Have you ever thought about what career path you want to follow in the fashion industry? Maybe you’re already working in fashion, with a clear goal of what you want to do in 10 years. Are you new to the industry, trying to figure out what job is right for you? It’s not always easy to look for the next step in your career, and eventually have a good position at a company you love.
Who doesn’t want to be as successful as Vogue US editor in chief Anna Wintour, or Olivier Rousteign, creative director at Balmain? Are you more into being a creative and hands-on career such as celebrity stylist Mimi Cutrell? She’s probably one of the most successful stylists of the moment, with clients such as Gigi & Bella Hadid, Priyanka Chopra and Sara Sampaio.
Remember this: they all started out at the bottom of the ladder, and worked hard to get to the top, where they are now.
We’ve decided to give you an overview of how a typical career path looks like in the fashion world, with some examples and tips on how to get promoted, and move your way up a company.
Education
To start a career in fashion, it’s not necessary to have gone to a fashion school, however it’s a good idea to get yourself educated about it. If you don’t have a true passion for fashion, maybe it’s best to start in another industry. All the fashion leaders have one thing in common: their passion and live for fashion. It’s what frives them to do better everyday.
With our good friend Google, you can pretty much learn about every topic you can think of. Are you creative, and you want to pursue a career as a fashion designer? Follow an online course, or look for a good summer program. These can be cheap courses, and online you’ll even find free options as well. Is a job such as an editor, PR lady or merchandiser more your cup of tea? Again, find courses, books and biographies to learn more about it.
Not only does educating yourself give you a step ahead of your competition, it will also show future employers that you’re very motivated and willing to learn about your future job.
Interning
After educating yourself, it’s time to get some real experience in the field that you would like to build a career in. The best way to learn and improve your skills is by interning. Look for an internship at a brand/company that you like, and simply apply. Don’t make the mistake of applying for only 1 intern job, at least go for 5 different ones.
Being an intern can be hard sometimes, with no pay and a lot of overtime, but it’s really the best way to get yourself in the fashion industry. Some internships can result in a full-time job at the company, which can be really interesting for your career. Always doing your best work and a great attitude are key here! Even if there’s no vacant job at the company you’re interning, your superior can always recommend and introduce you to a company where there’s a job available.
First Job
Your first job, usually right after an internship, is quite an exciting moment in your career. It’s the start of your journey to that dream job as a PR Executive, main stylist, merchandiser director or editor in chief. Obviously not all people who start out, will make it to the lucky few. A lot of motivation, passion, teamwork, experience and a strong character are just a few of the characteristics you’ll need to make it.
When starting in the fashion world, it’s important to keep learning from colleagues and superiors, as they might teach you a lot. Your first job is likely to be an assistant’s job, or a junior position, depending on which area you’re going to work in. This is the best time to show your company that you have great skills and try to impress them.
Getting Promoted
After a while, usually 1.5 to 4 years, depending on the type of company you’re in, you can start to look out to get promoted. When working at a small brand, a promotion can just be a title change and salary increase, together with some more responsibilities. However, at a larger brand it can be more difficult, as a promotion usually is a different position at the company. Keep an eye out if you hear anything about your superior that might be leaving, or getting a promotion herself. Make sure your bosses know about the fact that you’re ready to take on more responsibilities.
How to get promoted? Always have a positive attitude at work, and never criticize your colleagues in a bad way. Try to take charge of more projects, especially projects that you can handle from start to finish and show your boss that you’re good at it. Talk positively about colleagues and their performance, and definitely avoid office gossip & politics. Show how committed you are and show off your skills (but not too much!). Just be an exceptional employee doing a great job.
In theory, you’ll go from a starting job to a low level, then a mid-level and finally a high level position. In real life, this might differ depending on the size of the company and the area of expertise you are in.
For example, as a designer, your first job will probably be as an assistant designer, then you’ll go into associate designer, followed by designer, senior designer and eventually creative director or VP of design. In public relations, you’ll start out as being a PR assistant, then a PR coordinator, PR Executive and finally promote to director of public relations.
To reach the senior level at a company can take a long time, especially at large companies. Although it’s never the same at any company, let’s say it would take a minimum of 10 years from when you start to reach the top. At some companies it will even be 20 years. Passion will get you far, combined with skills and hard work, we’re sure you’ll make it!
