HOW TO GET EXPERIENCE AS A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT JENNA LEGGE
START A BLOG
While some high schools offer courses in fashion and fashion design, many do not. This can leave students who wish to pursue fashion with a sense of panic. If you are one of these students, you may be wondering how to get experience in the extremely competitive fashion industry. Well, fear not! While it may seem that you must wait until after high school to gain crucial experience, there are plenty of options to help you get ahead of your peers.
In a creative industry like fashion, it is important to build a portfolio of work that you can show potential clients or employers. This can be a struggle for many students, as it often seems impossible to build work samples if no one will hire you. Starting a blog is a great way to showcase your talent. The best thing about a blog is that you can format it however you like to represent you! Do you dream about being a stylist? Create style boards and outfit inspiration posts to show what you can do! Do you want to be a fashion journalist? Keep up with the latest industry news and write your own take on what’s happening in the industry or start a podcast discussing the latest trends. The most important thing is to find what you’re passionate about and what makes you unique. A blog can be a great way to experiment and start creating work.
DO RESEARCH Before working in any industry, it is crucial to have a baseline understanding of it and you don’t need to wait until university to start learning! The more you learn, the better prepared you will be for your future career, so start reading everything you can on the topics that interest you in the industry. Not only will you be able to show off your knowledge, but you may be able to decide what areas of the industry you want to work in.
EXTRACURRICULARS Extracurriculars are an important part of high school, as many universities will look at what you do both in and out of the classroom. Search out activities that relate to what you wish to do in fashion to start getting experience! Your school may already have a fashion club, but if not you can always start your own! Starting your own club is a great way to impress future employers as it shows you are driven and passionate about your work. You can also try joining your school’s yearbook, newspaper, or morning announcements team. Activities such as these will help you develop communication skills that could one day help you snag that top position at a fashion magazine!
USE SOCIAL MEDIA With the world at our fingertips, it is easier than ever to gain an audience. Use this to your advantage by showing off your work on Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter. Who knows, you may even get noticed by a potential employer! You can also use social media to track down volunteer opportunities or internships.
REACH OUT TO INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS Just because you’re in high school, doesn’t mean you can’t reach out to people in the industry. Everyone was a beginner at one point in their lives, so many people have no problem giving career advice to help the next generation. Perhaps you look up to a local designer or blogger, sending them an email could help you gain advice or even an internship if you’re lucky. Networking is crucial in the fashion world, so the sooner you start the better.
BECOME A YOUTH REPORTER If working in fashion media is the career path for you, it might be best to consider becoming a youth reporter for a local newspaper or online magazine. Look to see if your town has a teen publication that accepts volunteers or do a quick google search to find online publications looking for writers. This is a great way to get your work published while also getting a taste of your potential career.
STAY UP TO DATE WITH INDUSTRY NEWS While this tip isn't something that can be put on a resume, it is surely a way to prepare before entering fashion school or the workforce. Knowing all the latest happenings within the fashion industry will help you better understand the lingo and actions of industry professionals. Also, by keeping up to date, you will seem well educated and committed to potential schools and employers.
RESEARCH ONLINE FASHION COMMUNITIES There are tons of incredible online communities and groups for fashionistas just like you! Some examples include Her Campus, Campus Trendsetters, and Intern Queen. By becoming part of these online groups, you can gain valuable information regarding how to get started in fashion! Resources found on these websites include videos, articles, and job postings. Plus, many online communities present fantastic opportunities to network with other students and industry professionals! These communities should be your go-to spot to help plan for the future.
