Have you decided to launch a career in the fashion industry but need some help getting started? Most people who have that inner urge to build a life in the exciting, fast-paced business of fashion feel the calling while still young. Others decide on the path after trying other fields and finding them lacking. Whatever the reason, it’s imperative for future members of the fashion industry to develop a detailed plan of attack.
Step one is actually sitting down and writing the plan. For best results, most prospective designers, marketers, and industry leaders earn a four-year college degree in the subject. Likewise, it’s smart to join professional organizations even before graduating or landing that first job. Another piece of the success puzzle is attending as many shows and industry-related events as possible. Finally, having a sterling resume is an indispensable tool that can help launch your career immediately after college. Here are some essential steps in the process.
Make a Plan
Making a career plan in the industry of fashion means choosing a specialty as soon as possible. By specializing, you narrow down your career search parameters and can focus intensively on a niche that interests you. For some, it’s marketing and sales. For others, design, management, e-store merchandising, and other niches of the general business segment are the goal. Whatever your current leanings are, develop a short-term and long-term career plan that suits your personal preferences and educational goals. Be sure that you remember to account for your own needs when making this plan. Figuring out ways to protect your mental and physical health on this journey is critical for success.
Finish College
Earning a degree, and finding a way to pay for it, can supercharge a career in the fashion world. Fortunately, most college-bound students can apply for education loans that cover some or all of the related expenses of a four-year degree. Many turn to Earnest private student loans to finance a full-scale undergraduate degree. A diploma accompanied by a year or two of industry experience can give you the tools to launch your own company as a designer, merchandiser, consultant, or apparel specialist. The key to success is having a combination of formal education and relevant work experience. Like it or not, some of the top firms in the niche only interview college grads.
Join Professional Organizations and Assemble a Network
There are dozens of professional organizations that accept students into their ranks. These entities are great ways to begin building a professional network of contacts that can propel your career to the next level. In fashion, personal and professional contacts are more important than in any other industry. That’s primarily because many of the biggest deals are done on a person-to-person basis. Another way to enhance your network is to attend as many shows and industry events as possible. Maybe you can’t afford to travel to Paris yet, but every major city hosts at least a few fashion-related shows yearly. Plus, companies that sell apparel and similar goods offer a wide range of conferences and expos that are open to the public or just to prospective members of the industry.
Create a Killer Resume
Find a certified writer who has experience creating excellent resumes for job candidates who are seeking fashion industry careers. Don’t skip this step just to save a few bucks. Resume writers can adjust your document so that it gets the most attention from hiring agents and increases your chances of landing a job right out of college or at any other point in your career path.
