1. Hustle
My college years have been spent working retail at Nordstrom, spending summers working in showrooms at Dallas Market Center, completing three internships and volunteering my little time leftover to helping at fashion events and dressing fashion shows. Now, I know this sounds like an insane amount of random things, but I wouldn't have had the opportunities offered to me without the extra work. If you truly want to be in this industry, you have to work. Even when you think you've done enough, do more. Like Mark Cuban says, "Work like there is someone working 24 hours a day to take it away from you." Fashion is the most cut-throat industry, and if you're not ready to fight for where you want to be, you'll just end up a sad store manager. Not that there's anything wrong with store managers, but if you have a passion for brand and creative culture, working retail will just not do.
2. Networking
If you're a shy little butterfly, fashion is not for you. Relationships are key in the fashion industry and knowing certain people can get you far. One of my favorite tools for networking is my LinkedIn. When I was in high school, my mom raved about this new site where it's basically your digital resume and employers can view and connect with you. She told me how huge it was going to be within the next few years, especially while I was in college. I didn't really believe all the hype she spoke about it, but I made an account anyway. Over the years I've tweaked and grown my page to be a recruiter's dream in my eyes. I'm not saying this to brag, but I am so glad my mom made me get a head start in this important career tool. Also, don't listen to the misconception that adding strangers on LinkedIn is the worst, it's not. Add the CEO's and top executives at the companies you want to work for, send messages to people who have the dream job you want. I promise, this strategy builds your connections and can lead to jobs, internships or coffee meet-ups with potential employers. Just remember, keep your messages professional, sincere and not thirsty.
3. Fashion Events
The gowns, the parties, the runway and the pulsing music is oh so dreamy. However, if you actually work in fashion, you're most likely behind the scenes sweating and running around trying to get models into their next looks in 30 seconds. The show depends on you, so you can't screw it up. Most of the fashion events I've attended consisted of me backstage or pulling looks for a show. When I wasn't working these "glamorous" events, I still networked at them and made sure I represented myself well.
4. Social Media
You may think sending tweets and Insta-gramming your daily outfit is just the norm, but social media can be used to build your personal brand. When you go out seeking your dream job or maybe an internship, companies will question, "What's so special about this person? Oh, they have a passion for fashion, wow," followed by intense eye-rolling as they dump your resume in the trash. Through social media, create content that would stand out to anyone. Show your style on Instagram, but don't be basic. Your style should represent your individual appeal and not follow what the mainstream says is cool. That's a fashionista no-no. Use the platforms as a tool to connect with brands and educate yourself on every celebrity, brand collaboration and designer out there. Everything is digital and you should be too.
5. Dress Up
Whether you are a fashion student or just aspiring to work in fashion, always, and I mean always dress up. People should be able to tell if you work in fashion just by looking at you. I've said this before and I'll say it again, it makes me cringe whenever I see fashion students dress like bums for class. I know, you don't always have the time or energy to put in effort every single day, but at-least try. How is anyone going to know you have killer style if you dress sloppy? Especially when guest speakers come to recruit or give a presentation.Your outfit needs to be on point, I am so serious. As a college student, I know it's a lot of work to put looks together, but you have to make time for it.
6. Education
The last ingredient to making it in fashion is education. I'm not simply talking about a four-year degree, although as an undergrad student I believe it is important. Some big companies will require a bachelor's degree, but it just depends. My fashion classes have been somewhat helpful, such as my buying class where I learned all the math involved in buying products for stores. However, most of my industry knowledge has come from internships, working in wholesale, meeting people and working retail jobs. You have to know your customer, which is why working in retail in the beginning is crucial. As far as GPA is concerned, don't freak out if yours isn't up to par, or even what companies are requiring. School is important, but companies are much more willing to hire someone who went to school full-time, worked and did extra non-paid work and internships, versus a student who only made straight A's and did minimal work. Take me for example, my GPA is not so hot, but that's OK. My accomplishments in other areas shine brighter than the few C's I've acquired. Honestly, the only companies that truly care about GPA are old school. Big brands want candidates that know what they're doing and are willing to hustle.
Not everyone is meant for this exhausting, but rewarding industry. But if you are willing to start at the bottom and claw your way up, then fashion is meant for you. You absolutely cannot go into fashion if you "love to shop." It doesn't work that way. So dress up, show up and slay.
Posts
