Fashion Graduate Jobs

How do I get a job in fashion after graduating?

If you’re specifically looking at fashion graduate schemes to start as soon as university is over, you’ll usually need to apply for them a year in advance. Many roles open in September of your final year. 

If you’ve missed this deadline, that doesn’t mean you can’t do one, or that there aren't other types of graduate jobs available.

Non-scheme graduate jobs are often advertised as ‘junior’ or even internship roles. These will be your best bet to begin with. All jobs will require a cracking CV and cover letter. If you’re applying for creative roles in this industry, make sure you have a well-put-together portfolio.

Do I need a fashion degree?

While it may be helpful, a fashion degree is not essential for landing a grad job in the fashion industry. 

While a degree can provide valuable knowledge, skills, and industry connections, you can also gain experience and build a portfolio through self-study, internships, and networking.

What types of fashion graduate jobs are there?

Graduate designer

You’ll help design collections by bringing them to life from paper to the runway. You’ll get to grips with sourcing materials and pattern cutting as well as design studio management.

Fashion Marketing

Help to market new seasons both online and offline, create social media campaigns to wow your followers and measure the success of your email marketing. This area is fast becoming a popular area of fashion to start a career in.

Merchandising

You’ll use market trends and audience research to promote the latest goods. You’ll help to boost sales and work with other departments to make it happen. As a merchandiser, you can move into the areas of product, retail, visual, digital, and omnichannel merchandising.

Some brands you can find yourself working for include;

• ASOS

• Chanel

• Converse

• Dr. Martens PLC

• LVMH Fashion Group

• Marks & Spencers

• REISS.

Buying

A buying fashion grad job typically involves assisting fashion buyers in selecting and purchasing merchandise for a retailer. It's a great entry point into the fashion industry, often requiring a degree in fashion, business, or a related field, and gaining experience in retail or merchandising. 

Is retail considered fashion?

It 100% can be. There are some amazing fashion roles within the retail world for you to get stuck into. You’ll find everything from merchandising jobs with TK Maxx to being a designer for ASOS.

Luckily for you, we have a whole guide to retail work experience, including graduate roles.

How much do fashion graduates earn?

This will depend on your company and where you’re based. It’s really common for jobs in London to pay more due to the costs of living in the big city. However, do note that these opportunities tend to be more competitive as a result.

On average, a fashion graduate earns around £25,000 a year. But know that this is only the beginning. By doing a job in fashion, you have the chance to earn much more once you have experience under your belt!

Many areas in fashion are highly specialised, so if you gain those highly sought-after skills, you have the potential to earn a LOT. Right now, fashion companies are struggling to find individuals with these skills so there is potential to really create an excellent career for yourself. 

How to apply for a fashion graduate scheme

The best time to start looking is a year before you want to start. It’s common for fashion grad jobs to go live September-January, so make sure to keep an eye out then. 

First, you will need to find the perfect apprenticeship for you. Then, make sure you’re ready for the application process. Perfect your CV and cover letter writing so you can progress to the next stage. Sometimes companies, especially in fashion, will ask for a portfolio to see what experience you have, so best to have one of them prepared.