Jobs in fashion: an overview of creative, commercial and technical apprenticeships

If you want to pursue a career in the fashion industry, there are several options to choose from, including fashion management, textile technology, or different creative job roles. In this guide, we will show you the most popular jobs in the fashion industry, from a fashion designer, garment technician, fashion journalist, to a fashion manager. We cover the different roles, requirements, and training paths. We will also give you some tips on starting a career and applying for jobs in the fashion industry.

Tips & information for getting started in the fashion industry

So, you have decided that you want a career in fashion? But what are the next steps? We have put together some tips on how to get into career the fashion industry.

Identify your strengths

The first step is to ask yourself in which areas your strengths lie. Is it strategic planning and organisation? Are you more interested in the natural sciences? Or you are creative? These questions are a good starting point to see which area of the fashion industry is suitable for you, fashion management, fashion design, creative fashion professions or textile technology.

Gaining practical experience

Internships with fashion companies can be very helpful to get started in the fashion industry. Fashion internships are great for networking and making contacts as well as talking to people who are well into their careers for some real insights. You also gain practical skills that will help you when applying for jobs . For some, a fashion internship even opens the door for an apprenticeship or future employer.

Broaden your horizons

The fashion industry is international, so it is a good idea to gain experience abroad. Besides improving your language skills, you will learn new ways of working, broaden your skills and you will also get to discover new places and other cultures. In addition, an internship abroad can help you find a job later.

CheckIn general, we advise you to keep up to date with trends and developments in the fashion industry. This includes knowing about the most important magazines and media outlets as well as the top designers and brands.

CheckIn general, we advise you to keep up to date with trends and developments in the fashion industry. This includes knowing about the most important magazines and media outlets as well as the top designers and brands.

Tips for applying to work in the fashion industry

A job application gives your potential employer the first impression of you and your skills. If your application is impressive, you are more likely to get invited to an interview.

The following tips will help you with your interview- whether in person or online.

Job application tips for the fashion industry

In the fashion industry the same formalities apply to your CV and cover letter as in other sectors, but you can be creative in the design. Your application is like a digital business card that describes you and your skills. It is important to get the right balance. If your application is too cluttered or the design is too complicated, it can visually overwhelm the reader, so choose your work samples and layout carefully.

NoteA popular design option is to match the application to the company's brand identity. This way you show your potential employer that you have researched their company and that you are a good fit.

NoteA popular design option is to match the application to the company's brand identity. This way you show your potential employer that you have researched their company and that you are a good fit.

Tips for the perfect interview outfit

If the company find your application interesting t, then you are one step closer to your dream job. The next step is the job interview. What you decide to wear to a job interview in the fashion industry is particularly important. A stylish outfit will show your interest in fashion and express your own style.

Casually dressed woman introduces herself at a job interview.

The perfect interview outfit

  • Choose a fashionable
  • Only wear clothes that fit properly.
  • Put together an outfit that highlights your personality and style. A casual look would be a leather jacket with jeans, for example, and a more formal look with a blazer or suit. If you want to dress casually for the interview, a pair of jeans and a high-quality T-shirt or jumper is a good choice. If you have a sporty style, cloth trousers with a blouse/shirt and trainers would be a good choice.
  • Make sure your outfit matches the company and the position. If you are applying for a job in a more technical field, you can dress more casually. If you are applying for a fashion designer job, you should wear something more fashionable.
  • Your overall impression includes shoes, bag and a portfolio. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid dirty shoes or stains on your work samples.

Many employers now conduct interviews online. The interviewer only sees your top half, so it is important to wear colours that work well with your skin tone and hair. Also, make sure that the lighting is strong enough, in the right direction and natural. Sit facing or next to a window rather than having a window behind you.

AttentionDon't forget your background for the video call. It should be calm and not distracting. The background should help create a consistent overall picture.

AttentionDon't forget your background for the video call. It should be calm and not distracting. The background should help create a consistent overall picture.

An overview of jobs in the fashion industry

If you want to dedicate your career to fashion, you can work in a commercial, creative, or technical job field. Depending on the focus, the training paths and perspectives differ. In general, it is an advantage if you have good sense of fashion, basic business knowledge, computer literate and enjoy working in a team. If you start putting together your own portfolio early on, you will be well prepared for a good start. In the following articles, you will learn more about the most popular careers in fashion.

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Designer sketches a dress while studying fashion design.

Careers in Fashion Design: Working as a Fashion Designer, Fashion Tailor, Jewellery Designer & more

Do you want to design and tailor items that inspire the fashion industry? Then you are likely to find the right job in the field of fashion design. In this article, we have summarised popular professions in fashion design from a fashion designer, textile and fashion tailor, fashion illustrator, shoemaker to a jewellery designer. Learn more about the training opportunities and what the jobs entail.

A young laboratory technician wearing safety goggles looking  at a solution  in the laboratory.

An overview of occupations and training for textile and clothing technology

Do you love fashion and technology? Then you'll feel right at home in textile and clothing technology. This area of the fashion industry is essential for clothing production. We will show you which exciting professions are waiting for you in textile technology and introduce you to some professions, for example, garment technicians, textile laboratory assistants, and print designer. In addition, we will provide some information about the study requirements.

A young laboratory technician wearing safety goggles looking  at a solution  in the laboratory.
A fashion photographer doing a photoshoot with a model in a photo studio.

Working as a visual merchandiser, fashion photographer, fashion journalist & more

If you are creative and have a passion for fashion the artistic fashion professions may be just right for you. In this article, we will give you an overview of the different creative job roles in the fashion industry. Among others, you will learn more about visual merchandising, costume designing, and fashion editing. For each profession, you will learn more about the different requirements and training opportunities. 

A fashion management professional working on a tablet in a clothes shop.

Training & prospects of commercial professions in fashion management

Are you passionate about fashion and have a good understanding of business management? Then fashion management may be perfect for you. Your skills will come in handy in a variety of ways as a fashion manager, textile manager, fashion buyer or store manager. To give you a good overview of the professions in fashion management, we have put together some important information on the job roles, training and requirements.

A fashion management professional working on a tablet in a clothes shop.

Sources:

https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/workplace-talent/10-tips-to-break-into-fashion/
(accessed on 06.06.2022)

hhttps://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/trends/a10183/working-in-fashion/
(accessed on 06.06.2022)

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