So You Want to Work in Fashion..

Some of the questions I receive most via my blog are in relation to working in fashion, going to school for it, and getting an awesome internship. I've created some of my most commonly asked questions & answers and some of my personal experiences. If you have any more questions or advice, feel free to post them in the comments!

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What job opportunities are there in the fashion industry?
A lot of people assume if you want to work in fashion you're limited to fashion design or merchandising, but there are way more opportunities. Consider becoming a stylist, retail store management, visual merchandising, owning your own boutique, public relations, costume designer,magazine editorials, or even doing social media for a fashion company. Here is a great list of job descriptions!

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I need an internship, where do I start?
Narrow down what area of fashion you're most interested in pursuing. First compile a list of companies you'd be interested in working for. Then, send out email inquiries (if there is no internship information on their website) or resumes to the Human Resources contact.  There are great resources at free fashion internshipsthe fashion intern, internships.com, and daily fashion jobs.

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Do I need a degree in fashion?
For a lot of jobs it's not necessary, but it can be useful background knowledge and required for a lot of entry-level positions in a buying or merchandising departments. There are schools like F.I.T.,Parsons, F.I.D.M. in Los Angeles as well as other techinical schools around the country. I opted to do a Fashion Merchandising program at a big university, so I could get the best of both worlds; a college experience and a degree in something I love!

 Even if your school doesn't have a fashion major, Journalism, Advertising, and Public Relations are good related fields. It's beneficial to have an understanding of retail and design. Here is a great resource to Learn about Fashion Industry trends.
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What should I do to make myself stand out as a job/intern candidate?
Show your passion and enthusiasm for the fashion industry. I started my blog as my own creative outlet, and it ended up becoming a sort of virtual resume for me; showing my interest in forecasting trends, styling, and writing. Get experience wherever you can, whether volunteering for fashion week events big or small, working part-time for a retail store, or joining a professional organization such as my school's Collegiate Merchandising Association. Network! Network! Network!

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Working in the fashion industry is not as glamorous as it seems, but it definitely has its perks. Going to work every day is so much more enjoyable when you're doing something you love. For me that's being surrounded by clothes, choosing products I know customers will love, and being able to see hard work come to fruition! I can't wait to get started.

What are your questions or advice about working in fashion? My next post will features your tips and answers to your questions. 

xoxo, Lauren