A fashion degree is great to have when finding jobs in the fashion industry. But this does not mean this industry is exclusive for people who attended fashion school. You will be surprised to know that a lot of fashion giants have not gone to a formal school if not dropouts.
You probably have your reasons why you never took a fashion degree in college. It could be because you were too young then to realize what you truly want to pursue as a career. Or fashion school was too expensive. Or your parents simply did not support you. Whatever your reasons are, I have good news for you, you can still make it.
Forget regrets and start working on your way up the fashion industry ladder. Here are some ways you can use to make it big in the world of fashion even without a fashion degree:
Start a Fashion Blog
I can't think of a better way to put yourself out there other than starting a blog. Creating a fashion blog can be beneficial to someone who wants to start a career in fashion. It's a free advertising tool! This is a great platform for you to showcase what you have to offer. This is also an avenue to meet people in the industry and you will have a higher chance of reaching potential clients and even job opportunities.
Some say blogging is dead but that is not true. And even if it is, your blog can still serve you as a portfolio when your time comes.
Establish Your Social Media Presence
Today, social media has become a crucial part of any business. The best way to get noticed and showcase your skills in the fashion industry is to make noises on social platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Instagram is a popular platform to find people of the same interest and find a community that will support you. If you are ready to take it to the next level, I suggest you find a PR communications agency for some serious brand awareness. Establishing a positive and strong social media presence can be vital in the fashion industry, so leave it to the experts.
Start a Clothing Line
This might sound a bit intimidating. But, no, you don't have to apply for a bank loan or rob the bank if they do not approve your application to make this one happen. Start small by selling online. Having a physical store is great but there are many businesses out there that succeeded with just an online store too.
There are also many great platforms that you can use if you are not ready for a website yet. Etsy.com is one. Crafty entrepreneurs tend to be successful in this e-commerce site. Depop.com is nice, too, if you are into selling vintage pieces or your own sewn clothing.
Educate Yourself
No, I am not going to tell you to go to a fashion school and get your degree. At the same time, I am not saying you should not and that school is not important. But for those people who don't have school as an option, we are fortunate to be living in the information age. There are many ways you can educate yourself without going to a formal school. There are books, blogs, even magazines to read, podcasts to listen to, and millions of videos you can watch to learn and to better your craft. The best part? Most of them are free!
If you don't mind taking paid courses online, that is great, too. You can learn from the masters themselves on websites like MasterClass.com, Udemy.com, etc.
Freelance for Fashion Magazine
This is a great place to start a career in the fashion industry. This is where you can create connections that are vital for your career success. You need to be with the right people who will bring you to the top and working for a magazine is where you can meet them. It's a great place to grow as well and hone your skills. So once you are in, grab the opportunity and get mentored.
All I'm trying to say is that there are tons of ways you can do make your way up to the fashion industry.
And these are just a few ways on how you can make it big in the fashion world without a degree. Having a degree is good but it's not a guarantee that you will succeed in the career of your choice. Have the right mindset and you can rise to the top.