How successfully a brand communicates can influence whether it succeeds or fails – much of the way we feel about our favourite labels is to do with the way they have been marketed (the visuals, the advertising message, even their choice of colour and font). Fashion communication grapples with all of these considerations.
Needless to say, to work in this area, you have to be a strong communicator with the ability and willingness to translate abstract ideas into words and imagery. Creativity is also a must – fresh, innovative ideas are essential to help brands stand out in a crowded marketplace – as is commercial awareness. Social media skills are highly valued, and experience with content management systems (CMS) is a plus, as updating a brand’s website, blog or other platforms is a common task you might need to perform. Here are our tips on starting your fashion communication career.
Get a Relevant Qualification
While a degree isn’t essential, a relevant BA or MA can significantly boost your prospects in fashion communication. Our BA (Hons) Fashion Communication & Industry Practice programme provides a strong foundation in marketing, branding, and graphic design, preparing students for industry roles.
If you’re unsure about committing to a full-time degree, our Vogue Foundation Programme, Vogue Diploma, Vogue Certificates, or Vogue Summer School are excellent alternatives. For a flexible start, consider exploring one of our Online courses.
Demonstrate Knowledge of the Industry
Those without a related BA or MA shouldn’t be disheartened. Due to the broad scope of fashion communication, there are roles for people from all different educational backgrounds. Do you have a maths degree but also write a fashion blog? Or perhaps you have degree in business but also a portfolio of fashion-related projects you’ve worked on. As long as you can prove a genuine love of fashion, you’re in a good position.
For those looking to transition from an unrelated discipline, our 10-week intensive Vogue Certificates, with focus on Fashion Communication, Fashion Media, Fashion Marketing, enables students to build a strong portfolio of relevant work.
These Certificates are accredited by The University of Buckingham at RQF Level 4 with 45 credits awarded on successful completion.
Be Hands-on
Appropriate experience is vital. Be as proactive as possible and reach out to anyone who might be able to connect you to opportunities. Don’t be afraid to think laterally – anything that gives you exposure to the day-to-day workings of the industry is relevant, whether it’s organising events and openings in a clothes shop, supporting new designers at fashion weeks or doing short-term paid internships. Start small and see your career as a ladder, where every role will take you a step closer to your goal. As experience is so essential, placements and hands-on projects rooted in the real world are a core part of Vogue College’s syllabus. The BA (Hons) Fashion Communication & Industry Practice includes a four-week industry placement, and students are also supported in securing a placement as part of the MA Fashion Communication.
Get to Know Who You Really Are
Understanding what kind of communicator you are can help you identify which roles might be right for you. It can also help you talk about yourself less generally when you receive that oh-so-common interview question, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Personality tests are perfectly respectable, and are used in a variety of industries. They can help you understand yourself and your individual skill set from a more interesting perspective.
Many are free to access online, and can shine light on anything from how you relate to others to the working situations in which you might thrive. Knowledge is power…
Talk the Talk
It might sound obvious, but a huge part of fashion communication involves interacting with others in a positive and professional way. Think very carefully about each and every interaction you have during your job search. From the tone of your emails to how you phrase your covering letters, are you presenting your communication skills in the best possible light?
Being polite, kind and grateful gets you a long way, and makes people more likely to help you out – you never know which person you speak to might end up recommending you for a role.
