Fashion Technology Career Course Institutions in India and Abroad
Fashion industry is not only the fourth
largest in the world, it has grown increasingly over the last decade.
The fashion market suffered through a slump in the 1980s, but the
bullish market and relatively low unemployment rates of the mid-to-late
1990s have led to greater spending. In the late 1990s, in particular,
yielded low inflation and oil prices, diminishing consumer debt loads,
and gains in average hourly wages. Noting the fashion industry's
growing prominence, individuals and institutions have started investing
in it.
The fashion market experiences profound seasonal changes. No trend is
stable and attention to fads is necessary for survival. Likewise,
fashion careers are for mercurial people who thrive in this industry
and must be willing to adapt. Those who truly love the field say that
the perks- fabulous clothes, exposure to famous people and brands,
extraordinary diversity, an early awareness of upcoming trends, and
cool job status- are worth the struggle. Still, fashion is not all
glitz and glamour. Even more than talent, an understanding of the
industry is what lands you with the job.
Today, fashion houses, manufacturers and retailers are expanding,
diversifying and taking advantage of new technology. Perhaps more than
ever before, opportunities abound in the industry- form creative jobs
in design and marketing; to retail sales and buying positions; to
corporate careers in finance, planning and distribution. The Internet
has rapidly become one of the hottest fashion sectors. Whereas fashion
lovers once required a plane ticket to Milan and Paris to keep up with
the latest trends, they now require only a modem. The industry's many
online sites and search engines have made it possible for just about
anyone to read the news, shop and check out the newest styles.
Whether you're seeking a place on the catwalk or in the haute couture
clubhouse, remember that the fashion business is just that- a business.
Insiders from all over the fashion world say that their jobs are high
on stress and low on pay. Moreover, insiders conclude, people are often
judged as much on looks as on performance. With its rigorous hours,
capricious culture, and unsteady corporate ladder, the fashion industry
certainly isn't for everybody. Yet for a dedicated minority, there is
no more exciting and inspiring place.
In fashion, as in most "glamour" industries, workloads are heavy and
starting salaries low. The first step is often an unpaid internship,
which may or may not lead to a full- time position. At the very least,
internships help to fill out your resume and give you an edge in terms
of getting a job elsewhere. Some aspiring fashionists rely on parental
subsidies. The less fortunate share tiny apartments, eat free at happy
hours (and the occasional dinner date), and spend most of their money
on clothes. Throughout the industry, dressing well is paramount. After
you pay your dues, you can make a pretty good living- especially in the
oft- snubbed world of retail sales. Regardless, you'll have a fab
wardrobe.
Students may enter
fashion school with dreams of Calvin and Karan, but by the time they
graduate, they realise there's a lot more to the industry than they
ever dreamed. Design is a highly specialized field, and the types of
jobs available are diverse. All design is certainly not haute couture-
other options include children's clothing, sportswear (for sports, as
opposed to casual wear) and costume design. And while design may grab
the headlines, ideas are nothing without production, which is even more
specialized- from pattern and sample making to trim buying and quality
control.
Getting a job as a designer means hitting the streets. It's a
competitive industry, so no one's going to come knocking at your door.
Industry insiders say that job banks in college career centers are a
good place to start, though networking is essential. Once you know what
kind of company you want to work for, you need do your homework- know
the history of the company and be prepared to discuss recent news about
the company during your interview. The portfolio you bring to each
interview should be tailored to the specific job you're going for. For
example, don't go to a sportswear designer with sketches of wedding
gowns.
Though most design student's dream of striking out on their own, the
reality is that most of them will end up working for big- name houses.
They may not get their names on a label, but they have much more job
security.
In fashion, as in most "glamour" industries, workloads are
heavy and starting salaries low. The first step is often an unpaid
internship, which may or may not lead to a full-time position. At the
very least, internships help to fill out your resume and give you an
edge in terms of getting a job elsewhere. Some aspiring fashionists
rely on parental subsidies. The less fortunate share tiny apartments,
eat free at happy hours (and the occasional dinner date), and spend
most of their money on clothes. Throughout the industry, dressing well
is paramount. After you pay your dues, you can make a pretty good
living - especially in the oft-snubbed world of retail sales.
Regardless, you'll have a fab wardrobe.
Students may enter fashion school with dreams of Calvin and Karan, but
by the time they graduate, they realise there's a lot more to the
industry than they ever dreamed. Design is a highly specialised field,
and the types of jobs available are diverse. All design is certainly
not haute couture - other options include. children's clothing,
sportswear (for sports, as opposed to casual wear) and costume design.
And while design may grab the headlines, ideas are nothing without
production, which is even more specialised - from pattern and sample
making to trim-buying and quality control.
Getting a job as a designer means hitting the streets. It's a
competitive industry, so no one's going to come knocking at your door.
Industry insiders say that job banks in college career centres are a
good place to start, though networking is essential. Once you know what
kind of company you want to work for, you need do your homework - know
the history of the company and be prepared to discuss recent news about
the company during you interview. The portfolio you bring to each
interview should be tailored to the specific job you're going for. For
example, don't go to a sportswear designer with sketches of wedding
gowns.
Though most design students dream of striking out on their own , the
reality is that most of them will end up working for big-name houses.
They may not get their names on a lable, but they have much more job
security.
WHERE TO STUDY
- Institute of Fashion Technology
- NIFT Campus, Hauz Khas
- Near Gulmohar Park
- New Delhi - 110016.
- Website: www.niftindia.com
- National Institute of Design
- Paldi, Ahmedabad - 380 007
- National Institute of Fashion Design
- NIFD House SCO. 32-35
- Madhya Marg, Sector 8 C
- Chandigarh - 160 009
- Website: www.nifd.net