The struggles of finding a job in fashion

From a young age, I knew I wanted to work in fashion. I used to raid my mum’s closet and put together outfits as if I were on a runway. I had no doubt — when I grow up, I want to work in fashion. Although, I have to admit, those early 2000s rom-coms probably played a big role in shaping that dream.

When I finished my degree in communications, all I could think was: Yes! Finally, I get to specialize in fashion. I'm finally going to reach the place I've always dreamed of. During my fashion communication studies, everything felt like paradise. They painted such a beautiful picture of the industry that I couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my life.

That’s why I was hit hard by reality when I finished my master’s and started looking for jobs in fashion. It was mission impossible — just as I’d feared. Every job was either an internship or unpaid, and even those were incredibly competitive. If you were lucky, you might land an unpaid internship for a couple of months at a small fashion brand.

Eventually, you realize that your student life is over and you need money to survive. So you settle for weekend jobs as a shop assistant. And while that can be fulfilling in its own way, you can’t help but feel like you’re not where you wanted to be — or that you’re moving too slowly. The gap between what you want to do and what you're forced to do is one of the toughest realities to accept in adult life. You often end up settling for a different field that offers more stability. It's just not fair.

Lately, I’ve discovered some great TikTok creators who share helpful tips on how to break into the fashion world. One of the most useful suggestions I’ve seen is to volunteer as a stylist assistant during Fashion Week. It’s a short-term gig, but it looks great on your portfolio and gives you the chance to meet people in the industry.

I’ll keep looking for tips and updates — just in case someone out there needs a little help chasing their dream, too.