If you have an interest in fashion, you’re probably gunning to work for the big names – you know, Gucci, Chanel, Vogue, Harper’s.
It’s the dream, sure. But you’ll receive a very different experience should you build your skill set with a start-up fashion biz instead. You’ll be a far better candidate when climbing the fashion business ladder later on in your career, too, and below are the reasons why.
THERE ARE MULTIPLE HATS TO BE WORN
Bigger companies have very defined roles which everyone sticks to, namely because there are enough resources to do so. Smaller companies, however, tend to hire people who are multitalented as they’ll need their help and advice across a variety of things within the business. Even if you’re not skilled across the board when you enter through the doors, chances are you will be by the time you leave and take your next step.
If you’re struggling to find a job description that’s perfect for you in the fashion industry, then a start-up might be just what you need, whether that’s being a designer who also heads up social media, or a buyer who also also handles e-commerce inventory. If you’re interested in an element of the business that’s outside your usual position, you have more leeway to assume an additional role, basically.
PROMOTIONS ARE EASIER TO NAB
The smaller the team, the bigger the chance of a promotion. Why? Because being in a small team is like being part of The Plastics – they don’t just let any Tom, Dick or Cady Heron be part of their posse. It can be quite hard for them to mesh a newbie into the existing office culture, which can make new hires few and far between.
For the head honchos, keeping it to what/who they know means that your skills and abilities are noticed tenfold as well. If you’re worthy (and I bet you are) you’ll get to where you need to be. Being a big fish in a small pond is where it’s at. You’ll be far less likely to fetch coffees, put it that way.
YOU’LL BE HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR
Smaller businesses = tighter working relationships. You’re not simply one of many and you’ll be treated as such. If something’s not right, the chances of someone taking the time to help you knuckle it out are much more promising within a start-up. Why?
Your potential hiccups have a much larger effect on the company at large, so there’s less room for error and more room for guidance.
THE COMPANY’S WINS WILL BE YOUR WINS
Just as your wrongdoings have a direct impact, so do your achievements. Any wins for the company are, in large part, thanks to you and you can take full credit for that. In bigger companies, sometimes your commendable work can get lost amongst all the other people who chipped in to make something what it is.
Someone who’s able to shed insight on the topic, Billy Blue College of Design graduate and Dead Studios‘ Womenswear Designer, Meg Haefeli, told PEDESTRIAN.TV:
“I love working for a smaller brand. I mean, they both [smaller and bigger brands] have their perks but I love it.”
Watch the entire interview below.
