The fashion industry is one of the most dynamic and exciting spaces you could work. Raw talent in fashion design and its many associated career options is a must, but it should be accompanied by practical skills and theoretical knowledge which is gained form a Fashion Diploma. Here’s an overview of some of the incredible benefits of a Fashion Diploma, and the many career opportunities that await you.
What are the benefits of a Fashion Diploma?
Furthering your education in any field is always a great idea, but for those of you considering a career in fashion, there are a lot of good reasons to get a solid educational foundation. Here’s a look at some of the benefits that a Fashion Diploma can afford you.
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1. Practical experience
Even if you’ve been creating your own garments and accessories for years, the practical coursework that accompanies a Fashion Diploma is incredibly beneficial. It’s not just about designing and sewing, you will learn more about pattern making, about accessory materials, as well as technological solutions such as computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacture (CAM).
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2. Entrepreneurial insight
There’s so much more to a fashion career than just the fashion design element and a Fashion Diploma will provide you with the skills needed to make your own fashion empire – if you so wish! You will learn all about the merchandising side of fashion, the retail management, financial aspect, marketing and advertising, and more!
3. Portfolio development
When you go for any job interview in the world of fashion, the first thing they’re going ton ask for is your design portfolio. This forms an integral part of your Fashion Diploma, with all your carefully tailored coursework creating a substantive and impactful portfolio to land you a great job upon completion.
4. Networking opportunities
You’re not going to make it in the fashion industry alone, you need to have the right connections to open doors and learn from. Networking is a major facet of the fashion industry, and a Fashion Diploma is one of the quickest and most meaningful ways you can create this supportive network. Through your lecturers, fellow students, internship programmes, and more you will have the opportunity to create connections.
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5. Expand your horizon
The Fashion Diploma will open you up to a world of fashion that you never knew existed. You might have a passion for fashion design, but suddenly realise that you don’t want to start your own brand but would be much more fulfilled designing costumes for performers on Broadway. Or that you’d much rather write about fashion design than create it yourself.
What career can you pursue with a Fashion Diploma?
Opening your horizons in the fashion world means exposing you to the many career opportunities that exist – and many that are still to exist as the world changes! Here are some of the career possibilities that await you upon completion of a Fashion Diploma.
- Fashion designer: This one is the obvious answer, but you don’t need to focus on garments alone. You can specialise in women’s, men’s or even children’s fashion, carve a path the world of accessories, or indulge in the creation of unique footwear.
- Fashion merchandiser: If you prefer the business side of fashion, then you could work directly with retailers, analysing consumer trends, determining inventory needs, selecting and marketing products, and determining pricing strategies.
- Fashion buyer: Another more business-related aspect of fashion is the buyer. In this role, you will analyse the trends, consider consumer preferences, and then bring out your best negotiation skills to land the right deal.
- Stylist: If you prefer to work in a one-on-one setting then you can consider becoming a stylist. This could be anything from a personal stylist to a photo shoot or fashion show stylist.
- Pattern maker: If the ins and outs of garment construction grabs your attention, then you could pivot in this direction, creating pattern templates.
- Fashion blogger or journalist: You might have a flare for writing, and while fashion remains your first love, you can hone this talent into a career in fashion journalism or online blogging.
- Fashion photography: Likewise, a preference for photography could easily see you wind up in a career as a fashion photographer. With the shift to social media as a dominant marketing space, great photographs remain in demand.
- Costume designer: If you have a flare for the dramatic and a love for the stage, then costume design could be for you. Whether for live theatre sets, television, film, or even cosplay, costume design is a great way to go.
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It’s clear that a Fashion Diploma opens many doors, but it’s important that you get your diploma through a reputable organisation. The international Villioti Fashion Institute, based in Joburg, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the fashion industry. The student programmes expose you to a variety of topics, including business and entrepreneurial theory, fashion design and garment production.