Not Sure Where You Belong in Fashion? Here’s How to Choose the Right Career Path

With an industry as dynamic, competitive, and multifaceted as fashion and luxury, choosing the right career path can feel overwhelming—even for the most driven individuals. As a recruiter with over 17 years of experience working alongside top-tier brands, lecturing in fashion schools, and guiding thousands of students and professionals, I’ve seen this challenge play out time and again.

Written By Sacha Milazzo-Mercier

Some individuals enter the industry with a laser-sharp vision of their future. Others feel paralyzed by the sheer volume of roles available—from design and branding to supply chain and merchandising. No matter where you stand on this spectrum, the key to finding your path lies in two foundational pillars: self-awareness and industry knowledge.

Step 1: Build Self-Awareness

Before diving into job titles or company names, take a step back and reflect. Who are you professionally? What motivates you? Where do you add value?

Ask yourself:

• What are my core strengths and weaknesses?

• Which skills do I enjoy using most?

• What tasks make me feel energized and fulfilled?

Often, the answer lies in the overlap between what you’re naturally good at and what you love to do. For instance, if you're detail-oriented and highly organized, you might thrive in roles like merchandising or supply chain coordination. If you're creative but don’t have technical design skills, branding or marketing could be your sweet spot.

Personally, I discovered early on that I wasn’t a designer or engineer—but I had a genuine passion for people. That passion led me into psychology, and eventually into talent acquisition and people development in the fashion world. Your journey doesn’t have to be linear. It just needs to be intentional.

Step 2: Understand the Industry Beyond the Runway

The fashion and luxury landscape extends far beyond what you see in magazines or on social media. There’s an entire ecosystem of roles that drive this industry forward. Here's a look at the major functional areas:

🎨 Design & Product Development

The creative heart of the industry, where ideas become tangible. These roles often require technical expertise in areas like textile design, pattern making, or CAD software. Specialized education is typically essential here.

💼 Sales, Retail & Distribution

Revenue is the lifeblood of every fashion business. Roles in retail, wholesale, and distribution are plentiful and often accessible at entry level. Think: sales associates, buyers, visual merchandisers, or retail managers.

📣 Marketing & Branding

If you’re a storyteller with a sharp eye for visuals and a knack for data, marketing might be your zone. From digital content and influencer strategy to CRM and customer experience, this domain is both creative and analytical.

⚙️ Manufacturing & Supply Chain

Behind every product is a complex system ensuring it gets made and delivered on time. Roles in operations, sourcing, logistics, and production planning are critical to a brand’s success.

🧩 Business Support Functions

Finance, HR, legal, and IT roles may not be “fashion-forward,” but they are essential to keeping companies operational. These positions often welcome professionals from outside the fashion world—making them a strategic entry point for career changers.

Tools for Career Discovery

Understanding what’s out there—and what’s right for you—requires both research and action. Here's how to dig deeper:

• Analyze job descriptions: Use platforms like Business of Fashion Careers or LinkedIn to get familiar with expectations.

• Network strategically: Reach out to professionals in roles you admire. Ask them what their day-to-day looks like.

• Participate in industry events: Webinars, panels, or networking meetups can expose you to lesser-known opportunities.

• Start somewhere, anywhere: Even entry-level retail or assistant roles can provide invaluable firsthand insight into how the industry operates.

At Glowth Academy, we regularly spotlight stories from our candidates and alumni—because nothing is more inspiring or informative than real-life experience.

Pitfalls to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes? Chasing trends. Sustainability, tech, or digital fashion may be buzzworthy, but they also come with specialized requirements. If you’re not genuinely passionate—or qualified—you risk burnout and disillusionment.

Instead, ground your decisions in long-term vision. Ask: Where can I grow? What do I want to master over time?

Flexibility is Your Superpower

The fashion industry is in constant flux. New business models, evolving consumer habits, and emerging technologies mean that your first job won’t be your last. And that’s a good thing.

Many of the most successful professionals I’ve worked with started in one domain and pivoted as they evolved—whether through graduate programs, part-time studies, or strategic career moves.

Embrace change. It’s how you grow.

Final Thoughts: It’s Your Journey

Your career in fashion and luxury starts with curiosity—and courage. You don’t need all the answers today. You just need to take the first step.

Look for a role that excites you, even if it’s not your dream job. Entry-level roles in sales or administration often require only strong interpersonal and organizational skills (think: languages, Excel, PowerPoint). And they offer something priceless: clarity.

The more you explore, the more insight you’ll gain into what you love—and what you don’t. Either way, you move forward.

At Glowth Academy, we’re here to guide you along that journey. From job search strategies to interview prep, our mission is to help fashion professionals step into their potential.

Ready to take the leap? Join our community—and start building the future you deserve. https://the-glowth-academy.disco.co/join-community