How to Enter Fashion Tech Without a Fashion Degree

Introduction: Fashion Tech

Fashion as it stands today is a melting pot of diverse industries. From artificial intelligence, data analytics, and e-commerce to 3D garment design, automation, virtual fitting rooms, and digital marketing; modern-day fashion houses utilize a wide range of interconnected spheres to engage with their clients and grow their businesses. And for those without the classic fashion degree, this presents exciting opportunities.

The question ‘How to enter fashion tech without a fashion degree’ is increasingly relevant among fashion professionals and freshers looking to switch careers toward the newly growing sphere of fashion technology. While there is no definitive answer, people with technical, business, creative, or digital expertise have multiple options for carving a niche for themselves in the world of fashion tech.

How to Enter Fashion Tech Without a Fashion Degree: Understanding the Landscape?

1. Leverage Any Existing Expertise

One must explore how their previous qualifications and expertise could be applied within the field of fashion tech to gain a competitive edge. For instance, a web developer could specialize in fashion websites while a content writer may focus on fashion publications, brand copywriting, and related spheres. Likewise, a graduate in business administration could target careers in e-commerce, operations management, and business development in the fashion industry.

It is also crucial to highlight one’s existing skill set in any application, resume, or portfolio as it provides an existing competitive advantage in the ultra-competitive field of fashion tech.

2. Familiarize Yourselves With the Basics of Fashion

Although not mandatory, a basic understanding of the traditional fashion industry goes a long way in helping one navigate the fashion tech space. A prospective candidate must be familiar with how the industry works, what it entails, and what problems exist that technology can solve.

Such skills can be acquired through research and practice. The aim here is not to become a master in every corner of the traditional fashion industry but rather to understand the fundamental components such as merchandising, apparel production, visual merchandising, and pricing.

3. Build Technical Proficiency

With technology at the core of fashion tech, it is necessary for aspiring professionals to identify a specific area of interest and build relevant technical expertise. Some of the areas of focus include data analytics, artificial intelligence, UX/UI design, e-commerce, 3D garment design and visualization, and digital marketing, among others.

Additionally, technical skills such as coding and design often come in handy in various aspects of the industry. It is also important to note that one should not feel the need to acquire technical proficiencies in all the latest developments in technology. Instead, it is advisable to identify the area of interest and the specific skills that one would like to develop.

4. Create a Portfolio of Work

In the modern job market, a portfolio of work often speaks louder than words, and the same applies to landing a prestigious career in the world of fashion technology. It is always a good time to develop projects that demonstrate one’s skills in the field. For instance, a person with an interest in artificial intelligence and data analytics could design a project that demonstrates consumer behavior in the fashion industry.

On the other hand, a web developer could highlight their proficiency by developing a sample e-commerce site or a social media strategy for a ‘fictional’ brand.

5. Research Fashion Tech Companies

With a general idea of the industry landscape and an impressive portfolio of work, the attention should turn towards the companies that offer exciting career opportunities. It is always a good idea to conduct research on the most promising companies offering exciting careers in the field of fashion technology. Apart from reading up on the companies’ products and services, it is also a good time to take a look at their ‘careers’ tab and the kind of expertise that the company requires.

Even if one is not immediately qualified for a specific position, job descriptions often highlight the skills that are currently in demand. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep track of the most in-demand jobs in the fashion tech industry. Following thought leaders on social media, especially on professional networks such as LinkedIn, is a sure way of staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry.

6. Seek Entry-Level Jobs

At this point, it is important not to get discouraged by the long way that one has come in their journey toward landing a dream career in the fashion tech industry. More often than not, most entry-level jobs do not require specific expertise in the field. Therefore, job seekers should cast a wide financial net while looking for relevant job opportunities in the fashion tech space. Some of the entry-level jobs that one can consider include e-commerce, digital marketing, product operations, customer experience, and data analytics.

Other avenues for kickstarting a career in the industry include internships and working in startups. The latter, for instance, provides a wide array of responsibilities that one can engage in. With the right skills set, landing a steadier and more rewarding career in the industry becomes significantly easier.

Conclusion: Fashion Tech

Fashion degrees have long been considered a sure way of landing a lucrative career in the fashion industry. However, with the rapid rise and evolution of technology, the landscape is changing with greater emphasis being placed on people with technology-related expertise.

While formal education and experience in the world of fashion are often advantageous, they are by no means mandatory. Thus, while the ‘degree’ conversation will always continue, there are numerous ways through which people can position themselves for exciting career opportunities in the world of fashion tech.

Ready to start your career in fashion tech? Explore entry-level opportunities, build relevant skills, and use Best Job Tool to discover job openings that match your strengths and career goals.