Dear Fashionista,
I am in my last year of my Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Political studies and Spanish) and Law undergraduate degree. After five years of my studies I've come to a realization that I really do not want to pursue a career in any of these fields. Instead, I am beginning to have the courage to pursue something I actually ENJOY - fashion, design and all things aesthetically pleasing.
Ideally I would love to work at a fashion magazine; editing, reporting, writing. Do you have any suggestions/ideas on what my next step could be? Is it a worthwhile to go to a fashion/media school or should I work my charm to get any bottom-level job to build up my CV?? I know the industry is incredibly competitive but I would regret not even having a go at this whence I am an old lady.
Any comments or suggestions would be so greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
x
posted by Natalie Hormilla
Apr 16, 2008 4:54PM
Hi Safron,
Ok, here is my honest advice: first and foremost on your list should be internships. You really and truly cannot get a job at a fashion magazine unless you have 2 or 3 good internships on your resume - unless you have a famous last name, famous friends, or are willing to accept a position at US Weekly.
The problem though, is that most major magazines, like all Conde Nast magazines (think Vogue, Teen Vogue, Allure, etc) require that you have school credit. So, this could be a problem for you. I would suggest trying to get a first internship at a smaller publication (like Interview or... Fashionista!!) then move your way upward from there.
It's going to take a while, and I'll tell you right now that you won't like it, but honestly, it has to be done. There is no other way than to put your time in with internships.
As far as journalism school, most people will tell you the same thing - that it's a waste of time, that no one cares if you go, and that it's time better spent working your way up as an assistant (though those people would presumably be the type of people who interned all through their college careers, like most of us did.) BUT, I feel like I should mention that two of my previous intern bosses both went to journalism school (one at Columbia, the other at University of Chicago), and one of them is often noted as "very young for her position." So, take what you will from that.
But what I really want to stress to you is the importance of internships. You really need to get on that right away, and since you're still technically in school (do you have a full year left? or do you mean that you are graduating this spring?) it might be a little easier.
That said, I should tell you also that most internships are unpaid, and I mean REALLY unpaid - most do not even offer a stipend, Metro card or lunch, so it's going to be a hard road if you do not have deep pockets. Another sad but true fact.
Ok. I think I've informed/scared you enough for one day. I'll let Britt pick up from here since her words might have a little more relevance to your situation - she, too, had a somewhat late-in-the-game change of heart.
Good Luck!