You put in the work. You earned the degree. But the dream design job still isn’t showing up. According to Vogue Business, fashion design graduates are entering one of the most competitive parts of the industry. There are far more creative grads than there are actual design jobs. So what gives?

The Reality No One Wants to Talk About

Fashion schools are full of talent, but the job market is overflowing with design hopefuls. At the same time, technical roles that are just as important to the success of a fashion brand are going unfilled. The fashion industry is oversaturated with design graduates, while technical roles like pattern cutters and garment techs go unfilled.

In the words of Orsola De Castro, founder of Fashion Revolution,

“We need more students who don’t dream of becoming [Martin] Margiela, but the head of couture in an artisanal house.”

This shift in mindset matters. Fashion has evolved, but education and student expectations haven’t always kept pace. A recent Vogue Business survey found that 70 percent of fashion graduates are still aiming to be designers, while roles in product development, pattern cutting, and technical design remain chronically understaffed.

Why Graduates Are Missing the Mark

A big part of the disconnect is perception. Schools and social media tend to spotlight the star designer dream but don’t always show the full ecosystem that powers a brand. Behind every great runway look is a team of experts in logistics, development, quality control, and sourcing. And those people are in demand.

Fashion designer Clare Farrell explains it clearly:

“Designers are made to feel like they are the sun in the solar system when in fact there is a whole galaxy of other roles that are crucial.”

So, if you’re a fashion grad and you haven’t landed a job yet, consider this. It might not be you. It might just be that your sights are locked on the most competitive, oversubscribed roles.

These Are the Roles Brands Are Hiring For

The fashion industry runs on more than just design. Brands are hiring in areas like:

• Technical design

• Garment technology

• Product development

• Sourcing and production

• Sustainability and compliance

• Logistics and supply chain

• Trend and data analysis

These roles are the engine behind every collection. They are stable, in-demand, and often overlooked by new grads focused only on creative titles.

What You Can Do Right Now

If you’re feeling stuck or disheartened by rejection, here are steps you can take starting today.

1. Rework your resume to reflect your full skill set
Maybe you studied design, but your pattern drafting, fabric knowledge, and organizational strengths make you a great fit for technical development or sourcing. Update your resume and cover letter to focus on what you can do for the company, not just your title aspirations.

2. Learn one new tool this month
Choose one industry-relevant program or platform. It could be CLO 3D, Illustrator for tech packs, Shopify, or a PLM system. Even beginner-level knowledge can set you apart and help pivot your path.

3. Start applying to adjacent roles
Try searching for “product developer,” “production assistant,” or “technical designer” in your city or remotely. Read through the responsibilities and ask yourself where you can add value.

4. Reach out to people in the roles you want
Send a quick LinkedIn message to someone who works in product development or sourcing. Ask them what their day-to-day is like and what skills helped them get there. These casual insights can be career-changing.

5. Take a course or workshop
Whether it’s online through Coursera or in-person through a local fashion school, adding a certification in sustainability, data analytics, or production management can boost your profile right away.

Final Thought From Our Founder, Christie

If you’re a fashion grad still waiting for that one perfect role to appear, consider this your sign to widen your view. Your dream job might be waiting for you on a different part of the org chart. The people who build long-term careers in fashion are the ones who are flexible, curious, and always learning.

Ready to figure out which role suits you best? Our Break Into Fashion Workbook can help you build a game plan, sharpen your resume, and finally get unstuck.