For a recent graduate seeking work in the fashion and apparel industry, the road is not always an easy or predictable one.  To begin with, one of the most difficult decisions is choosing which area of the expansive fashion industry to specialise in, and while committing yourself to a specific area for what may be the rest of your working life can be daunting - this is only the first step, as finding work in that particular area can be equally as challenging.  

In the job market a graduate can be defined as someone who has recently completed a tertiary qualification and has little or no industry experience.  The ‘graduate’ tag will usually endure until the person has a year or so relevant industry experience under their belt, to add to their educational achievements on their CV.        

Graduates looking for work in the fashion and apparel industry come from a variety of tertiary institutions within New Zealand and internationally, each providing a different educational focus and level of teaching.  Those with degrees not specific to the fashion industry are not excluded however, as science or commerce related education lends itself well to areas such as merchandising, exporting/importing or business development.  Great communication skills and a true love for clothing are also invaluable assets for anyone looking to get into this industry.  

For the graduate, or any person seeking employment, job satisfaction is always important and can be measured in different ways by particular individuals.  Evaluating factors include relationships with colleagues, career advancement opportunities, financial rewards and the level of stimulation provided in the role.  For graduates with little or no industry experience, salary and wages in the fashion industry are typically at the lower end of the scale, until such time as useful industry knowledge is gained and their market worth increases depending on the field and progress of the individual.

For graduates who have spent up to the last four or five years gaining qualifications, it can be frustrating when this knowledge is found to be of little use in the real world without relevant industry experience.  With increasing proportions of school leavers entering into tertiary education, the number of people with degrees and diplomas is on the rise and it can be disheartening, to say the least, after you have spent thousands of hours (and dollars!) working towards something that appears to have little meaning to prospective employers initially.  

It can be easy for graduates to overestimate their worth in the fashion industry, and the first few years of employment often involve re-evaluating their preconceived notions of the working world, as they work their way up from the bottom rung of the corporate ladder.  Many graduates initially find it hard to grasp the concept of the distinction between theoretical learning, and practical experience, which employers often require along with evidence of ability.  For the graduate seeking employment, this is another hurdle to overcome, as it is difficult for employers to establish ability and strengths with few industry relevant referees to support you.  

A pressing and unavoidable issue for fashion graduates at present is the shortage of skilled workers in specific areas within the fashion and apparel production industry.  Disproportionate numbers of people are graduating with skills that they imagine will lead to desirable and seemingly glamorous occupations such as ‘fashion design’ - when in reality, designing only makes up a small part of the industry as a whole.  While some occupations are over-represented, others such as skilled CAD patternmakers are in dangerously short supply in New Zealand at present.  One graduate spoken to regarding this issue suggested the problem could be improved through better communication between educational institutions and businesses, in relation to actual industry requirements.  Educational institutions can assist students further by informing them and providing accurate industry figures in regards to employment.  Enlightening students about the pitfalls of trying to find employment in an area where there is high competition for jobs, and also informing them of areas where there are currently shortages and encouraging more students into these fields will be advantageous to graduates and business owners alike.

In the current economic climate in New Zealand, with unemployment rates low and a booming economy, the benefits for an employer of taking on a graduate should not be overlooked.

In the current economic climate in New Zealand, with unemployment rates low and a booming economy, the benefits for an employer of taking on a graduate should not be overlooked.  In an industry where the rewards are not excellent in terms of remuneration for the qualified but inexperienced, graduates accept low pay in return for an opportunity or a ‘foot in the door’.  However, given a chance to prove themselves, graduates that learn quickly and are blessed with initiative and an optimistic attitude, can progress quickly and become an integral member of a team.  Graduates may initially require more structure and support systems within a company but given these parameters they can and often do exceed expectations.  

A positive aspect for employers when taking on a graduate is the knowledge that the skills they have brought to the workplace are relevant and recent, perhaps making them able to contribute new industry knowledge, up to date technologies and a fresh perspective.  It is rare to find a graduate who is not computer literate, and having come straight from a learning environment, they are often quick to pick things up and retain knowledge easily.  Through enrolling in and completing a tertiary qualification, graduates have already shown a high level of commitment and dedication, as well as a proven ability to learn new skills and work in a variety of disciplines.  The working world however is very different to studying, and there is no guarantee that a graduate who performed well while learning will necessarily excel in the workplace.  

It is becoming increasingly common within the interviewing process to have candidates participate in a variety of personality and aptitude tests, or even practical tasks to help assess their skills.  One of the most difficult to determine and imperative aspects of employing someone new, is how they will fit into the existing team.  At Rag Trade Recruitment, our most useful test for personality type is our Life Colour Keys Profile.  It is an inexpensive and accurate way of revealing priorities, talents and strengths while enabling candidates to have an insight into how and why they process life in a particular way.  

If you are considering taking on a graduate, we have a great variety of excellent candidates on our books, with skills ranging from interior design to textile science.  Give a grad a go – you may be pleasantly surprised!