Introduction to a career in fashion
Is a career in fashion the right choice for you? Are you having troubles answering this question. Then read on here to get your answer. Deciding your career choice is difficult enough, choosing a field in the complex world of fashion is even more difficult. But it is best to make an informed decision about one’s career than shooting an arrow in the dark. In my previous posts, I have written about the many possibilities there are in the fashion industry.
Based on that you can see and find out which path you want to choose to go further on. In this post I will suggest simple self-analyzing exercise that will help you in deciding if you should be in the fashion industry or not. Also, what stream or specialization should you choose for yourself. At the end of the post, you will be able to analyze yourself and decide if you are the perfect candidate to take the fashion industry by storm. Now let us look at these simple steps that will help you decide to take a career in fashion.
1. Analyze yourself
Creativity comes in many forms and ways. If you like mixing colours, paints, materials or maybe you like to look at other people clothes and imagine how it could be improved. You do not have to fit the profile of a fashion designer but if you know you have a creative bone in your body then you can look at the many options in the field of fashion.
Even if you do not how to sketch, it can be learnt. If you like to talk or write, then maybe you can turn this creative energy into becoming a blogger or an influencer. I have discussed in my posts ‘Best career opportunities to pursue in the fashion industry – part I & part II’ the many streams of work that are there in this industry. All you need to find in yourself is that creative spark and your ability to identify your strengths. Then maybe with this insight you can consider entering the world of fashion.
2. Envision your career in fashion
As explained in an earlier post ‘Fashion in the 21st century’, that fashion is a dynamic field which offers diverse and varied career paths that evolve overtime with experience. To determine if working in the fashion industry is the right fit for you, envision your future. Do you see yourself working behind the scenes, designing, and crafting fashionable clothes and accessories as a designer or a pattern maker? Or do you picture yourself in the limelight as the focus of everyone’s attention, as a fashion model, an online influencer, or stylist to celebrities?
Perhaps your interest lies in the business side of fashion industry, managing fashion brands, or working in retail management or even having your own business as a small boutique or a big export house. The sky is your limit if you dare to dream big in this world of fantasies and challenges. Also, remember it is of utmost importance to align your ambitions with your talents and skill level together with the specific roles that industry of fashion has to offer. And always listen to that inner voice that is calling you to be a part of this dream of fashion.
3. Get ready to struggle
The fashion industry is a glamourous world of colors, culture, and couture. It is easy to get lost and misguided with all that one sees and hear about this industry from others. But only you can decide if you want to follow your passion of building a career in this direction. Though from the outside all the fashion world may seem to be a string of parties and fashion shows, visiting amazing locations and enjoying time. But the truth is far from all that one sees in magazines and advertisements. The hard truth is that fashion is one of the most demanding and competitive fields you will work in.
There are challenges at every step and while the rise is meteoric, the setbacks are also big. So, if you think you want to challenge yourself and test your grit and determination, this area of work is for you. If you are ready to embrace long hours, tight deadlines, and fierce competition then you can be a part and parcel of this industry. Just ask yourself, are you ready to embrace these challenges head-on? Do you have the resilience to weather the storms and stay committed to your passion? Success in fashion often requires perseverance and an unwavering dedication to your craft.
Deciding if fashion is the right field for you involves a combination of self-reflection, exploration, and understanding the industry. While the above section tells you what it might take for you to decide if you wish to pursue this life of hard work and reward, the following steps will guide you in carefully analyzing your own strengths and weaknesses. At the end you will be able to determine if fashion is the right fit for you.
4. Passion and interest
Assess your level of interest in fashion. Do you enjoy keeping up with the latest trends, experimenting with styles, and expressing yourself through clothing? Consider your passion for design, textiles, and the creative process involved in fashion. Or maybe it’s the economics of fashion that excites you. Do an inner inspection to figure out what sets your passion on fire.
5. Research the industry
Gain an understanding of the different aspects of the fashion industry, including design, merchandising, marketing, retail, and production. Research various roles within the industry to see which areas align with your skills and interests. Talk to people from the fashion industry, make connections on LinkedIn, watch YouTube discussions, read blogs on the latest update in the fashion industry. Get an understanding of what you are looking for and where you might end up.
6. Educational background
Explore educational programs related to fashion, such as fashion design, merchandising, or business. Reach out to the best colleges in the world and ask for their programmes in detail. Contact professional counsellors to help you find your natural skills and abilities. Consider enrolling in courses or workshops to gain basic knowledge. Do some bootcamps in fashion and see if it is the right fix for you.
7. Internships and work experience
If you dare, then do the unthinkable. Don’t approach any institute, rather go out in the field directly. Seek internships or part-time jobs in the fashion industry to get hands-on experience. This will give you a practical understanding of the field and help you decide if it’s a good fit. Maybe a direct interaction with the real world will give you the clarity you need.
8. Networking
Attend fashion events, conferences, and networking sessions to connect with professionals in the industry. This can provide insights into the day-to-day workings of the field and help you build a network. Building a healthy network will always prove to be beneficial for the rest of your professional fashion life.
9. Portfolio development
If you are interested in design, start developing a portfolio showcasing your creative work. This can be a valuable tool for applying to educational programs or jobs in the industry. Often fashion schools help you create one at the end of their programs, but you can always begin compiling your own work right away and put it out there to test the waters.
10. Update and adapt
The fashion industry is constantly evolving. Assess your openness to change and your ability to adapt to new trends, technologies, and consumer preferences. Reading on the latest trends is just not enough. Get into discussions about the direction the moral compass of the industry is heading. Attend seminars to see what the intellectuals of the fashion industry think the future of the fashion world lies. Keep yourself abreast with the latest in both technology and though process.
11. Feedback from professionals
Seek advice from professionals in the field. Their insights can provide valuable perspectives and help you understand the realities of working in fashion. Try meeting alumnis of design and craft colleges, take time to approach professors of design colleges and mae appointments with fashion designers to understand what it takes to be in the fashion industry. While this may not be an easy step as everyone will not willingly give yout time, but be persistent and the efforts will pay off.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that fashion is a field of work for those who are passionate about it. Being constantly surrounded by beautiful things and people is something which sounds very alluring. But everything in this industry that looks so glamourous upfront, has hundreds of hours of hard work behind it. So, if you think you are one who has the guts and resolution to go through this then maybe you can be a part of this world of beauty and creativity. Remember that the fashion industry is diverse, and there are various roles beyond design, such as styling, marketing, merchandising, and more.
By thoroughly exploring these aspects and gaining real-world experience, you can make a more informed decision about whether fashion is the right field for you. Talking to individuals, collecting data, assessing your own strengths and weaknesses, and finally listening to your inner instincts can make you take the right call. So, take a chance on yourself and dive right into it. And if you need any help, we can have a discussion on how to chart a plan for you and your future.
