The fashion industry is a beast. There are so many different jobs available in fashion that even if you can’t sew or model, you can still find a role that reflects your talents. Below are a few ideas to get you thinking about the various careers that might be for you!

1. Designer

What it entails: These guys are the most influential people in the industry. Just think about it – if it weren’t for designers, there would be nothing for models to wear, photographers to shoot, and the rest of us to talk about and lust over. Designers can work independently, for a fashion house, or a department store. As a designer, you will be sketching and constructing collections, building samples, fitting models, and presenting your collections.

How to get it: Being a designer requires having technical skills. Getting a degree in fashion design and building experience through interning is a great way to build a foundation. Working as a design assistant is also a great way to learn the ins and outs of what it takes to be a designer. By working as a design assistant, you can also start to build a network that will help you when you take the reins and do it on your own.

2. Sales/Brand Representative 

What it entails: As a sales/brand rep, you get a firsthand look at the latest samples before they hit the stores. In this role, you are pitching products to various stores/boutiques/editors/bloggers and are following up with various clients in regards to product samples.

How to get it: Key characteristics you need to have in sales: persistence, persuasion, and good listening skills. Being up to date in fashion trends is also extremely helpful as you will be pitching products to various people in the industry.

3. Buyer

What it entails: As a buyer you’re always thinking ahead of the current trend and shopping for the next season. Buyers are responsible for, as you might guess, all the purchasing of products for a retail store. Not only are buyers responsible for all the purchasing of apparel and supplies, but they have to manage inventory levels, analyze sales records to determine how much product to buy, build relationships with suppliers, and educate the sales teams on how to promote new products.

How to get it: In most instances, companies will prefer you to have a degree in fashion design or a purchasing professional certificate. In addition to having a degree, sales experience and experience assisting in buying are important to have when landing a career in buying.

4. Stylist

What it entails: People like Rachel Zoe have put the job of stylist on the map as one of the most recognizable career choices in fashion. As a stylist, it is your job to make sure your client is looking camera ready. Stylists use their knowledge of fit, color and style to help their clients achieve their desired look.

How to get it: To land a job as a stylist you need to build a client base – so networking and having a portfolio of people you have helped are a must. In this line of work, you have the choice to do it independently or work through a company to build your foundation as a stylist.

5. Fashion Journalist

What it entails: As a fashion journalist, you share information about fashion related topics on various print and online platforms.

How to get it: The best three pieces of advice for landing a career in fashion journalism are: 1. Write constantly to build a portfolio and develop your writing skills 2. Write for everyone and anywhere 3. Position yourself as an authority in the industry by doing your research and staying current on fashion news, trends and personalities.

Image courtesy of Degree Finders

By: Nikita Due

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