How to Find a Job with a Fashion Design Degree

Did You Know.... The International Academy Of Design & Technology offers an online bachelors degree program in fashion merchandising as well as associates and bachelors degree programs in retail merchandise management. Learn more about IADT's online fashion programs.

So, what do you once you get your fashion design degree? The path is simple: market yourself, market yourself, market yourself. You know that you are talented, and armed with your fashion design degree, it is time to make sure everyone else knows this too. While you are in school, decide what aspect of fashion design you wish to focus on, and then do what it takes to get there. It is no secret that fashion design is a skills-based industry - creativity is crucial, but your applicable skills are just as important if you want to get your foot in the door. Potential employers want to see what you know, and what you can do. Show them!
The first way to properly marketing yourself involves building out a thorough, professional-looking portfolio. Do not fret if you are a recent graduate, employers understand this and are happy to consider your best student work as an example of your abilities. Spend time carefully tailoring your selections because the portfolio you present is your chance to make a memorable first impression.
It is also important to have versatile skills. It is likely that you won't start out as the head designer or the creative directory - no matter how wonderfully talented you are. You want to be seen as an asset no matter what position a potential employer has available. So, make sure that you have the creative skills, the ability to troubleshoot, devloped critical thinking skills. Impress your employers no matter what role you fill and you are well on your way to a successful career.
Okay, so the most important advice we offer budding fashion designers is to be prepared for and willing to do anything. Don't be afraid to take a job answering phones for Calvin Klein or manning the copy machine for Prada. Just view any opportunity as a way to get started. Keep your eye on your long-term goal but be willing to settle for less in the beginning.
Just for a little extra boost of encouragement, consider the first jobs of same of the most famous designers in the industry. Ralph Lauren was a door-to-door tie salesman. Coco Chanel worked as a retail saleswoman in a hosiery store. Salvatore Ferragamo worked in a boot manufacturing plant, and Marc Jacobs was a stock boy for a New York clothing store. Laura Ashley was a secretary and Manolo Blahnik was a jean buyer for a department store. Humble beginnings? Certainly. The talent of the household brand names mentioned here didn't just suddenly pop out of out nowhere. Instead, these designers believed in their talent and were willing to do what it took to break into the industry. Remember this.
Whatever you do, pursue your career in fashion with passion and intense dedication. Start each day with a healthy dose of optimism and know that if you work hard enough for long enough, your dream job can happen. See you on the runway!