Cutting it in the fashion industry
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realise your potential: fashion www.ucreative.ac.uk/careers
cutting it in the fashion industry
Let’s face it, you’ve chosen to pursue a career in one of the most cut-throat, ego-driven
and image obsessed industries on the planet. But you’ve made your bed...
With thousands of fashion and textiles graduates
emerging into the working world each year and only a
limited number of jobs, this booklet is designed to help
you focus on which industry roles might suit you best
and how to take things forward.
Advice & Student Finances | Careers Services | Counselling | Disability & SpLD Support | English for Academic Purposes | Health & Wellbeing
realise your potential: fashion www.ucreative.ac.uk/careers
narrow the odds!
Competition for a role in the fashion industry, however minor, can be positively brutal.
So what can you do to make the odds work more in your favour?
Specialise Be a winner
It’s no great surprise that fashion courses are crammed with New and established competitions for creative work
eager and talented hopefuls ready to sell their souls for a job are run by companies and organisations every year.
in the business. Finding a niche area of work in which you Sometimes just simply registering to enter these allows
establish yourself as a specialist can make a very positive you access to networking opportunities and winning a
difference to the way you are perceived in the industry and prize is an attention catching achievement on any CV.
really cut away the competition. Make a special effort to
discover what areas of expertise are in short supply and do See Fashion Competitions on the UCA Careers Web
your best to meet the need. Resource www.ucreative.ac.uk/careers-fashion.
Small is beautiful Volunteer
Small and medium-sized employers dominate the A proven willingness to get stuck in and involve
fashion design sector. In fact, more than 80 per cent of yourself in fashion-related events such as catwalk
establishments have 10 employees or fewer. shows or college open days speaks volumes to
employers about your motivation and commitment.
Large employers (establishments with 200+ employees) are Organisations often put out calls for volunteers when
very few in number, but vitally important, as they account for mounting an event - but why wait to be asked?
around one fifth of the people employed in the sector.
www.fashionfringe.co.uk
Students often try going straight to the big names in fashion, www.lebook.com/connections
publishing or media when looking for work placements. www.londonfashionweek.co.uk
Whilst this could pay off big time, many of these major www.purelondon.com
players in industry may look for evidence of previous
experience with less well-known companies before offering
a place on their team. Smaller businesses are often more Get help
ready to give you real responsibility on a project and your
fresh approach and ideas are more likely to get exposure. UCA Careers Advisers are available at every campus
for one-to-one consultations and short drop-in
meetings. Graduates can continue to use our service
Show off work for up to three years after completing their studies.
Opportunities for budding fashion writers, illustrators The UCA Careers web resource has all the information
and photographers to get in print can often be found you need to move your career forward. UCA Careers
with smaller circulation lifestyle publications and online have produced a series of booklets including: Personal
magazines. Always on the lookout for fresh ideas and Promotion (CVs and applications, promoting yourself
talent, many feature on our website or call for entries on online, etc), Pitching Yourself at Interview and Wise up
their own sites. This can generate some really impressive to Work Experience, all available online and in printed
material for your CV or portfolio. format.
Keeping a blog to demonstrate your writing or other
creative passions is now almost a must for anyone hoping
to break into the publishing world.
Front cover image: Iveta Zaurinyte, BA (Hons) Textiles for Fashion & Interiors, UCA Farnham
alumni in fashion Vicky Gray, BA (Hons) Fashion (2009)
Asst. Garment Technologist, Boden
I’ve been incredibly lucky with my career. During my second year
of studying fashion, I secured a work placement at a couture
dressmakers in Eton, Berkshire. They had never taken on a student
before, but I was as proactive and helpful as possible and in the end
they kept me on for 6 months, which was great for my CV.
I went straight from graduating at UCA to a postgraduate course,
so had no time to think about a job! From the time I finished my
postgraduate studies, it took almost 6 months for me to find any
Emma Golley, BA (Hons) Fashion (2011) work, after writing application after application.
Womenswear Designer, Matthew Williamson
In the end, I found an email address on a job application for
a senior level position at Arcadia (Topshop, Burtons, etc).
I graduated from UCA Epsom last year and am now (June 2012)
Although it was a senior position advertised, the email address
very fortunate to be designing for the Matthew Williamson range
given as the contact was a real person, and not an agency, which
at Debenhams. When I was at UCA, my first internship was at
is incredibly rare. I took a chance and wrote to them directly, and
Matthew Williamson’s head office. I continued my internship there
a few days later got an email back from the HR office at Arcadia,
into the summer, followed by House of Holland and Reiss. Then
offering me a work placement in the area I had enquired about –
in the winter I interned at Diane Von Furstenberg in New York
Garment Technology.
which was an amazing experience.
When I graduated I was worried about how long it might take to “What really helped to sell my CV... was
get a job and worried I’d lose motivation, so I did an internship at the administration experience I had, which
French Connection a month after graduating, whilst applying for really helped during the interview.”
jobs online; my intention was to be there for as long as it took to
get a job and it was the best decision I made. Not only did I learn
a huge amount but I was also given tons of advice about applying I went for an informal chat and started the placement the next
for jobs and I am still in contact with the team there now. day. Whilst at Arcadia, a member of staff recommended me to an
agency called Fashion & Retail Personnel, who had a job lined up
I applied for lots of jobs everyday and signed up to lots of agencies, for me the moment I went to see them in their London office.
it really is a must for getting a job, you really do have to keep
I went for the interview and got offered the job there and then –
applying and doing all you can; you have to be very determined.
after only one month’s work experience at Arcadia. What really
Also the more contacts you can get the better, whether it is fellow
helped to sell my CV to the company was the administration
interns or designers you meet on your work placements, as it really
experience I had, which really helped during the interview.
does come down to who you know sometimes.
Since then, I’ve been promoted, and I’ve now been working for
Four months into my internship at French Connection I had had a the company for two years as an Assistant Garment Technologist,
couple of interviews, but one day a friend I had met on a previous fitting garments on models and ensuring the garments fit
internship told me about the Matthew job at Debenhams and beautifully and are well made.
gave me a contact. I emailed my CV, portfolio and cover letter
and after a couple of interviews and a project I had to do, I was
offered a job!
To work for my favourite designer on a commercial level was my
dream job and I got very lucky! For interviews I would advise to
dress the part and appear as confident and friendly as you can
as personality is hugely important. If you are going to be working
in a team they want to see if you could gel with the other team
members, and obviously a great portfolio helps especially if it
suits the brand you’re applying to.
realise your potential: fashion www.ucreative.ac.uk/careers
skills & qualities
required by employers
Take a serious look at the breakdown of skills and qualities listed below. Try to show in
your job and placement applications how your experience reflects some of those most
required in your chosen occupation. It could just make a difference.
Generic Skills & Qualities Skills by Occupation
Qualities: determination; enthusiasm; self-motivation; Fashion Design: Good eye for colour, texture
self-reliance; resilience; stamina; flexibility; adaptability; and shape; knowledge of fabrics; technical skills
initiative; willingness to learn; curiosity; creativity; good (pattern cutting, sewing); trend spotting; drawing;
eye for colour; knowledge of the fashion industry. proficiency in CAD, Photoshop, InDesign and
Illustrator; understanding of production processes;
Skills: interpersonal; communication; IT knowledge; commercial awareness; negotiation and influencing.
networking; presentation; commercial awareness;
problem solving; decision-making; research; time Textile Design: Creative flair; feel for colour, texture
management; self- promotion; team-working; attention and pattern; understanding of different techniques
to detail. and properties of materials; proficiency in CAD,
Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator; ability to budget
Annie Harris
and cost out work.
BA (Hons) Fashion Textiles: Print
UCA Rochester Pattern Cutting: Knowledge of fabric and its relation to
the pattern; visual and written communication (ability
to interpret a designer’s work in drawings); speed and
accuracy; interest in fashion and trends; confident
numeracy for measurements and calculations.
Promotion/PR/Marketing: Interpersonal; strong
verbal & written communication; presentation; keeping
calm under duress; ability to deal with demanding
clients, press etc.; diplomatic and discreet; obsessive
knowledge and passion for the fashion industry.
Styling: Aesthetic sense; creative flair; initiative;
wide range of visual knowledge and references;
Vicky Gray’s top tips ability to cope with rejection; stamina to work long,
varied hours; team-working (ie. with photographers,
e to
Be persistent – It takes tim
models, clients, etc).
and keep
find a job, but be patient Illustration: Awareness of and ability to convey
definitive drawing style to clients; strong networking;
trying ability to perform under pressure and meet deadlines.
Forecasting: Analytical and research experience;
l
Look for real people’s emai extensive product knowledge; interpersonal skills and
persuasiveness; curiosity.
ns, not
addresses in job applicatio
just agencies
Journalism: Communication and interpersonal; strong
verbal and written communication; accuracy and
alumni in fashion
attention to detail; strong-mindedness and determination;
flexible personality and ability to cope with uncertainty and
change; confidence to contribute ideas. Edwina Wildey, BA (Hons) Fashion (2011)
Site Genius, Stylesight.com
Buying: Blend of creative and commercial; knowledge
I graduated June 2011 with a 2:1 in BA (Hons) Fashion from
of supply chain; appreciation of domestic market and
UCA Epsom. I started looking for work from March 2011
the competition; highly analytical; strong IT; ability to
but did not find my current position until October 2011.
work under pressure; negotiation and influencing; sound
knowledge of trends and forecasting; organisation and
Over the summer, whilst looking, I decided to do work
decision making; confidence in international travel.
placements to keep myself busy and to build on my CV. I
had previously worked for Dorothy Perkins in my second
Merchandising: Numeracy (ability to interpret and use
year as a 4 week placement in the design department and
numbers and statistics for sales analysis); business
when going back, decided to do a placement in one of their
acumen; creative problem-solving; ability to work
buying departments to see how this team worked.
under pressure; technical understanding of product
manufacture; strong IT.
Another placement I did whilst studying was as a design
assistant for Supremebeing. This was a great experience,
Visual Merchandising: Creative flair for composition and
as they worked so differently from my previous placements.
layout; spatial sense; team-working; ability to manage
a budget; physical stamina; awareness of company brand
image; product knowledge and display techniques. “...all of a sudden I had three interviews
in a week and then things happened
Personal Shopper, Image Consultant: Interpersonal and really quickly...”
listening skills; discretion; sensitivity; tact; presentation
(for corporate workshops and seminars); colour analysis;
I am currently working for trend forecasting website,
style analysis (including hair and make-up); organisational
Stylesight. My role officially is as a Site Genius. This
and planning skills; close attention to detail; business
involves me training our clients how to use the website,
acumen (as often self employed); confident working with
answering navigational questions on the site, and generally
budgets.
being the in-between point for the editors and their clients
by gaining feedback. In my role I interact on a daily basis
with designers, buyers, and students using the site to help
them with their design/buying processes.
I did find it difficult once I had graduated to find a job but all
of a sudden I had three interviews in a week and then things
happened really quickly.
Vicky G
ray’s top
tips My advice to students graduating soon would be to gain
as much experience as possible when you can; also be
Think ab open minded to the opportunities that come your way.
out your
adminis CV – is th Personalising your email per company is long-winded but
tration w ere any they will receive dozens a day and yours needs to stand out.
you can ork you’v
put e done th
level fash on your CV? All at
ion jobs a entry
level, so a re Admin
ny experi istration
relevant ence you
have of it
is
Don’t gi
Neil Bottle
ve up!
MA Design
UCA Rochester
realise your potential: fashion www.ucreative.ac.uk/careers
what do alumni in fashion
graduates do? Kathy Rider, BA (Hons) Fashion (2006)
Asst. Garment Technologist, Marks & Spencer
Each year the Careers Service carries out a
survey of new graduates to see what they have
gone on to do after their course. This survey of
graduate ‘Destinations’ gives a snapshot of
what UCA graduates were doing approximately
six months after the end of their studies.
I began my career working at TM Lewin & Son, a small but
very successful men & women’s suiting company, having been
Below is a selection of job titles of graduates, and some offered a permanent position after completing work experience
of the company names they are now working for. with the brand during my studies. As I undertook the placement
at the beginning of my second year, I was fortunate to be offered
Starting salaries for graduates of fashion-related courses a one day a week position and when I graduated this turned full
averaged at around £17-18,000 per year. time. Initially a Technical Assistant, my role changed over 6 years
from the technical side to becoming a Product Developer, where I
was able to undertake some design and buying functions.
Job Titles Job Titles
In 2011 I left to join the brand TOPSHOP. Here I had sole
• Advertising Executive • Merchandising Asst. responsibility for the Boutique brand, Unique catwalk collections
• Buyers Admin Asst. • PR Officer/Asst. and designer collaborations, outerwear, tailoring & maternity
• Clothing Designer • Photographer wear. This was a fast-paced and vibrant brand to work for - I
• Editorial Asst. • Quality Assurance Technician loved every second.
• Events Management Asst. • Retail Manager
• Graphic Designer • Sales/Retail Consultant
My current place of work is Marks & Spencer, working as
• Journalist • Tailor/Dressmaker
an Assistant Product Technologist on knitwear for brands Per
• Marketing Executive/Asst. • Web Designer
Una & Limited Collection. Knitwear was not something I had
previously had a great deal of experience in and I was eager to
Fashion Companies Publishing, PR, Events etc. continue my learning and work in a new and fresh environment.
• Asos • AEG Worldwide The technical area was not something I was even aware of at
• Erdem • BBC university – I was convinced I wanted to be a buyer. However, this is a
• French Connection • Bartle Bogle Hegarty brilliant position to have in any company. You work closely with Buying
• Gran Moda • Bauer Media & Design to help achieve an overall look, as well as ensuring the fabric
• Hugo Boss • Citi Studio is correct, the garment is fit for purpose and most importantly that the
• JMH Lifestyle Group • Conde Nast Publishers fit is spot on for your customer. On a day-to-day basis, I am running
• Jaeger • Closer Magazine fit meetings with a model and buying team, liaising with suppliers on
• Karen Millen • Elle Magazine
fits, new yarns we are developing and testing procedures. Attention
• LK Bennett • Fashioncapital.co.uk
to detail and obsession about quality is key – as well as always keeping
• Lipsy • Image Box PR
• my-wardrobe.com • Inca Productions the customer’s needs and perspectives at the forefront!
• Reem Alasadi • Tea & Cake PR
• Selfridges • WGSN My advice would be to look at other areas in the business;
take work experience where you can and look into other
positions as they may leapfrog you to where you want to be
further down the line, once you have proved your worth within
a company. I have seen many people change field completely
within a company, once their foot was in the door.
The information provided is taken from the 2009/10 Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey.
recommended websites
UCA Careers Fashion Sector - go to www.ucreative.ac.uk/careers-fashion
for jobs, work placements, recruitment sites and competitions.
Industry Information Company Information
www.prospects.ac.uk/industries.htm www.lebook.com/gb
Includes Fashion and Design, Advertising, Marketing, PR, etc. Searchable database covering a range of fashion
occupations
www.creativeskillset.org/fashion_and_textiles
Skills Council Information www.lebook.com/connections
Fashion Imaging show website. Go to ‘Past Shows’
www.businessoffashion.com for names of exhibitors
The Business of Fashion is an influential blog including a
daily complimentary newsletter www.londonfashionweek.co.uk
Major UK fashion show site. See ‘Designers’ tab for
A-Z of exhibitors
www.mpdclick.com
Includes useful free Fashion News section under ‘Business’ tab
recommended books www.fashionalliance.co.uk/index_search.php
Fashion Business toolkit and directory of UK
Careers in Fashion & Textiles – Helen Gorowek Manufacturers
(Blackwell Publishing)
Marketing Fashion – Harriet Posner
(Lawrence King)
Freelance Fashion Designer’s Handbook – Paula Keech
(John Wiley & Sons)
Starting Your Career as a Photo Stylist – Susan Linnet Cox
(Allworth Press)
The Fashion Careers Guidebook – Julia Yates
(A&C Black)
The Fashion Design Directory – Marnie Fogg
(Thames & Hudson)
These books are available for reference in the University
Library and can be found in the Careers Section.
Gemma Williams
BA (Hons) Fashion
UCA Epsom
realise your potential: fashion www.ucreative.ac.uk/careers
Check our web
s
myUCA/myF ite or
information about the u
for details of ture
ou
confidential C r
careers service appointments reers
term-time only nd
a
a
UCA Careers provide an inclusive high-quality career development, drop-in servic
information, advice and guidance service. Our aim is to enable e.
and empower you to make well-informed life choices and
effectively manage your own career.
The Careers Service is accredited to the Services & Resources
matrix quality Standard for delivering a
quality information, advice and guidance • Workshops & Presentations
service and works to the matrix quality • Jobs & Creative Opportunities
Standards framework. • Dedicated Online Web Resources
The Careers Service holds full membership of • Specialist Careers Libraries
the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory • Advice & Guidance
Services, which guarantees a service that • E - guidance
is impartial, confidential, transparent and • Business Awareness
accessible. • Graduate Services – for up to three
years following graduation
What we do:
Contact us
• We work closely with courses and engage careers@ucreative.ac.uk
with industry professionals within the
creative sector to support your career T +44 (0) 1252 892619
development and employability. T +44 (0) 1622 620123
• We provide services to enable you to
assess your skills and attributes; access Equality & Diversity
a wide range of career opportunities and
provide the support and networks to help The Careers Service encourages and supports
you achieve your career goals. equality of opportunity for all students in their career
development planning and employability. We aim to
We do not: deliver
Don’t knowanwhat
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needquality careers
to go on education
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service, enabling all students and new graduates to
• Provide recruitment services involving realise their potential and respecting each individual
pre-selecting or matching candidates for the whatever their age, gender, disability, sexual
job vacancies we advertise on our website orientation, marital status, race, religion, colour,
on behalf of employers. nationality, ethnic or natural origin.
• Prepare a CV or job/course application for you.
• Disclose information about you to a third If you require material produced by the Careers
party without your consent unless we feel Service in any other format please contact a
member of the Careers Team.
you are a risk to yourself or others.
Advice & Student Finances | Careers Services | Counselling | Disability & SpLD Support | English for Academic Purposes | Health & Wellbeing
Many thanks to our alumni for sending us their career stories and photos for inclusion.
If you require this material in any other format, please contact a member of the Careers Team.
© UCA Careers Service 2012
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