3 answers
Jessie
Student
Rush City, Minnesota
1
Question
Asked
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Is it possible to find a great opportunity to connect with a professional and start an internship on this site?
Im going to be going into college soon. Pursuing a Bachelors in Fashion Marketing. I really want to be a part of the whole like, im not sure how to say it, I want to be part of like deciding on textiles and design and marketing merchandising, branding, selling styling, Everything! I want to be part of the fashion revolution to help in showing the planet (what gives us life) love and care by being humane and ecofriendly. And not just apparel but automotive and home decor. I want to be an entrepreneur but not small business, i wan to change the whole world. I know, i have some pretty big dreams, but despite the people who want to tell me i cant and tell me how my dreams arent pragmatic, I want to make it happen and im gonna work hard to do just that. I was just wondering if there were any professionals who might have the same ideas and values that would give someone like me a foot in their door. A big road block im trying to get through is problems with money. I cant hardly afford college and i need a good job to help me get where i need to go with out misaligning me from my goals.
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3 answers
Jon Franklin
Merchandising Men's clothing wholesale, Banking
3
Answers
Morrisville, Pennsylvania
Updated
Jon’s Answer
Wow, congratulations on starting college soon! This is such an exciting and transformative time in your life. Embrace the endless opportunities to connect with inspiring professors, visionary entrepreneurs, and influential potential employers. Keep an open and inquisitive mind as you uncover answers to your burning questions and uncover incredible new insights. Remember to make the most of the incredible support network available at your college, whether it's part-time jobs to support your expenses, fantastic contacts to expand your horizons, or helpful resources to enhance your experience. It's time to spread your wings and soar to new heights - best of luck and enjoy this life-changing journey! 🎉
Sophie Clissold-Lesser
project manager in Sales Enablement
36
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Sophie’s Answer
Congratulations on starting college soon.
It sounds like you have a clear idea of the sort of company you'd like to be involved with... how about researching where those companies are near your college and contact them directly for info about their internship or work experience programmes.
Another option is to consider vacation time as opportunities to get work experience alongside your college work and that might help you to focus in on what you're looking for after college.
I suspect that careervillage.org is intended for advice and is not set up for making personal introductions for internships but the advice you can gain here is great so have a think about what other questions you might ask to help you in choosing your direction.
Good luck.
It sounds like you have a clear idea of the sort of company you'd like to be involved with... how about researching where those companies are near your college and contact them directly for info about their internship or work experience programmes.
Another option is to consider vacation time as opportunities to get work experience alongside your college work and that might help you to focus in on what you're looking for after college.
I suspect that careervillage.org is intended for advice and is not set up for making personal introductions for internships but the advice you can gain here is great so have a think about what other questions you might ask to help you in choosing your direction.
Good luck.
T.J. Worthy
Mentor
203
Answers
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Updated
T.J.’s Answer
Hello Jessie!
I admire your passion for fashion! 😎
There are some good paying jobs in Fashion Marketing. Here's some common roles: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/highest-paying-fashion-jobs
(Another role not on the list to consider too is Fashion Supply Chain Management).
In order to get access to these jobs, you'll need to spend time developing work experience and practice knowledge you learn from school!
Your degree will most likely teach you about Merchandising, Branding, Styling, Textiles, Product Development, Supply Chain Management, and Marketing.
A big advantage of college is you'll have access to manufacturing technology and 2D/3D design software.
Some things you want to learn and hone in on while in school are:
⪩ Design software. People use digital tools to create patterns or design stuff for branding purposes.
A common one is Adobe Suite [which has a expensive subscription, but will likely be provided to you as a college student] or you can use Affinity Designer [which has software you pay once and keep forever :) ]
⪩ Visual design. Here's a guide by FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology)
https://www.fitnyc.edu/museum/documents/elements-and-principles-of-fashion-design.pdf
⪩ Analyze fashion markets & trends. Fashion constantly changes, and it's good to know what practices & styles are popular.
I recommend subscribing to Apparel Resources (free) and when you have the financial means, check out the Business of Fashion (paid)
- Apparel Resources | https://apparelresources.com/?ref=gb
- Business of Fashion | https://www.businessoffashion.com/topics/retail/
⪩ Fashion history. Read about the history of American fashion, along with the histories of other countries.
⪩ Marketing. Marketing's a big component of fashion business. It also includes advertising and sales.
Specifically learn advertising techniques: storytelling, branding, and convincing consumers
To supplement your education, I recommend:
⪩ Reading about entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is best learned through practice outside of school. Here's some good resources to get started:
- Entrepreneurship 101 | https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/entrepreneurship-101/
- Business Books | https://personalmba.com/best-business-books/
⪩ Getting internships. Specifically as a Marketing Intern or Sales Associate at a retail store known for clothing. If your interested in getting hands on, look into Sewing Apprenticeships as well!
Also if you enjoy working online, try to find Social Media Brand Manager positions!
Industrial sewing, design, and marketing are common skills needed for the field, and these roles can help you develop those skills.
Here's a place where you can start off your search:
https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=retail&l=Minnesota&sc=0kf%3Aattr%28FCGTU%7CQJZM9%252COR%29%3B&vjk=04a1f00b24c57ca2
Look up companies that specialize in "Retail Apparel and Fashion" near you. See if they have websites or social media.
After looking at different places, see if you can picture working for them. Write down companies that interests you and follow their activities over-time.
Another suggestion is to network with other apparel & fashion people!
College provides a good way to meet others with similar goals as you. See if your college has clubs related to skills in your major, or if there's in-person events locally based in marketing or fashion.
Lastly, see if you can get financial aid for your degree.
Apply for the FAFSA and city scholarships for high school students. If you meet certain requirements, you can qualify for work-study.
Even more importantly, there's always other options if you can't afford school.
You can go directly into the workforce in a entry-level position and work your way up that way, while learning business and design on the side from the library/online.
Also, you can go to community college and then transfer to an affordable in-state university:
https://blog.collegevine.com/cheapest-colleges-in-minnesota
Overall, there's multiple ways you can find success. You got this!
Sending you encouragement as you enter fashion marketing :)
I admire your passion for fashion! 😎
There are some good paying jobs in Fashion Marketing. Here's some common roles: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/highest-paying-fashion-jobs
(Another role not on the list to consider too is Fashion Supply Chain Management).
In order to get access to these jobs, you'll need to spend time developing work experience and practice knowledge you learn from school!
Your degree will most likely teach you about Merchandising, Branding, Styling, Textiles, Product Development, Supply Chain Management, and Marketing.
A big advantage of college is you'll have access to manufacturing technology and 2D/3D design software.
Some things you want to learn and hone in on while in school are:
⪩ Design software. People use digital tools to create patterns or design stuff for branding purposes.
A common one is Adobe Suite [which has a expensive subscription, but will likely be provided to you as a college student] or you can use Affinity Designer [which has software you pay once and keep forever :) ]
⪩ Visual design. Here's a guide by FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology)
https://www.fitnyc.edu/museum/documents/elements-and-principles-of-fashion-design.pdf
⪩ Analyze fashion markets & trends. Fashion constantly changes, and it's good to know what practices & styles are popular.
I recommend subscribing to Apparel Resources (free) and when you have the financial means, check out the Business of Fashion (paid)
- Apparel Resources | https://apparelresources.com/?ref=gb
- Business of Fashion | https://www.businessoffashion.com/topics/retail/
⪩ Fashion history. Read about the history of American fashion, along with the histories of other countries.
⪩ Marketing. Marketing's a big component of fashion business. It also includes advertising and sales.
Specifically learn advertising techniques: storytelling, branding, and convincing consumers
To supplement your education, I recommend:
⪩ Reading about entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is best learned through practice outside of school. Here's some good resources to get started:
- Entrepreneurship 101 | https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/entrepreneurship-101/
- Business Books | https://personalmba.com/best-business-books/
⪩ Getting internships. Specifically as a Marketing Intern or Sales Associate at a retail store known for clothing. If your interested in getting hands on, look into Sewing Apprenticeships as well!
Also if you enjoy working online, try to find Social Media Brand Manager positions!
Industrial sewing, design, and marketing are common skills needed for the field, and these roles can help you develop those skills.
Here's a place where you can start off your search:
https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=retail&l=Minnesota&sc=0kf%3Aattr%28FCGTU%7CQJZM9%252COR%29%3B&vjk=04a1f00b24c57ca2
Look up companies that specialize in "Retail Apparel and Fashion" near you. See if they have websites or social media.
After looking at different places, see if you can picture working for them. Write down companies that interests you and follow their activities over-time.
Another suggestion is to network with other apparel & fashion people!
College provides a good way to meet others with similar goals as you. See if your college has clubs related to skills in your major, or if there's in-person events locally based in marketing or fashion.
Lastly, see if you can get financial aid for your degree.
Apply for the FAFSA and city scholarships for high school students. If you meet certain requirements, you can qualify for work-study.
Even more importantly, there's always other options if you can't afford school.
You can go directly into the workforce in a entry-level position and work your way up that way, while learning business and design on the side from the library/online.
Also, you can go to community college and then transfer to an affordable in-state university:
https://blog.collegevine.com/cheapest-colleges-in-minnesota
Overall, there's multiple ways you can find success. You got this!
Sending you encouragement as you enter fashion marketing :)
Thank you so much for all of the resources!!! I appreciate your advice!
Jessie
You're welcome!!
T.J. Worthy