One of the most competitive industries
Becoming a fashion major, everyone warned me about how competitive it would be. Of course I was just like okay, yeah people say that about everything. However, being a junior it’s really starting to hit me how difficult it is to get an internship or even just a job.
I have applied to over 25 internships for the summer. I have heard back from 8. Denied from each except for one (as of now). I usually would’ve thought it would be easier to find a job as a fashion merchandising student compared to fashion design obviously, since it is way harder for design students. But, it really isn’t any easier. You are competing against so many different people, and specifically if you want to get a job or internship in New York, it seems you have to be going to school in New York or even just close by (this is just from what I have seen, and from being denied from many New York locations).
In order to get somewhere in this industry, it is vital to have the big 3: volunteer experience, internship experience, or study abroad. Not only just those 3, but on top of that, various skills and a great LinkedIn and portfolio that stands out. For me, I feel like I have most of these things, but I still don’t feel as confident as I should – I still have a lot of gaps. I am currently working towards filling these gaps but part of me wishes it was easier to get jobs or even just internships.
I sometimes wonder what exactly these companies are looking for, does it stand out more to have an internship or study abroad? Does it stand out more to have gone to a bigger school like FIT or Parsons? As much as I love the school I go to and I know I can make the most out of my degree if I try hard enough, I do wonder if it’s easier for those bigger schools to get jobs or internships, which it most likely is.
At the end of the day, it is all up to you to brand yourself and make yourself stand out. I am fortunate to be going to New York this spring break (in about a week) with the VCUarts Fashion Department to network with alumni. I will be using this experience to put myself out there and really connect and network with these people. I will always stand by it’s about the people you know and talking to people that will get you where you want to be in life.
