Part-Time Jobs in Fashion to Watch Out For

By Victoria Robertson on July 14, 2015

It’s no secret that the fashion industry is a tough field to get into, no matter what angle you’re approaching it from. However, by getting a head start through part-time fashion-related jobs, you’re setting yourself up for success from the start.

So, to help you get your foot in the door in the fashion industry, here are part-time jobs in fashion you’ll want to watch out for.

1. Campus Publications

Believe it or not, writing about fashion is one of the best ways to get yourself noticed. Most campus publications have a fashion section, and some are even centered around fashion.

Even if journalism isn’t your dream job, working part-time in a fashion section of a publication may just be the thing that sets you apart from other applicants in the future.

Look into publications such as College Fashionista, Her Campus, Uloop and any other campus-specific publications with a fashion section for you to write for.

Whether it’s paid or unpaid, this is the perfect way to begin your work with the fashion industry, no matter where within it you want to end up.

2. Retail

It’s paid, it’s easy and it’s actually a good place to start. Most students just entering college aren’t exactly full of experience: that’s why you’re in college.

And really, everyone needs to start somewhere. So if your resume is completely barren of anything fashion related, apply to any retail stores in the area that sell clothing, makeup or anything similar.

The more you familiarize yourself with fashion, the better, and retail is a great way to do so, especially in getting a look at seasonal clothing, beauty products that are popular, etc.

My suggestions are to look at Victoria’s Secret, Ulta, Sephora, TJ Maxx and other similar clothing/makeup stores.

3. Organizations

Retail isn’t the only way to start working in this industry, as there are countless organizations that are fashion-forward and hiring part-time workers all the time.

For instance, one fairly popular organization is Rent the Runway, which offers internships in numerous fields, including (but not limited to) graphic design, marketing and journalism.

This organization opens up many doors for potential fashion employees, and there are countless others that are similar. My suggestion is to Google some of your favorite fashion organizations and get an idea as to what openings are out there.

You’ll never know until you research it for yourself.

4. Sales

Yes, sales has a terrible reputation. However, when going into fashion, this is a great asset to have on your side.

Working sales doesn’t necessarily mean you need to work in fashion, just working sales at any store/organization and developing those basic sales skills is enough for your resume.

The fashion industry is full of sales positions and opportunities, and working part-time as a sales associate at any chain near you is the place to start. Any experience is good experience, and despite its reputation, sales is another fantastic way to open doors in the future.

5. Photography

With graphic design openings almost everywhere you look, photography isn’t a bad place to start either.

Most college campuses offer photography classes, and most publications are always looking for part-time photographers to help put visuals to text.

Also, freelance photography is a great way to get started in this field, by building up your portfolio and building up a clientele from the get-go.

If photography is the route you want to go in the fashion world (as it’s a bit more pricey just to try to get an in), then this is the perfect part-time job to start with.

6. Modeling

And last, but certainly not least, fashion and modeling typically go hand in hand, and how else would you get your foot in the door of the fashion world than by modeling in your college career?

Whether you just pose for some pictures for a friend, apply to modeling gigs around campus or help out your local publications by doing some free modeling, any way that you can build up your portfolio is a good way to go.

Of course, this is yet again a much tougher way to get into the industry, but if you’re going to pursue this route, make sure you’re getting experience in any way you can. If a part-time modeling gig opens up: take it.

Like I said, all experience is good experience, so don’t turn down opportunities if they’re available for the taking.

Trying to differentiate yourself in such a tough industry isn’t easy, but beginning with any of these part-time jobs is a great way to show your initiative and passion for the industry, even in the most lowly of beginning jobs.

So don’t knock it ‘til you try it, because that part-time job at a nothing store might just land you that dream job in the fashion industry.

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