It’s essential that you don’t underestimate the importance of work experience when it comes to securing a job in the fashion industry. And it’s because it’s so important that here you will find a whole section dedicated to it.
So whether you are struggling to secure a placement and want to know what employers look for in a placement student, or you want to know how to get the best out of an forthcoming placement then read on. You never know, it could make the difference when it comes to applying for a job:
Work Experience Advice
It’s essential that you don’t underestimate the importance of work experience, when it comes to securing a job in the fashion industry. And it’s because it’s so important that a whole section is dedicated to it.
So whether you are struggling to secure a placement and want to know what employers look for in a placement student, or you want to know how to get the best out of an forthcoming placement then read on. Remember, a work placement could make the difference when it comes to applying for a job.
Securing a work placement
There are a number of further and higher education courses out there that include a “work placement”. Some will require you to attend for one day a week, some for a whole term or even a whole year. Employers are often aware of which institutions offer placements and go direct to tutors with details of the type of student they require.
So the first thing you will need to do is update your CV. Securing a work placement can be extremely competitive – not only will you be facing competition from UK-based students but also those from overseas – so you will need to make sure you put down any work experience you’ve had. This could be details of a Saturday or holiday job that shows you are familiar with a work environment, and the basics such as time keeping, team work, politeness, including telephone manner and adhering to a dress code.
Also put down your skills, interests and detail your education. Be informed about where you are applying to, what you can offer and accompany your CV with a personalised covering letter. If the placement you are applying for is design-related, you will also need to produce a portfolio. This can include moodboards, technical drawings, patterns and actual garments you have made.
Next you need to be prepared in case you get invited along for an interview. Employers will understand that you won’t have a detailed career history, so will ask questions that enable them to find out more about your interests and personality. And don’t forget to check the dress code – a suit isn’t always necessary and can often make you feel uncomfortable
If the course you choose doesn’t give the opportunity for a work placement, then arrange your own. The summer holidays are the ideal time and again, when applying remember to update your CV and write a covering letter. Remember, this is your chance to prove that you have an understanding of the company you are applying to. Therefore only apply to companies that match your skills and interests. If your interest is in menswear, don’t apply to a womenswear company.
Paid or unpaid?
As well as asking yourself how far you are willing to travel, you need to consider if you are willing to work for free. Many work placements, especially those at well-known companies, require this. Or if you do get paid, don’t expect for it to be a full-wage. Hosting a work placement can be time consuming for an employer, as undergraduate don’t have a full set of skills / knowledge, and we all know that time can cost money. You can try to negotiate pay, but if you want to be able to put a big name on your CV you’ve got to weigh it up.
You also need to consider how long you are willing to work for. A minimum six month placement is the ideal as you can really get involved with the company.
The placement
Depending on the size of the company you attend on placement, the structure may differ. Larger companies often require work placement students to work on a specific project, where as smaller companies want someone who is willing to be more “hands-on” and work between departments. Details of what you will be required to do can often be sent before you start.
The ideal length of a placement is six months, as this amount of time will enable you to get really involved with a company, taking on responsibilities and learning new skills.
Be realistic about what you can expect to be doing. Within all jobs there are mundane / tasks you dislike, but you need to start at the bottom as you need to grasp a full understanding of what a job involves. Then if there is something you really dislike, make a note for the future and re-visit when looking for a job.
Keeping a log book whilst on placement can prove really worthwhile, so if you’re not provided with one, create your own. Remember to write down the types of equipment / existing skills you have used and tasks you have completed. If you do something that demonstrates newly acquired skills, ask if you can take a copy as evidence or make sure you can reproduce the work you have undertaken. Then at the end of each day write down any questions you may have and remember to ask them.
The log book can be used as a way of monitoring your progress. For example your level of knowledge at week one compared to week ten.
Whilst on placement, take pride in all that you do – even if all you are doing is counting buttons, as someone will be relying on you to get it right as it could have repercussions if you miscount. And again ask questions, you are there to learn. Remember the more responsible you are, the more responsibility you’ll get given and if you really impress, you may be asked to contact the company once you have graduated.
After a work placement
Once you have completed your work placement, you will again need to update your CV. Be honest when detailing new skills – don’t say you can do something when you know you can’t, as you just might get caught out! And also be honest about the names of the companies who have worked for. Finally ask your placement host to provide you with a reference.
* Thanks go to Debbie Leon, the founder and director of “Fashionizer” – an international design company that produces couture uniforms – who helped during the writing of this section. Established in 1993, the company has hosted a number of work placement students.
