Fashion and design : Entry and progression

How do I find a job?

University careers services can be a good point starting for researching the market and refining your job search.

The British Library has an online British Library Fashion Industry Guide , July 2010, listing fashion directories, trade magazines, newsletters, internet sources and market research.

Jobs can be advertised on a variety of websites, ranging from specialist websites such as Drapers Jobs and Fashion United to fashion and design recruitment agencies such as Fashion Therapy, Freedom Recruitment  and Creative Jobs . More useful sites covering fashion in the broader sense of media are PR Week , The Business of Fashion (BOF) , Diary Directory and Fashion Monitor .

Attending trade fairs and exhibitions can provide a good opportunity for gathering employer information. Pure  and Moda  are the UK’s leading fashion trade exhibitions in the sector. Career fairs are also a good way of networking and distributing your CV for future employment.

Whilst networking, websites such as FashionCapital  are useful for researching fashion shows, exhibitions and jobs; designer forums such as East Midlands Textiles Association (EMTEX) Ltd  and Creative Fashion Forum  can offer up-to-date industry advice and information on trends, training and business support. Blogs have also become a useful networking tool for sharing good practice and generating business and freelance opportunities.

Find our more about job application advice.

What skills do I need?

Employers within the fashion and design industry seek an array of skills and qualities including communication, time management, organisational, entrepreneurial, flexibility and commercial awareness, as well as a genuine interest and commitment in the sector. They may also require technical knowledge of garment technology, information technology, production management and textile technology, and have good business acumen.

Foreign languages are very useful, particularly when liaising with manufacturers and designers in Asia, Africa and Europe. Undertaking work experience or volunteering can be a useful means of develop some of these skills.

Your studies develop skills needed to enter the sector. However, relevant experience, even working on the shop floor, can boost your CV. Attending specific events such as the British Graduate Fashion Week and London Fashion Week  can help you develop your networking skills and knowledge of the sector.

Professional membership of bodies such as the Chartered Society of Designers (CSD) , Textile Institute  and British Fashion Council  can help you to develop and update your industrial awareness and networking skills. 

Where can I find work experience?

The competitive world of fashion and design has made work experience a vital aspect of career building. Many degrees require you to undertake several work placements or an internship for the summer months. 

Work experience is an essential means of developing your business and commercial awareness and knowledge of the sector. It can be a useful way of developing your technical, organisational and networking skills as well as refining your future career focus.

Use your academic department and careers service to source a relevant placement. They will have established links with employers and use this opportunity to research employers you would like to work for in the future.

Use your job-hunting skills and personal and professional networks to approach employers with an up to date and tailored CV and covering letter, introducing your skills, achievements and interest in the company.

Can U Cut It?  provides useful guidelines for work experience, suggesting a portfolio may be essential, including technical drawings, patterns and actual garments you have made.

Is postgraduate study useful?

Postgraduate study is not necessary to get into the sector, however in a competitive market it can help you develop a more extensive portfolio and specialist knowledge. Additionally, if your first degree is not directly fashion-related, postgraduate study can help you acquire more specific technical knowledge and demonstrate your commitment to the industry.

Professional affiliation and qualifications are vital for professional networking and keeping up to date with trends, brands and the industry as a whole. The following professional bodies offer courses, training, business advice and support within the sector:  

• Chartered Society of Designers (CSD)  
• Textile Institute  
• Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)  
• UK Fashion & Textile Association  

How can my career develop?

Careers may be structured within certain areas and graduates may start on the shop floor, as assistant or retail manager or in a clerical position in the merchandising/buying department and work their way up to buyer.

The fashion and design industry relies heavily on networking. Knowing and getting known by the right people is essential for your career development, especially for jobs such as designer, photographer, journalist, for example.

Alternatively, you may find yourself freelancing or even start your own business.