The fact that only 10 percent of the students graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology’s accessories program have found full time jobs is shocking but true. And, according to WWD’s Footwear News, only one of the ten shoe design students from Parsons The New School for Design has found full time work. It is certainly fair to say that times have been tough for recent fashion school graduates. But why?
It’s fairly simple: In order to cut costs, fashion companies are producing with fewer staff. To top things off, recent fashion school graduates are forced to compete with laid-off, more experienced workers for open positions.
Some students, like Jackson Moad, couldn’t find work so he started his own label. He launched Jackson NYC, and produces portfolios and clutches in a small factory. Of course not everyone has the funds to do what Moad did, but for him it was the best direction to take after he discovered that finding a job would be much more difficult than he had anticipated.
Others students have resorted to taking unpaid internships. While this is a great way to gain experience in the industry, you again need to have the funds to be able to support yourself on your own. This, too, is certainly not an option for the majority of recent college graduates.
What does this mean?
After hearing this news, many people jump to the conclusion that a college education in fashion is no longer worth what it used to be. I, however, think completely the opposite. Because competition for jobs in the fashion industry has become so intense, if you are looking to start a career in fashion you need to do everything you can to learn about the industry, increase your skill set, and enhance your resume.
A fashion degree is not only a great thing to put on your resume. By going to fashion school you will enter a community of designers like yourself. You will all work together, share ideas, and learn from each other’s different perspectives. It’s also a great place to make connections and be exposed to new opportunities that you may not otherwise see. Even though times are tough, fashion school is not something that you should pass up.
With that being said, you need to take time to set yourself apart from all of the other fashion school graduates. How do you do this? Build your portfolio. Showcase your best work and get it out there for the world to see. Look for internships while you are still in school and make your mark in the fashion world early on. Get noticed by those who are influential in the industry. Use your networking skills and make connections!
Perseverance is so important in this industry. If you are truly passionate about becoming a fashion designer, follow your heart, work hard, and don’t give up until you get to where you want.
Source: New York Fashion, Design Students Can’t Get Jobs by Amy Odell
