If you were to ask me on the first day of class what my career goals or aspirations were, I would answer with something along the lines of “to hold a position at a renowned retailer in communications/media, marketing, public relations or events- so integrated marketing”. These are roles that I would consider myself to be great at. I have a love for storytelling, cultivating experiences, provoking thoughts and all things fashion. In hindsight, I have always enjoyed these things since youth, so this would be the right path to go down; right? Essentially, I wanted to be in one of these positions because I believed these were where I would be an asset to a company or where I could make the most impact. It all seemed so simple.
My semester studying in New York City was one to remember. As soon as I arrived, I hit the ground running—from contacting my industry idols to attending events where I knew like-minded and passionate individuals would be present. It was only 4 months. There was no time to be wasted.
Going back even further to the first day of Freshman year, I would have answered that same question with “I want to be the Global Marketing Director for a Fashion Retailer”. What did I know? More than likely, I looked at that specific position as prestigious because I noticed the median salary on Google and saw that they “often travel” in the work description. Luckily, my perspective has matured since then.
Deeper into Freshman year, I recall adding trend forecaster to my goals and aspirations. As you could imagine, my visit to WGSN, one of the top trend forecasting agencies in the world, was surreal. Being at the company and realizing this is a possibility was an immeasurable experience. However, leaving this office and adding this back to the list of career opportunities for a fashion student, like myself, to pursue, honestly stressed me out. In this industry, there are so many career opportunities more that I could wrap my head around (an unpopular opinion*).
It wasn’t until my last corporate office visit at Talbot’s when a Human Resource director reminded me how often people switch careers. Job roles change and some are even, unfortunately, eliminated. Titles are temporary, especially within the ever-changing fashion industry. With that understood, I concluded that it’s not about what title you hold. It is about the WORK you do. By that, I mean eliminating the big end goal of wanting to be Editor-In-Chief, Chief Executive Officer, Senior Buyer, or even Head Trend forecaster at WGSN for Women’s Wovens. What became important to me was aspiring to do a certain service in the world or striving for accomplishments that are not necessarily connected with a title. This is what will get me to my ultimate destination, a position that will allow me to hone in on all of my skills and passions.
As days went by, I was exposed to more and more individuals that proved the meaningful work you can do in this industry – and in the world. Like Brandice Daniel, founder of Harlem’s Fashion Row, which is platform that showcase emerging talent of color through a platform of national events and aligns brand partners with emergingFashion designers of color. This is just one example of an individual who found a way to serve by doing the work they love- thus standing out. I could bet that they did not have a goal to be in the title they once held or currently hold while a Junior in college.
From what it seems, no one’s career path in this industry goes as planned. There is no such thing as a linear path. With that, my current career aspirations can be best understood in the form of a mission statement.
“Obtain a position within the retail industry that will continuously enable me to implement new ideas and use the skills I am greatest at . Thus, inspiring, empowering and impacting those who come in contact with my work” .
To make it plain for myself, I understand I will just have to continue doing the work that I enjoy doing that can add value into the world with thoughts that the career I ultimately desire–is one that probably does not even exist yet.
Once I figure out what that looks like, you all will know. In the meantime, I will continue growing and learning.
