Top five tips for … getting experience in the fashion industry

The fashion industry is constantly changing and evolving. While it can be hard to keep up, there are a few key things that could give you a boost.

Here are our top five tips to get you started on a career in the fashion industry:

Start your own blog and develop a social media presence

When it comes to showing your style and personality, taking full creative control of something like a blog is a great starting point for companies to see what you’re made of. It’s easy to get set up and start posting, but don’t be fooled – gaining a following requires commitment and creativity. Let those creative juices flow and don’t give up if you don’t get tons of followers overnight.

Volunteer at local fashion shows or competitions

Whether it’s to display your own designs or see what life is like backstage, these events are a great way to meet like-minded people and ask plenty of questions. Does your city host its own fashion week or special exhibitions? If not, could you perhaps create your own opportunities, such as hosting your own fashion show? Getting your hands dirty and getting stuck will show that you are driven and passionate.

Try an internship before your apprentice begins

It may be difficult to find companies offering internships and you will most likely have to work for free, but gaining experience will put you above other candidates applying. Approach lots of companies and be prepared for plenty of rejection, so don’t give up.

Network

Be proactive in networking to meet the right people by attending relevant events and keeping up to date with all the latest fashion news. If you get your name out there early you can learn from the experts and, you never know, they might even remember your name.

Understand the trends

Subscribe to fashion magazines and websites, follow influencers on social media and set up a news alert about fashion online. Incorporating recent trends into your work shows you are aware of the audience and passionate about your craft, all good attributes for a potential employee.

Consider a fashion-related apprenticeship

If this has sparked your interest to develop your creativity and flare, take a look at some of the fashion-related apprenticeships on offer:

Good luck!