4 answers
valeria
Student
Spokane, Washington
1
Question
Updated
517 views
how do i get a job and connections in the fashion industry?
how do i get a career in the fashion industry, since it is a very large yet exclusive industry. How do i make a breakthrough in an industry that is so competitive. i've always wanted to work in fashion-design but im not from new york i don't have any connections all i have is i plan to move to new york for college and try to get into a design school like parsons or fit.
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4 answers
Irene Smolyanskaya
Designer Creative Draper Educator
32
Answers
Boulder, Colorado
Updated
Irene’s Answer
Hi Valeria,
You already have an excellent plan in place that will help you create connections and networks within Fashion Industry.
Once you enroll into FIT or Parsons School of Design, your fellow students will be your first network of professionals. Just be sure to socialize and make friends while you are in college. My own college friend and I followed each other for the 30+ years of our careers, helping each other get jobs at the companies we worked for. It's nice to have a good friend working at the same place that you do: makes for a perfect work environment.
Your instructors at either one of those colleges, too, will have their own network of businesses they work at and co-workers they've met over the years. I used to teach at FIT, and I always kept my eyes open for a fresh talent. Many of my former co-workers asked me for recommendations. If I had a bright and responsible student enrolled in my classes who would be a good match for the request, I was more than happy to connect the two. We are constantly on a lookout for young talent.
Do your best to learn whatever your Program will be teaching you. Make friends while doing it. Impress your instructors with your work ethic, creativity, end the ability to be part of a team. The rest will naturally follow.
Good Luck,
Irene
You already have an excellent plan in place that will help you create connections and networks within Fashion Industry.
Once you enroll into FIT or Parsons School of Design, your fellow students will be your first network of professionals. Just be sure to socialize and make friends while you are in college. My own college friend and I followed each other for the 30+ years of our careers, helping each other get jobs at the companies we worked for. It's nice to have a good friend working at the same place that you do: makes for a perfect work environment.
Your instructors at either one of those colleges, too, will have their own network of businesses they work at and co-workers they've met over the years. I used to teach at FIT, and I always kept my eyes open for a fresh talent. Many of my former co-workers asked me for recommendations. If I had a bright and responsible student enrolled in my classes who would be a good match for the request, I was more than happy to connect the two. We are constantly on a lookout for young talent.
Do your best to learn whatever your Program will be teaching you. Make friends while doing it. Impress your instructors with your work ethic, creativity, end the ability to be part of a team. The rest will naturally follow.
Good Luck,
Irene
Andrew Dinh
Consultant
12
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
You actually don’t need connections to get started in fashion, you can build them along the way! The most important thing is to figure out what excites you about fashion and what you can bring to the table.
Try reaching out to people in the industry (LinkedIn is great for this) and ask how they got started. You could look for Parsons or FIT alumni or current students. A lot of them will relate to your story and be happy to share advice.
At the same time, start creating! If you’re into design, make things at home or in your community (e.g., upcycle clothes, sketch ideas, or build a small portfolio). The more you do, the easier it’ll be to show people your passion when opportunities come up.
Moving to New York will open even more doors, but you can start laying the groundwork now. Passion and persistence go a long way in fashion, sometimes even more than connections.
Try reaching out to people in the industry (LinkedIn is great for this) and ask how they got started. You could look for Parsons or FIT alumni or current students. A lot of them will relate to your story and be happy to share advice.
At the same time, start creating! If you’re into design, make things at home or in your community (e.g., upcycle clothes, sketch ideas, or build a small portfolio). The more you do, the easier it’ll be to show people your passion when opportunities come up.
Moving to New York will open even more doors, but you can start laying the groundwork now. Passion and persistence go a long way in fashion, sometimes even more than connections.
Franny Buzimkich
Executive Concierge
18
Answers
Wolcott, Connecticut
Updated
Franny’s Answer
Hi Valeria,
Breaking into the fashion industry and building meaningful connections can be challenging but definitely achievable with the right approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get a job and network effectively in the fashion world:
1. Identify Your Area of Interest
The fashion industry is vast—design, marketing, buying, merchandising, styling, PR, photography, production, etc. Narrow down what you want to do so you can focus your efforts and tailor your skills accordingly.
2. Build Relevant Skills and Experience
Education: Consider studying fashion design, merchandising, marketing, or related fields. Many universities also offer short courses or certifications.
Internships: Apply for internships or apprenticeships. These provide hands-on experience and often lead to full-time roles.
Freelance or Volunteer: Offer your skills to local designers, fashion events, or online fashion platforms to build your portfolio.
3. Create a Strong Portfolio or Resume
For design roles, a portfolio showcasing your best work is essential.
For other roles like marketing or PR, highlight relevant projects and experiences.
Tailor your resume and cover letter for each job application to reflect your understanding of the company and role.
4. Network Strategically
Attend Industry Events: Fashion shows, trade fairs, launching events, and exhibitions.
Join Fashion Groups: Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups, and industry forums related to fashion.
Use Social Media: Follow and engage with fashion professionals on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Informational Interviews: Reach out politely to industry insiders for advice and insights. Most people are happy to share their experiences.
Fashion Schools and Alumni Networks: Utilize any connections through educational institutions.
5. Leverage Online Platforms
LinkedIn: Keep your profile updated, share fashion-related content, and connect with industry professionals.
Instagram: Showcase your work or personal style to attract attention from brands and professionals.
Fashion Job Boards and Websites: Use platforms like FashionJobs.com, BoF Careers (Business of Fashion), or industry-specific sites.
6. Stay Updated and Keep Learning
Follow fashion industry news and trends.
Read publications like Vogue Business, Business of Fashion, Women’s Wear Daily.
Attend workshops or webinars to enhance your skills.
7. Be Persistent and Professional
Fashion is competitive, so stay persistent.
Always be professional and courteous in communications.
Follow up after meetings or interviews politely.
Breaking into the fashion industry and building meaningful connections can be challenging but definitely achievable with the right approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get a job and network effectively in the fashion world:
1. Identify Your Area of Interest
The fashion industry is vast—design, marketing, buying, merchandising, styling, PR, photography, production, etc. Narrow down what you want to do so you can focus your efforts and tailor your skills accordingly.
2. Build Relevant Skills and Experience
Education: Consider studying fashion design, merchandising, marketing, or related fields. Many universities also offer short courses or certifications.
Internships: Apply for internships or apprenticeships. These provide hands-on experience and often lead to full-time roles.
Freelance or Volunteer: Offer your skills to local designers, fashion events, or online fashion platforms to build your portfolio.
3. Create a Strong Portfolio or Resume
For design roles, a portfolio showcasing your best work is essential.
For other roles like marketing or PR, highlight relevant projects and experiences.
Tailor your resume and cover letter for each job application to reflect your understanding of the company and role.
4. Network Strategically
Attend Industry Events: Fashion shows, trade fairs, launching events, and exhibitions.
Join Fashion Groups: Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups, and industry forums related to fashion.
Use Social Media: Follow and engage with fashion professionals on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Informational Interviews: Reach out politely to industry insiders for advice and insights. Most people are happy to share their experiences.
Fashion Schools and Alumni Networks: Utilize any connections through educational institutions.
5. Leverage Online Platforms
LinkedIn: Keep your profile updated, share fashion-related content, and connect with industry professionals.
Instagram: Showcase your work or personal style to attract attention from brands and professionals.
Fashion Job Boards and Websites: Use platforms like FashionJobs.com, BoF Careers (Business of Fashion), or industry-specific sites.
6. Stay Updated and Keep Learning
Follow fashion industry news and trends.
Read publications like Vogue Business, Business of Fashion, Women’s Wear Daily.
Attend workshops or webinars to enhance your skills.
7. Be Persistent and Professional
Fashion is competitive, so stay persistent.
Always be professional and courteous in communications.
Follow up after meetings or interviews politely.
lauren M
Talent Acquisition
3
Answers
Burlington, New Jersey
Updated
lauren’s Answer
Hello,
You're off to a fantastic start! Networking is a powerful way to enter the industry. Consider joining groups like the FSF or NRF, and make connections on LinkedIn. Reach out to experienced professionals for coffee chats to hear about their paths and gain insights.
Stay open to new opportunities. If you attend school in NYC, think about volunteering during fashion week or looking for internships to boost your industry knowledge and connections.
I hope this advice is helpful. Wishing you all the best in your exciting journey ahead!
You're off to a fantastic start! Networking is a powerful way to enter the industry. Consider joining groups like the FSF or NRF, and make connections on LinkedIn. Reach out to experienced professionals for coffee chats to hear about their paths and gain insights.
Stay open to new opportunities. If you attend school in NYC, think about volunteering during fashion week or looking for internships to boost your industry knowledge and connections.
I hope this advice is helpful. Wishing you all the best in your exciting journey ahead!