how to get your foot in the front door
Here are my top 6 tips that will help me get my foot in the door of the fashion industry. I am far from completing all of them but one thing I have learned from all the guest lectures I have attended is that these are the most reliable top 6 ways that will help in the long run. These are just small summaries of the points, but I recommend everyone look deeper into them if you are serious about the fashion industry!!
Study a fashion-related course.
Studying a fashion course or degree can vastly improve your chances of landing a job in the fashion industry. Studying a fashion course means you can study a specific area within the fashion sector, whilst still gaining lots of transferable knowledge and experience. Although it is not essential to have these qualifications to get a job in fashion, studying a fashion course can teach you a great deal about the industry and will appeal to employers.
2. Be present online.
Starting a blog, Instagram account or YouTube channel is a great way to be present online and share your interests with others. Whether you are into the latest fashion trends, are an aspiring writer or are already making your own clothes, social media and the internet can be a fantastic way of building your portfolio.
3. Get a fashion internship.
Many fashion brands offer internships in a variety of niches including design, buying, merchandising, styling, journalism, social media, marketing and more. Internships can be a fantastic way to get into the fashion industry and build up your work experience. They can offer invaluable on-the-job training and insight into a variety of different roles. From assisting a stylist on a photoshoot to learning how to cut patterns with a designer, you will gain hands-on experience from industry-leading professionals.
4. Get a fashion retail job.
If you are struggling to find a fashion job in a head office position, pursuing a fashion retail job could be a great first step in your career. Fashion retail jobs allow you to be at the forefront of the fashion industry, working directly with customers and garments. Retail jobs can provide you with a vast range of hands-on experience and transferable skills that employers are looking for.
5. Volunteer.
Volunteering is also a great option for those looking to start their career in fashion. You could volunteer at a charity shop, sorting and pricing clothes, or volunteer at London Fashion Week being a backstage runner.
6. Network and learn from likeminded people.
Networking with people from the fashion industry is a wonderful way to build your connections and confidence. Although networking might sound a little daunting at first, it has the potential to advance your career opportunities. From gaining advice and support to accessing information and finding out about opportunities, networking, and learning from like-minded people in the industry could help you start your career in fashion.
