Preparing for Fashion Careers Chapter 13 Preparing for Fashion Careers Career Options Education and Training

Chapter Objectives Identify the personal traits valued by employers. Identify the personal skills valued by employers. Describe four areas of employment in the fashion industry. Discuss the education options for fashion careers. Describe ways to gain experience in the fashion industry prior to employment.

Career Foundations Some jobs in fashion require a high degree of artistic creativity and originality, while others require business know-how and management skills. Knowledge of the basics of marketing is important for all jobs in the fashion industry. Section 13.1

Personal Traits Having the right personal traits can make the difference between not getting a job or getting a job—and keeping it. trait a distinguishing feature or characteristic of a personality Section 13.1

Top-Ten Personality Traits Personal Traits Top-Ten Personality Traits Enthusiasm 1 Positive Attitude 6 Maturity 2 Productivity 7 Self-Discipline 3 Reliability 8 Dependability 4 Punctuality 9 Initiative 5 Independence 10 Section 13.1 6

Personal Skills Personal skills can be learned and developed with education and training. skill the ability to competently perform a specific task Section 13.1

Personal Skills Interpersonal skills include the ability to work with others and be responsible, trustworthy, honest, and loyal. interpersonal skills skills involving the ability to identify and understand the personal traits of others, including values, ethics, and attitudes Section 13.1

Personal Skills Key areas of communication include reading, writing, listening, and speaking. communication the process of giving and exchanging information, ideas, and feelings These skills can be developed and practiced. Section 13.1

Personal Skills Most work in the fashion industry is done in team situations. team a group of people who work together to achieve a common goal Teamwork is the process of achieving the goals of the team. Section 13.1

Personal Skills A person with leadership skills is a person who inspires, motivates, and influences others. leadership the process of motivating and guiding one or more individuals, a group, a business, or an organization to reach objectives Fashion marketers depend on leaders to develop new ideas and designs as well as strategies for marketing. Section 13.1

Types of Jobs in Fashion Career opportunities in fashion exist in each of the four segments of the fashion industry—textiles, fashion promotion, design and manufacturing, and retailing. Section 13.1

Types of Jobs in Fashion Textiles Research Scientist Textile Colorist Textile Designer/ Artist Converter Plant Engineer Marketing Analyst Production Supervisor Sales Representative Section 13.1 13

Types of Jobs in Fashion Fashion Promotion Art Director (Designer) Advertising Director Graphic Designer Fashion Copywriter Fashion Illustrator Fashion Photographer Fashion Model Public Relations Agent Section 13.1 14

Design and Manufacturing Types of Jobs in Fashion Design and Manufacturing Designer Patternmaker Sample Maker Cutter Production Manager Sales Supply-Chain Manager Market- Research Analyst Section 13.1 15

Types of Jobs in Fashion Retail Buyer Merchandise Planner/ Allocator Associate Buyer Merchandise Coordinator Trend Researcher Store Manager Human Resources Manager Sales Associate Section 13.1 16

Types of Jobs in Fashion Entrepreneurial-minded people have started their own businesses in fashion as store owners, consultants, tailors and dressmakers, or import/export specialists. The opportunities are unlimited for individuals who develop skills through education and training. Section 13.1

Fashion Monster Operating an e-tail business on an electronic channel—the Web—can be costly, due to design, delivery, returns, and operating expenses. Though Many larger dot-com companies crashed in the 1990’s, small stores like Harris Cyclery of West Newton, Massachusetts, actually increase sales using a basic Web site. Today, a third of Harris’s bicycle business rides in on the Web to get hard-to-find parts and personal service. Describe an e-business’s home page to your class after viewing one through marketingseries.glencoe.com. The first place job seekers look for job openings is usually not the classified ads in the newspapers, but online at job Web sites. Sites such as Monster, Yahoo! HotJobs, and Craigslist allow job seekers to sift through opportunities. In 2004, Monster led the online job industry by offering postings in 27 U.S. markets. For more information, go to marketingseries.glencoe.com. Section 13.1 18

What are at least three personal traits valued by employers? 13.1 1. What are at least three personal traits valued by employers? What are four types of personal skills employers seek in potential employees? What are the four key areas of communication? 2. Quick Check Answers Answers may include: enthusiasm, maturity, self-discipline, dependability, initiative, positive attitude, productivity, reliability, punctuality, and independence. (1) interpersonal skills, (2) communication skills, (3) team-building skills, and (4) leadership skills reading, writing, listening, and speaking 3. Section 13.1

Sources of Skills and Knowledge You can discover your career direction by determining your skills and interests, but education and training will give you the advantage in fashion. There are a variety of educational resources available. Section 13.2

Sources of Skills and Knowledge Computer-related training and technical expertise is important when working in any of the fashion industry segments. Microsoft® Excel Adobe® Photoshop or Illustrator Painting/ Drawing Photography Section 13.2

Specialized and trade colleges Education Fashion is a fusion of art, engineering, science, business, and technology. Students can acquire skills and knowledge through: High school programs Community colleges Specialized and trade colleges Universities Section 13.2

Education Non-traditional forms of education can supplement fashion education. Read articles Go to museums Talk to people in the industry Take art classes Travel Learn another language Section 13.2

Education Pursuing a career in the fashion industry can begin in high school. Develop written and verbal skills through language arts. Learn problem-solving through math. Learn analytical skills in science. Learn computer skills. Learn business skills in marketing courses. Take specialized courses in retailing or fashion marketing. Section 13.2

Post-Secondary Education Many schools offer degree programs that specialize in fashion merchandising and design. Section 13.2

Post-Secondary Education You can earn an associate degree in areas such as fashion merchandising, visual communications, and fashion design. associate degree a college degree recognizing two years of coursework at a community college, specialized college, or trade school Another option is a certificate program. Section 13.2

Post-Secondary Education To earn a bachelor’s degree, many colleges or universities require that students take academic courses. bachelor’s degree a college degree recognizing four of more years of undergraduate coursework at a college or university Some community colleges offer dual admissions with four-year universities. Section 13.2

Post-Secondary Education Consider these questions when selecting an educational program: What schools offer a program for the career you have chosen? How long does the program last? What is the cost and is financial assistance available? Section 13.2

Post-Secondary Education 8. Stay Informed 1. Evaluate 7. Present Yourself 2. Research Career Planning Steps 6. Network 3. Choose 5. Experience 4. Educate and Train Section 13.2 29

Gaining Experience Working in the fashion industry while still in high school or college can be a valuable learning experience. Part-time work experience teaches you about a career firsthand while you earn money. Section 13.2

Gaining Experience An internship in the fashion business is a great way to gain experience and exposure to the industry. internship a temporary paid or unpaid position giving students direct work experience and exposure to various aspects of a career An internship can be paid or non-paid. Section 13.2

Gaining Experience Job shadowing can provide valuable resources and contacts for your job search. job shadowing an activity in which a person follows a worker on the job to learn about the job and the workplace Section 13.2

Gaining Experience Many schools provide work-study programs. In a work-study program, students go to class part-time and then work at related jobs part-time. Section 13.2

Gaining Experience Advantages of work-study programs are: Students can be trained. Students gain experience and compensation. Students gain course credit. Students gain a greater understanding of how the different jobs within the industry are interrelated. Students may become eligible for an apprenticeship or other training program. Section 13.2

Trade and Student Organizations Trade associations serve the business community, and student associations such as DECA can offer a multitude of opportunities. DECA helps students build and utilize leadership and teamwork skills through chapter activities that serve the members, school, and community. Section 13.2

What are the benefits of an internship? 13.2 1. What are three ways students can gain experience in the fashion industry? What are the benefits of an internship? How can student organizations such as DECA help students prepare for a career? 2. Quick Check Answers Possible answers include internships, job shadowing, work-study programs, and participating in trade and student organizations. Answers may vary. Internships provide experience in the working world, allow you to improve job-search and interviewing skills, provide opportunities for networking, and allow you to develop and impressive résumé. DECA helps students build and utilize leadership and teamwork skills. The development of social and interpersonal skills as well as career exploration and participation in competitive events are also benefits. 3. Section 13.2