Being a designer is one of the most obvious professions in the fashion world but aptitude and ability can open up other doors as well. It’s a vast industry and there are many choices available in this field for the candidates as per their talent and temperament, says Ankur Gulati
Making a career in the competitive world of fashion requires peaceful, creative and energetic planners who work together to keep up with fast changing styles and trends for the customers having varied choice. Moreover, the fashion industry can be very appealing to young, innovative students, who can make wonderful careers in this industry. Being a designer is one of the most attractive characters of the business, but aptitude and ability are also necessary. Here are a few pointers which will guide you to formulate a career in the fashion industry:
Fashion internship
An internship can really give you a headstart. Nothing can beat the real-world experience. You’ve to be completely open to learn everything from scratch. An internship is assured to round off textbook knowledge and enable you to grow your skills. Moreover, it would also help you in a job interview and could even end up as a permanent job for you.
Start small
Apart from Vogue magazine and Fashion TV, there are many other players in the industry. The most important lesson a candidate can get is by starting their career with a start-up or with a small agency where you can explore and learn more through practical experiences and accomplishments. like all start-ups in various other sectors, fashion start-ups too mainly depend on interns for their work, at a time when these firms are still emerging and trying to find a place among the others. Your contribution with this type of start-up can pass on a dual value in the form of exposure and experience.
Be present online
When it comes to the fashion business today, the most significant place you can be is online. Use different types of social networks and search engines to keep track of fashion platforms in your area and overseas. Most of the organisations keep a link to their jobs page. There are also numerous sites that assist as hubs for jobs in the fashion business. Social media sites are also great places to look out for job opportunities. Make a habit of reading through these pages daily and apply as soon as anything comes up. It’s also important to highlight your strong points in the cover letter and indicate how they will benefit the company while you are applying for a position.
learn new skills
As with any job prospect, it’s most vital to have a confident mindset, even when doing monotonous tasks or finding yourself being exploited. Update your resume every time you learn something new or master a skill.
Work towards your dream
One of the best things a candidate can do is to identify their dream career, no matter how difficult it is to achieve, and start focusing on the areas you need to know to accomplish your career. It’s true that it may take years to gain that kind of understanding but it makes it easier to make your career and take your next step forward.
Don’t be afraid to ask
Asking to do something is the best way to improve your skills and knowledge about the industry. If you are curious to know more about fashion industry, why not ask the person responsible for it or simply observe the processIJ Finding an adviser in the organisation is also one of the best ways in which you can acquire knowledge.
Keep moving
Fashion industry wants people with many diverse talents. They require writers, business development people, photographers, planners, designers, accountants, project leaders, marketers etc. Make a choice as per your strength. If you remain unsuccessful in grabbing an opportunity, there’s nothing to worry about because you can gain the same skills from many other organisations.
Take initiative
Making a blog or creating a voice on social media is one of the finest methods to shape up a network and gain acknowledgment in the fashion world. Even if your future company has never heard of you, presenting them what you have accomplished in your extra time gives you a huge step-up. Forming an online platform today is easier than it ever was.
Use it to share your thoughts, aspirations and special style of presenting your write-ups, creative skills and editorial skills with concerned people in the industry.
Know all fashion trends
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the fashion industry. One way of doing this is by following a few well-known personalities in the industry through social media platforms. Scanning and keeping a note of the hot matters and fashion news on a day-to-day basis will enable you to be knowledgeable enough to form an opinion and provide valuable inputs once you join any organisation or fashion house. Your passion and inspiration are your strongest resources in this field.
Job Profile
Fashion industry is vast and there are numerous options available. Here are a few recommendations and thoughts for getting started:
Fashion sales & marketing: Design and trade are interconnected. Designers initially need to get their product to the marketplace. Merchants keep a track and observe fashion trends and customer trends. There are many alternatives that fall under the ‘merchandising’ umbrella. Retail management is an important one, regarded as an under-appreciated professional path. Candidates can make decent money and get direct understanding of a large number of brands, promotional plans and how to deal with people in the industry.
Visual production or styling: These are two separate streams, but likely to be corresponding careers. With the increasing number of people with celebrity status from across the globe, it’s certainly a career that is on the rise in standings of visibility. A degree isn’t essential, but again, having some understanding of figures, business and communications is important. Networking is perhaps more significant in designing than in any other career.
Public relations (PR): PR is the central man among a product, retailer and a consumer. PR representatives are in charge of maintaining clean image of the product and making sure that people are discussing about it. Their job is to make a brand appear likeable in the industry. An attractive and friendly character is an absolute must in this field. A degree in communications, advertising or business along with an internship in a reputed organisation will get you there.
Fashion journalist: If you love to write and love fashion too, the opportunity to report and weigh in on what’s going on in the world of fashion has never been better. Magazines are growing their online presence and are employing bloggers to describe news in the industry. You can also write for trade magazines, PR agencies or relevant e-commerce sites.
(The writer is dean of marketing & branding,IMS, Design and Innovation Academy)