1. THE INDUSTRY IS CUT-THROAT, BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE
When I first started voicing that I wanted to work in fashion, a lot of people told me that the industry was too hard. Too competitive. Too cut-throat.
And yes, it ain't easy. You don't just walk into your dream job, get a big fat paycheque on your first day or go into an interview without having to rank against a multitude of other applicants that all want the same thing. But please, name an industry that isn't the same.
Yeah, you have to work for it. Shocker. But if you truly do love this industry, you'll find that working up to your dream role is half the fun. There's so many different paths to take and even if you do have a few set backs (which you will), you'll find parts of the job you never expected to fall in love with!
Don't let anyone tell you your dream is impossible. I'm living proof that it's not. I didn't know a single person who worked in the industry when I started. I didn't even study it.
But I did love it. So if you've got that, a passion that will drive you and the patience to work and work and work until you get to where you want to be, you can do it too.
2. WORKING FOR FREE IS THE BEST WAY IN
Don't be scared of a few (hundred) coffee runs, a good internship is like the golden ticket to your career!
During my last year of uni I started an internship at Cosmopolitan Magazine and spent most of my time packing and sorting boxes and boxes of clothes. It wasn't glamorous, it was often boring but every now and then I got to go on-set, to a photoshoot or chat to one of the fashion stylists for a minute while we took the same elevator.
At the same time, I also ran my own photoshoots for Just Another Mannequin and yes, for the first few years I didn't get paid for a single one. I put in a lot of hours; styling, working with brands, booking photographers, shooting and editing all for free.
In the end I had a heck of a portfolio and a lot more to talk about during interviews, because saying you love fashion is one thing, but proving it with internships and creative projects of your own is way more impressive!
3. YOU DON'T HAVE TO STUDY FASHION TO LAND YOUR DREAM JOB
It's true, you don't need to go to a big fancy fashion university and spend a fortune on a piece of paper to get you where you want to go.
In saying that though, I would recommend you study something. Proving that you can commit to a course and complete it says a lot to potential employers. Plus, learning to juggle study, work, internships, a social life and regular life all at the same time will truly have you equipped for anything.
Just choose something you're interested in! I did a Bachelor of Communication because I loved how broad it was and I wasn't sure which area of fashion I wanted to end up in. My degree covered journalism, media and PR and I used my electives to take subjects from design (photography, graphic design etc) and marketing as well.
No matter if it's a 3 month TAFE course or 5 year degree, study something, finish it and make sure you're doing something more interesting on the side as well. Nobody wants to hear about all those hours you spent getting HDs, give them something that makes them remember your name.
4. FASHION DOES NOT MEAN DESIGNER
I don't think I've ever worn something designer in my life. Can I appreciate it? Sure. Would wearing it make me better at my job? Nope.
Don't think you need to have the latest trends or expensive clothes to be taken seriously. Let your work speak for you, not your outfits.
That being said, do always try to look polished, put together and true to your own style. That will go a lot further than relying on designer clothes to make you 'look good'.
Nobody is really going to care (or notice) if you're wearing last season Sportsgirl or this season Gucci. As long as you're working what you've got and doing a good job, you'll be fine.
5. YOU DON'T GET EVERYTHING FOR FREE
Ok so you might have heard that working in fashion gets you perks like gifts from fashion brands, invites to all the best parties and heaps of freebies. And you'd be right.
But... just because you're given a few freebies doesn't mean these brands expect nothing in return. It might be a feature in the next campaign you're styling, a better placement on your website or if you're a blogger, a photoshoot and post on your page.
Gifting from brands can be awesome, especially when you fall in love with their product or are already a genuine ambassador for them. Just don't fall into the trap of thinking that this is a fair payment for all that work you'll end up doing, or worse, let these gifts make you biased towards one brand over another.
Most of the time, you'll find it's better just to buy the $150 pair of boots yourself, rather than busting your butt or pulling a million strings just to get them for free.
*BONUS* 6. IT'S THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD
I mean, name another job where it's absolutely acceptable to spend Friday afternoon arranging shoes.
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