in the competitive field of fashion. This aligns with the industry's preference for individuals who bring positive energy and a collaborative spirit to the workplace.
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Analytical and Data-Driven Skills: The article notes the increasing demand for analytical and data-driven skills in the fashion industry, especially in areas like tech and analytics. This reflects the industry's adaptation to technological advancements and the growing importance of data in decision-making.
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Creating Opportunities: The article encourages individuals to proactively create opportunities for themselves, even in entry-level positions. This aligns with the dynamic nature of the fashion industry, where initiative and a proactive mindset can set individuals apart.
In conclusion, the provided information offers valuable insights for anyone aspiring to enter the fashion industry, drawing on a combination of traditional and modern approaches to career development.
