It’s the last year of your degree and graduation is in sight, you can
almost feel the degree being pressed into your hands. But after the lovely
ceremony, which may or may not include the tossing of your hat, comes the
reality of your situation – it’s time to find a job. But how do you ensure
you stand out in an already overcrowded industry? We list the top tips
graduate can take to make it as a fashion designer.
Taking a few steps back, hopefully the initial foundation for landing your
dream job as a fashion designer was laid during the school application
process. Graduating from an established or recognised fashion school helps
as “brand name” recognition can certainly help pry open doors in the future
and whilst adding credibility to any job application.
Something that sadly cannot be taught in school, true grit will help you
fight until you have secured the interview for the job you seek. Students
who may not have the best grades, but are full of confidence, passion,
quiet focus and not afraid to work hard will go much further than those who
graduate with flying colours but lack the grit to chase their goals.
Learn how to draw, even if most fashion jobs are in favour of digital
illustration. There is no full substitution for a gorgeous hand drawn
sketch which evokes the fantasy of fashion. Learn to technically spec your
garments fully as the power of detail and analyze
is vital.
Learning the inner workings of the industry before graduating will also
give you the upperhand when landing your dream job. Doing an internship
during the summer vacation before the final year will help ease the
learning curve of any first job
.
Try and sample as many different levels of the industry you can, so you can
begin to see where you fit, whether is may be at a mass-market retailer,
independent label or designer fashion house. Try and land internships solo
and pick up all the experience during you can, so when a paid position does
open up, you will be considered. Be warned, employers will not train you as
they expect you have to pick up all information via osmosis.
Choose your first position as wisely as you can. It may not be easy with
all the competition
n,
but try to ensure that it is an area of the market you see yourself working
in five years from now.
Cluelessness, outside of the 1990s movie, is not cute. Be sure you fully
research the company you are interviewing for and are able to translate
your knowledge on their business, product and customer base
during your interview
. Read as many trade journals such as FashionUnited, Business of Fashion
and WWD
and make note.
Lastly,
remember even if you graduate with the highest grades and a lovely
portfolio, reject may still rear its ugly face. Do not let this defer you
as you have to be in the right place at the right time.
All images: Jackie Mallon
During the month of August FashionUnited will focus on Work in Fashion. For
all reads on on the theme, click .