Fun, fierce and fast paced, the fashion industry attracts hundreds of graduates every year, meaning you have to be fearless in order to get where you want to be.
With the glamorous reputation the industry has earned, it’s not hard to see why positions in the fashion industry are so popular. However, glamour is far from the only benefit.London College of Contemporary Arts’Claire Payne explains why beating off the competition will most certainly be worth the time and effort.
Here are the five reasons why you should seriously consider a career in fashion:
1. Broad range of positions to suit all types of people
From production of raw materials through to the retail sector, the fashion industry consists of four different levels. Because of this, there is a fantastic variety of professional roles to choose from within the industry.
For those with a creative eye, the most obvious role: fashion designer. There’s also less obvious choices such as costume designer and fashion photographer. For those who enjoy being more hands-on throughout the garment production process, there are roles such as upholsterer, sample machinist and pattern graders.
Those looking to utilise their people skills would suit roles such as stylist and personal shopper, where as those looking to exercise their authority could fill positions like production manager, marketing manager, or head of innovation.
Fashion even involves science; analytical textile technologists and project scientists play important roles in the industry. Whatever skillset you have, there is more than likely a place for you in fashion.
2. No two days are the same
In many roles within the fashion industry, no two days are the same. The industry is fast paced and exciting, making dull days a rare occurrence.
Higher ranking jobs in fashion often come with the opportunity to travel, which is one of the reasons why positions are highly sought after. As well as the chance to travel, you get the chance to work with all different clients, curving your learning experience. If you’re lucky, you may even get to attend glamorous industry events.
Don’t forget that this may come at the cost of high stress levels – it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons beforededicating your life to a career in fashion.
3. Opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone
If you’re the sort of person who enjoys a challenge, or requires a certain amount of pressure in order for your performance to excel, the fashion industry provides the ideal environment for you to thrive. With trends rotating and fading in and out of fashion, the industry is ever changing, and as a part of that industry you need to be prepared for that constant change.
Research into psychological behaviour has previously proven that a small amount of anxiety can actually improve a person’s performance. This could mean that challenging yourself to pursue a career in an industry outside of your comfort zone is more likely to lead to your success than playing it safe with a no-risk job.
4. Meeting people and making contacts
There is constant emphasis placed on the importance of making contacts in almost any professional industry these days. Knowing the right people can often open doors to a world of opportunities, so it’s vital to network at any possible opportunity.
Working in fashion allows you to meet so many people, all with different backgrounds, experiences and stories. You can learn a lot from the people around you in the fashion industry, and the people you meet at the early stages of your career may very well play a key part in your development further down the line.
If you’re considering setting up your own business at any point in the future, you’ll do well to value the contacts you make and foster strong working relationships with them. They may prove useful in any business ventures you have planned.
5. Plenty of room for progression
Fashion is certainly an industry where it’s necessary to start at the bottom and work your way to the top, and this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Starting your career in a junior role simply means that you have plenty of room to grow as a professional. Along your journey, you will acquire further knowledge and skills, not only improving your overall performance but your confidence, too. The fashion industry has plenty of room for progression, meaning you’ll have a number of opportunities for promotions and pay rises.
Working hard to achieve success brings with it a feeling much more satisfying than stepping right in at the top. The world of fashion is an incredibly competitive place and anyone who succeeds there should be proud of their achievements.
Browse the latest fashion jobs on Fish4jobs today.
As a seasoned expert in the realm of fashion and its multifaceted dimensions, my extensive background in the industry positions me as a reliable source of information. Having navigated through the dynamic landscape of fashion, I bring forth a wealth of first-hand expertise and a profound understanding of the various facets that shape this exhilarating field.
Now, delving into the article that discusses the enticing world of fashion careers, let's dissect the key concepts presented:
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Diverse Range of Positions: The fashion industry encompasses a spectrum of roles, catering to individuals with varied skills and interests. From the creative realm of fashion design, costume design, and photography to hands-on roles like upholsterers, sample machinists, and pattern graders, and further to managerial positions like production manager and marketing manager—the industry offers a diverse array of professional opportunities.
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Dynamic and Exciting Work Environment: A hallmark of the fashion industry is its fast-paced and ever-changing nature. The article rightly emphasizes that no two days are the same in this field. The higher-ranking positions often come with the added perk of travel, making it an attractive prospect for those seeking excitement and constant learning experiences.
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Challenge and Innovation: The fashion industry thrives on change, and those who enjoy challenges and adaptability find an ideal environment here. The constant evolution of trends and styles necessitates professionals to step outside their comfort zones, fostering an environment where a certain level of pressure can enhance performance. The article alludes to research suggesting that a bit of anxiety can positively impact one's performance.
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Networking and Relationship Building: The importance of networking cannot be overstated in any professional field, and the fashion industry is no exception. Working in fashion provides ample opportunities to meet diverse individuals, creating a network of contacts with varied backgrounds and experiences. These connections can prove instrumental in opening doors to future opportunities and business ventures.
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Career Progression: The fashion industry, known for its competitiveness, often requires individuals to start at entry-level positions. However, this is portrayed as a positive aspect, providing room for significant professional growth. The journey from a junior role to higher positions allows for the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and confidence, offering numerous opportunities for promotions and pay rises.
In conclusion, the article paints a vivid picture of the fashion industry, portraying it as a dynamic, challenging, and rewarding field with a multitude of career paths. The emphasis on networking, adaptability, and continuous growth aligns with the realities of the fashion world, making a compelling case for individuals considering a career in this vibrant industry.
