Breaking Into the Fashion Industry

When it comes to the fashion industry, there are many different avenues you could pursue, and each has its special requirements and can be drastically different from other positions. For those of you who are just looking to enter the field, and have a fashion related education behind you, here are some tips that will help you get going in your career.

First, you need to decide which avenue you want to pursue in the fashion industry, which while that is a daunting task for some, it is essential in order to take further steps. Of course some choices may require you to start at the bottom, in another related field, in order to gain the experience needed to change directions. Once you know your ultimate goal that will better position you to take the steps to get there. So, look at your skills and strengths and decide where your true passion lies, and which direction your passion and skills combined can take you.

Interning and getting experience early on in your education is almost essential. If you have that ability to do so, grab what you can and work hard to succeed in that position. Remember, it is not necessarily having a large quantity of internship or project jobs under your belt, as much as it is having some good quality experience behind you. Internships not only give you the much need real world experience, but they help greatly to build your networking world.

When it comes to getting internships, many assume it best to go for big name companies. However, quite often, smaller organizations and independent designers are also seeking the assistance, and sometimes may even pay you during your internship. These smaller positions can often give you more hands-on experience in a wide range of fields. Yes, you may end up juggling many things at once, but the wider range of experience can be quite beneficial.

Along your journey, be sure to begin building your portfolio with the important projects you have accomplished. Be sure to include things that will show others that you have a firm grasp on the industry and the position you are seeking in particular. Take advantage of the many various portfolio type web sites that are available in an effort to get your work out to a larger audience.

Perseverance and passion are going to be required in order to stand out in this highly competitive field, so be prepared to do what it take to find your dreams in this area. Be prepared to start on the low end of the totem pole and work your way up. Getting your foot in the door in any capacity is usually the goal, so thinking outside the box a bit and looking for any and all avenues that can get you to that first step will be of great benefit.