Apparel Design Student Career Path Guide

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As we approach the end of the semester, many students may start the job hunt for an internship, their career, or just to gain experience between semesters. Personally, I have been eager to look for a fashion related job that will provide me with quality experience. There are many routes an apparel design student can take in their career, and I am excited to elaborate on the research I’ve done for this career field. The fashion industry is extremely competitive, and in order to make it to the top you must be very driven. However, I believe that with persistence and a strong work ethic, anyone can become successful in this industry. Continue reading to learn more about apparel design career paths and how you can achieve your preferred position.

1. Fashion Designer

This is a more basic career path for design students, but I do feel like many have this in mind when studying fashion design. This job is pretty versatile; you have the ability to design anything apparel-related from clothing to shoes to accessories. It is a great choice for creatives who are interested in sewing, drawing, and even business. This career is highly competitive, and success can take a while. Building a strong portfolio with your ideas and illustrations is a great way to begin. In addition to that, learning Adobe programs, studying fashion business, and making connections in the industry goes a long way as well. Being a persistent and driven individual when starting out will help you reach success in the long run.

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2. Stylist (Personal/Celebrity)

This career path has been very intriguing and on my mind for quite an amount of time. If you love trend forecasting and putting together outfits, this is the job for you. Most stylists are either personal or celebrity stylists, both of which require lots of experience in order to get your name out there. Building a portfolio of outfits you have put together and clients you’ve styled helps, as does reaching out to make connections with those already in the industry. I have reached out to a few celebrity stylists and stylists in the Atlanta area to ask them more about how they achieved their high-level status. While I haven’t gotten a response from everyone I’ve reached out to, those that did reply gave me great advice. It can be nerve racking to do this, but even if you don’t get a response, it’s good to know you tried. The stylists I have talked to said that getting involved in fashion-related clubs and even reaching out to friends with your styling tips have helped them. Anything you can do to gain styling skills and recognition goes a long way even if it doesn’t feel like it at first. Styling usually starts out as a freelance job, but there is always the possibility of eventually working with an agency. Being a stylist is a fun way to be involved in the creative side of the fashion industry while working with individuals who are searching for a personal style.

3. Costume Designer (Film/Theater)

Costume design is another career path that I have been really into lately. It is much like styling because you are putting outfits together and studying a story to make sure pieces go along with the production. Costume design has two routes: film or theater, and both are incredibly interesting. I have reached out to a few costume designers on Instagram that have worked on big productions for streaming outlets like Netflix and HBO. By doing this I have learned what their job mainly consists of: long hours, lots of hard work, but also a fun and rewarding job experience. Success in this job requires working hard to make connections and gain experience, building a strong portfolio, and having a strong passion. I learned that costume designers are often on productions for long periods of time (sometimes around six to eight months) and that each day usually isn’t the same. They also mentioned getting to travel for their job, working with exciting people, shopping for outfits, drawing or sketching their ideas, and getting to see their work come to life. If you are interested in the film and fashion industry, I would say this is a perfect career path for you. You must be open and willing to work your way up, but overall it is an extremely unique career path.

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4. Fashion Editor

A fashion editor’s job is really special because you are often working behind the scenes of the fashion industry. Usually, a fashion editor would be employed by a magazine or blog to produce content, organize photoshoots, work with brands, and attend fashion shows. This job is fast- paced but also extremely entertaining. Personally, I love the endless opportunities this career path has to offer. Many popular magazines and blogs offer these positions, and if you are someone who can’t work a nine-to-five cubicle job, this would be a fabulous option for you.

5. Visual Merchandiser

Visual merchandising is an ideal path for those who are creative and fascinated by design. Visual merchandisers typically put together store displays, work on creating an image for a brand, and plan and execute ways to bring in sales. Visual merchandising positions also can offer the option to travel, as you would design and construct displays for different storefronts. This job is perfect for those who are creatives or designers and want an enriching, satisfying career path. Taking a visual merchandising class at Auburn might help you decide if this is a right fit for you!

While the fashion industry may be competitive, success is attainable in this field. It requires lots of hard work, energy, and drive, and those who are passionate are going to be successful. Hopefully this article will help you consider your fashion interests and decide what career route you want to pursue post-college. Opportunities are endless, and there is room for everybody in this exhilarating industry!