Entering the fashion industry as a student or fresh graduate can be exhilarating, but having a strategic end goal is crucial. These are the steps that I followed which landed me jobs at various reputable publications, media platforms, brands like Valentino and more.
Great news is that you do not need to have a bachelors degree in fashion, just begin by building a strong foundation through education and training, either in a reputable fashion school or via online courses and workshops. To recommend a few from my personal experience: Fashion Design and Business at Esmod – Paris, Fashion Styling at FAD – Dubai, and Social Media for Fashion at Istituto Marangoni – Milan to further help you understand your best skills as these courses helped me identify my strengths.
Next step is to apply to any fashion assistant job you find through LinkedIn, Instagram or by cold emailing brands and magazines. Who would’ve believed that I landed my first job at Al Jazeera as a Fashion Stylist through Instagram.
A pro tip that I won’t gatekeep anymore is that most companies do not advertise their job openings so apply regardless, and that is exactly how I landed my current job as an Editorial Fashion Stylist. After gaining practical experience through internships or part-time jobs in fashion, develop a portfolio showcasing your best work and establish a digital presence through a professional website or active social media profiles. Discover my portfolio here to get an understanding.
Networking is essential, so attend any local industry events as much as possible. Stay updated on industry trends by reading fashion publications, watching fashion documentaries, and following influential designers and brands on social media. A great example to staying updated on fashion trends and the business is following BOF – Business of Fashion.
Be open to exploring various career paths within the fashion industry and develop a unique personal brand that reflects your vision and style.
Lastly, stay persistent and resilient, learning from rejections and setbacks while maintaining determination to succeed. By following these steps, you can confidently navigate the fashion industry and carve out a successful career path.
