From One Fashionista to Another
An Upperclassman’s Advice to an Underclassman
By Katie Zivley, Managing Editor
When students begin college, most do not know what they want to do in the future or what degree they want to graduate with.
More specifically, there are those who are new to college and want to enter the fashion industry but do not know where to start.
At Lynn, the Fashion and Retail Association — also known as FRA — gives students incredible opportunities to grow their knowledge in fashion. Some examples include attending fashion shows, modeling in fashion shows at Lynn, styling others and learning from other students who love fashion just as much as you do.
“Don’t be afraid to take an unpaid job; those are usually the most hands-on and educational opportunities,” said Ava Mancini, a senior and president of FRA. “If I could do it all again, I would definitely focus on getting luxury retail jobs and experiences to build my resume.”
Students who will soon enter the real world have tips and things they wish they had done in college. Many of them wish they had known how little time they had left. It is important to remember that not every rejection should be taken so seriously. Some say that things happen for a reason.
“Only take a job if it has something to do with clothing or retail; the fashion industry is cutthroat, and you aren’t going to get a job at Prada when your resume says, ‘Starbucks barista,’” said Julie Economys, a senior and vice president of FRA.
Additionally, having a positive attitude in class may get you recognized by your professors, which in turn could result in them recommending you to a potential employer. Mancini and Economys both expressed their gratitude towards the FRA.
Economys states, “It was one of the things that gave me the most opportunities in fashion, from working backstage for Saks 5th Avenue to Oscar De La Renta shows.”
The next time you are stuck on resources in the field of fashion, look into the FRA — and its amazing opportunities — to gain experience and meet incredible people.
