Overview of jobs in the fashion industry with position descriptions

(The content of this job has been provided with the permission of the Berufskunde-Publishing house: Copyright by www.berufskunde.com.)

You are looking for a job as a fashion designer? Then have a look here.

DESCRIPTION

There are different fashion designers, e.g. trend designers, textile designers and general fashion designers. Fashion designers inform themselves at fashion shows and fairs about the latest fashion trends. Then along these lines and trends they design new collections for their company. They try to consider the economic aspects too. There is no point in designing a beautiful and fascinating outfit if it is too expensive. When realising their design for production, they determine the cloth, quality and cutting pattern. To be able to run a fashion department, they need good communication abilities, to be target-oriented and have a strong personality to convince others of the merits of their designs and methods.

TREND DESIGNER

The work as a trend designer is essentially based on the research and analysis of fashion trends (future fashion movements ). He determines themes, color ranges , fabrics , product lines and presents them in a trend book.

TEXTILE DESIGNER

The textile designer is the author of original creation destined to industrial reproduction using various supports, surfaces and shapes for fashion and the interior environment . He creates motifs and fabric collections (prints , embroidery , lace , jacquard , woven-dyed ). He determines the color ranges and the motif coloration (color variations) . His approach must be esthetic and technical, his sensitivity permitting to create new products and in many cases, to improve manufacturing techniques. His work also includes making visual communication supports (design, drawing, layout).

REQUIREMENTS

• interest in fashion, forms and colours
• being open towards new technologies
• good imagination
• independence
• initiative
• creativity and enthusiasm
• good communication skills
• performance-orientation and authority
• well-founded sense of judgment
• sound knowledge of craft skills involved
• sketching ability
• flexibility, mobility
• economic realism (budget)
• ability to accept criticism
• foreign languages

EDUCATION

Portfolio with convincing creative works and a successful interview is necessary in order to be accepted for training courses at special universities. Passing this course will be the entry ticket to employment.

CAREER PATH

A fashion designer starts as a junior designer and can develop on the long run to become a senior designer, design manage or business owner.

(The content of this job has been provided with the permission of the Berufskunde-Publishing house: Copyright by www.berufskunde.com.)

You are looking for a job as a sewing machinist? Then have a look here.

DESCRIPTION

Sewing machinists assemble all the different varieties of garments available, and also other items made of fabric, such as camping equipment, baggage, etc. There are several different sorts of sewing machine, some of which are computer controlled. Usually the machinists work in teams, but sometimes the machinist will carry out only one specific task. These tasks are usually rotated in order to relieve the boredom of carrying out a repetitive task for long periods. They are usually also responsible for the care and cleaning of their machines. Other work is done in dry cleaners, to mend or alter clothes to fit: also some clothing stores employ machinists to alter off-the-peg clothes to make them a better fit for the customers.

REQUIREMENTS

Machinists should be good hand workers and enjoy detailed work: they should also have good eyesight and be capable of working in a team as well as on their own. They should also have a certain stoic quality in the carrying out of work that is sometimes repetitive. An interest in fashion and design is helpful.

EDUCATION

• no formal academic qualifications are necessary for this job
• applicants should be quick and accurate workers and display a willingness to learn
• training is mostly on the job

CAREER PATH

Possibilities exist for advancement to a job working for a fashion designer, for example. Machinists can also be involved with training new employees, and also promotion to management or supervisory positions is possible.

You are looking for a job as a jewellery designer? Then have a look here.

DESCRIPTION

The job as a jewellery designer is diverse. A jewellery designer creates jewellery made out of various materials, including silver, gold and different valuable stones. The designs can have a symbolic meaning, they can be wearable or are decorative artefacts. The designer needs to understand the clients needs. A jewellery designer also needs to be able to “run a business”, meaning that besides creative skills, he also needs to understand the business part of the job. Designers can produce designs for mass production or can make small numbers of objects or individual pieces for a client. Some jewellery designers focus on the design part. The other production stages are given to other specialist companies.

REQUIREMENTS

• marketing & business skills
• creativity
• client orientation
• patience
• networking skills

EDUCATION

• specific design studies are offered that specialise in jewellery design

CAREER PATH

• running an own business or working for a company

(The content of this job has been provided with the permission of the Berufskunde-Publishing house: Copyright by www.berufskunde.com.)

You are looking for a job as a graphic designer? Then have a look here.

Graphic designers work on advertising materials, trademark development, catalogues, and all visual aids for marketing and other purposes. They work on a client’s order from the concept to the finished product, make the layout and print templates, define photo inserts and typographics. Nowadays they use more and more computers, scanners, video devices and graphics programs. Every advertising means will achieve a specific effect – mostly marketing, whether it is products or service, but it can be other things such as preventing accident or thefts. Graphic designers convert the message given to them by the clients into graphics, they try reaching the desired effect with visual means. They consult with their clients and make them suggestions.

REQUIREMENTS

• Education up to degree level
• Must have a portfolio of their work to show
• Need creative talent, a sharp eye for aesthetic arrangements, colours and forms.
• Must take a novel approach to subjects, be a team worker without losing his individuality and must be able to work to a deadline
• Many courses at Art colleges

EDUCATION

• different programs are offered
• a portfolio is essential

CAREER PATH

• Art Director, own company

(The content of this job has been provided with the permission of the Berufskunde-Publishing house: Copyright by www.berufskunde.com.)

You are looking for a job as a tailor / dressmaker? Then have a look here.

DESCRIPTION

These specialists make all sorts of custom-made clothing. They act as fashion advisors to their customers and help them in their choice of cloth and design. They try to adapt the current fashion to their customer’s build and personality, and sometimes they design the clothing themselves.

They are involved in all stages of making the clothes. They take the measurements of the client, construct the pattern, calculate the amount of cloth necessary, cut out the parts and then tack them together. Then comes the fitting stage when the client wears the clothes and small corrections are made as necessary. They are skilful at enhancing the best features of a customer’s figure, and covering up any minor imperfections. They use many different materials, both natural and man-made, and must be familiar with the different textures and advantages and disadvantages of each cloth.

REQUIREMENTS

• love fine and detailed work requiring perseverance over long periods
• Manual skills and an eye for fashion and tastefulness are also necessary
• able to communicate readily with clients, and be good listeners

EDUCATION

• Modern apprenticeships are available leading to Diploma in Tailoring. It is possible also to enter as a mature student

CAREER PATH

• Supervisor, pattern cutter, manager, teacher, self-employment

(The content of this job has been provided with the permission of the Berufskunde-Publishing house: Copyright by www.berufskunde.com.)

You are looking for a job as a display designer? Then have a look here.

DESCRIPTION

In former times this job would have been called ‘window dresser’. However, these days a display designer has to take much more into consideration than just arranging wares in a window. The way a store is advertised in newspapers or on television will have a considerable influence on how the window display is designed. The store will have an ‘image’ that it wishes to promote. Sometimes merchandise advertised in the window will have a tie-in to currently showing films, etc. Goods are also displayed inside the store, of course, and customers will be able to ask to see different examples of the things they’re interested in. Display design is planned many months in advance and takes into account the profile they have built up of the store’s customers. Display designers also work at trade fairs, conferences etc.

REQUIREMENTS

• artistic and creative qualities
• manual and practical abilities
• awareness of the current trends in design and what’s happening in popular culture
• good team and communication skills

EDUCATION

There are many college and university courses leading to relevant qualifications for this job

OPPORTUNITIES

Entry into this job for qualified students is relatively easy, and promotion prospects are better in the larger stores. Promotion often entails moving between stores. Progress into teaching and university lectureship is also possible.

(The content of this job has been provided with the permission of the Berufskunde-Publishing house: Copyright by www.berufskunde.com.)

You are looking for a job as an advertising copywriter? Then have a look here.

DESCRIPTION

In an advertising agency. They write the words for the text or for the script in an advertisement. They must adhere to a strict code of practice that prohibits them from making wild or untrue statements about the product or service they are advertising, but this still leaves a skilful imagination plenty of room for manoeuvre. The planning of an advertising campaign will normally start with many ideas that are then whittled down to one in a process of discussion between the client, the art department and the copywriters. Work is normally conducted on more than one campaign at a time.

REQUIREMENTS

• write well, creatively and imaginatively in
• ability to communicate well
• ability to give and take ideas and criticisms
• ability to combine commercial and creative aspects to achieve a satisfying and successful result

CAREER PATH

Promotion prospects are good in larger companies, but promotion by moving between companies is often faster. Copywriters may also become freelance or set up their own advertising agencies.

EDUCATION

There are no set academic qualifications for this job, but it is unusual for anyone with less than A-levels or a degree to be taken on. There are many college and university courses on the various aspects of advertising work. Also most advertising agencies run their own training courses, as do many of the professional institutes and organisations.

You are looking for a job as a stylist? Then have a look here.

Fashion stylists create visual images, such as photographs used in magazine articles or videos used in the music industry. Working from a design brief, stylists work with teams of people such as photographers, art directors, designers, lighting technicians and set builders. Their work involves planning creative solutions to the design briefs, selecting the most suitable accessories to complement garments and arranging these appropriately. A typical weeks work can include, contacting public relation (PR) companies, manufacturers and retailers; or finding the best range of merchandise to be used in a shoot; or hiring, borrowing or purchasing garments and props, getting these garments to the studio or location and deciding which works best. It can also include dressing people, such as models, used in the shoot; building up a network of contacts and keeping a keen eye on every emerging fashion trend.

REQUIREMENTS

• creativity
• eye for trends in the fashion, beauty & lifestyle industry
• good communication skills (working with different people)
• patience
• ability to work under pressure
• able to accept criticism and to realize someone else’s vision
• client orientation

Companies who employ stylists include magazines, newspapers, retail organisations, advertising agencies, publishers, media design companies and music production companies. Some stylists are self-employed and some work part time alongside another job.

CAREER PATH

Stylists may progress from editorial assistant work on fashion magazines where there is constant contact with PR companies, manufacturers and retailers. Mostly, stylists start in the function as a junior stylist and further develop over time.

(The content of this job has been provided with the permission of the Berufskunde-Publishing house: Copyright by www.berufskunde.com.)

You are looking for a job as fashion journalist? Then have a look here.

DESCRIPTION

The work of a journalist can cover many areas of the media. They can work for a newspaper, (fashion) magazine, a radio or television station, a news agency or a book publisher: they can also do freelance work. The work can be either in an office or can involve much travelling. The work can often be hectic and involve working to deadlines. Much of the work on a newspaper entails careful checking of the facts, but there are times when the work is very stimulating and exciting and gives much satisfaction. Work in a magazine or book publisher tends to be rather longer-term and not so frenetic. Radio and television work covers the whole spectrum, and is possibly the most difficult.

REQUIREMENTS

• be able to communicate easily and clearly
• team work, working under pressure
• self confidence
• attention to detail
• a highly developed critical sense
• ability to get along with many different sorts of people

EDUCATION

• sometimes, a journalist will specialise in a specific area, and will thus spend a lot of his time amongst people also working in that field
• there are very many courses available to train for a career in journalism, from being trained on the job at a local newspaper to full-time degree courses in journalism at a University
• entry into the profession is possible at almost any age, and the different possibilities open to any particular applicant must be explored individually
• sometimes, a journalist will specialise in a specific area, and will thus spend a lot of his time amongst people also working in that field

CAREER PATH

Advancement depends solely upon the individual: in newspapers and magazines, to editor: in a book publisher, to commissioning editor. Further promotion to director or chief editor of a group of enterprises is also possible. Work is also available in private companies for experienced journalists as press officers who are responsible for presenting the company’s news, aims and successes to the media.

(The content of this job has been provided with the permission of the Berufskunde-Publishing house: Copyright by www.berufskunde.com.)

You are looking for a job as a photographer? Then have a look here.

Description

Photographer’s work is divided into several different categories: general, advertising, fashion, industrial, scientific, police, medical and press photography. General photographers do mostly portraits and weddings, etc. advertising photographers produce work for advertising agencies, magazines, etc: fashion photographers mostly work independently and are booked by fashion companies for a fashion shooting. e.g. for a new collection. Photography can be either studio-based or out on location, both indoors and outdoors.

REQUIREMENTS

• artistic abilities (in order to compose their pictures well)
• good business sense and self-motivation (many photographers are self-employed)
• good knowledge of the technical aspects of photography
• knowledge of graphic programs: a knowledge of video work is also helpful
• foreign languages is a plus (especially in fashion photography)

EDUCATION

• Different schools/universities offer (fashion) photography courses

CAREER PATH

Success while self-employed depends very much on self-motivation, so that long-term prospects for a photographer are largely self-defined. Photographic work is very competitive, and there is not a well-defined promotion ladder

(The content of this job has been provided with the permission of the Berufskunde-Publishing house: Copyright by www.berufskunde.com.)

You are looking for a job as a marketing manager? Then have a look here.

DESCRIPTION

Marketing managers are in charge of all the marketing activity of a firm, or may be part of a team of managers working under a marketing director in a larger firm. Using the results provided from market research they plan the products and sales strategy of the firm, the advertising plans and the quantities of products the firm should budget for. They should also be prepared to explain their decisions to the board of directors.

They must have good communication skills and be able to deal easily with all the different departments within and outside the company with which they must maintain good working relationships. A good knowledge of international trade and exchange rates will often be required in some companies.

The job may well require overseas travel and periods spent away from home: a driving license is usually required.

REQUIREMENTS

• computer skills are a prerequisite
• literacy, numeracy, analytical skills
• organisational and motivational skills
• being fluent in one or more foreign languages is definitely an advantage

EDUCATION

• marketing studies at university level - different focuses are offered
• training on the job is important, but professional marketing organisations offer some short courses

CAREER PATH

• Promotion to marketing director or movement into a different sort of business or a larger firm are ways of career development.
• Establishing an independent marketing agency or moving into freelance marketing consultancy are other possibilities.

You are looking for a communication officer? Then have a look here.

Communications officers are responsible for a company’s communication with different target audiences, including customers, journalists, investors, suppliers and the community. They advise other employees and managers on communication tasks, and use written and verbal skills to create a wide range of product and corporate communication material. By communicating effectively with their target audience, they help to build a positive reputation for the company.

REQUIREMENTS

• strong communication skills
• strong organisational skills
• ability to work under pressure
• client oriented
• flexibility - no 9 to 5 mentality
• creativity

EDUCATION

• minimum of a bachelor’s degree, e.g. in communication or journalism
• prior communications experience is often required (e.g. through an internship)

CAREER PATH

• a master’s degree may be preferred for positions that are more senior.
• advanced positions include communications specialist, manager or director

You are looking for a job as an application manager? Then have a look here.

The general duties of an account manager include costing products, researching the market, negotiating prices and deliveries and briefing designers on the ### requirements of the customer. In addition to these tasks, an account manager is expected to have a good level of commercial awareness gained through competitive shop visits and keeping up to date with reading material, for example trade press, to develop the business. Developing and maintaining a broad base of suppliers is essential in this role, as a successful relationship between supplier and account manager can be vital. Effective communication is essential to this relationship, as is a sharp eye for using the right supplier for the right product area. A good account manager should not be afraid, however, to continually explore new supplier opportunities to get the best result for their customer.

REQUIREMENTS

• negotiation skills
• team spirit
• strong communication skills
• strong organisation skills
• ability to work independently
• able to prioritise workload
• self motivation
• ability to motivate and inspire
• ability to work under pressure

EDUCATION

• University degree (various fields possible), e.g. in business or communication

You are looking for a job as a visual merchandiser? Then have a look here.

DESCRIPTION

A visual merchandiser converts window shoppers into prospects, drives branding and sales objectives and maximizes profitability. A visual merchandiser also defines, designs and implements a creative visual merchandising strategy, creates appealing and eye-catching merchandise displays that lead the customer through the entire store. Also the production of window displays, signs, interior displays, floor plans and special promotions displays is part of the job. As a visual merchandiser, key messages have to be identified. It is important to come up with and be able to present and revise ideas.  Also an eye for the budget is crucial.

REQUIREMENTS

• portfolio is important to present creativity and previous work
• eye for design and trends
• experience in creating window displays, signs, interior displays
• proficiency in graphic programs such as Illustrator, Photoshop or other visual design tools
• knowledge of current visual merchandising trends and best practices
• proficiency in MS Office
• creative and innovative thinker
• ability to analyse sales reports and survey results

EDUCATION

There are different programs that prepare for a career as a visual merchandiser, e.g. a BS degree in visual merchandising, fashion merchandising, exhibition design, visual communications or similar can be obtained.

You are looking for a job as a HR administrator / assistant? Then have a look here.

The duties of an HR Manager are very different from business to business also depending on the business size. Often a HR Manager is in charge of a specific team and responsible for their development.  A HR advisor will handle all the day-to-day issues for the wider team but anything above this which is deemed serious or sensitive comes within the HR manager’s purview.

The role of the HR manager tends to focus more on influencing key players who are typically mid-management level straight up to director level. You will be central in developing new strategies or updating existing policies and procedures to ensure the business is line with legislative changes.

REQUIREMENTS

• able to influence people
• credibility
• strong technical HR skills
• able to work as an “ambassador”
• strong communication skills
• able to work with various people
• good computer skills

EDUCATION

• the minimum ### educational requirement to become a Human Resources Manager is a bachelor’s degree
• work experience is crucial to further develop in the field
• master’s degree to grow further and/or to specialize

You are looking for a job as a sales representative? Then have a look here.

DESCRIPTION

A sales representative has to provide complete and appropriate solutions for every customer in order to boost revenue growth, customer acquisition levels and profitability. The sales representative has to present, promote and sell products/services using solid arguments to existing and prospective customers. Further, a sales representative has to establish, develop and maintain positive business and customer relationships, reach potential customers and maximize the overall customer satisfaction. Agreed sales targets have to be achieved. An analysis of the territory potential and the tracking of sales in regular reports is also part of the tasks of a sales representative.

REQUIREMENTS

• excellent knowledge of MS Office
• familiarity with BRM and CRM practices along with ability to build productive business professional relationships
• highly motivated and target driven with a proven track record in sales
• excellent selling, communication and negotiation skills
• prioritizing, time management and organisational skills
• ability to create and deliver presentations tailored to the audience needs
• relationship management skills and openness to feedback
• monitor trends

EDUCATION

• BA degree or equivalent, or training in-store

(The content of this job has been provided with the permission of the Berufskunde-Publishing house: Copyright by www.berufskunde.com.)

You are looking for a job as personal assistant? Then have a look here.

DESCRIPTION

Personal assistants are the go-between for the executive or executives for whom they work and their colleagues and people from other businesses. They take care of all the day-to-day running of the office, schedule the appointments, and if they have junior secretaries assisting them, delegate their work for them. They will decide whether or not to handle incoming phone calls themselves, keep order in the office, organise materials and filing, assist in collating information and writing reports and in general prepare the day’s activities for their manager. At the highest level, they will stand in at meetings or conferences for the executives they represent, liaise with outside personnel, and make decisions in their superior’s absence.

REQUIREMENTS

This work demands high capabilities:

• a high level of literacy and numeracy
• self confidence
• good organisational ability and diplomacy
• tact when dealing with other people
• well groomed and of smart appearance

EDUCATION

• Many colleges and institutions offer diplomas and certificates in administrative and secretarial procedures.
• There is no specific age limit for entry into this employment, as sometimes a more mature worker is preferred.

CAREER PATH

Prospects for promotion in this work are quite good, and depend mostly on diligence, determination and ambition. It is not unknown for personal assistants to become executives in their own right, though this might require further specialised training.

(The content of this job has been provided with the permission of the Berufskunde-Publishing house: Copyright by www.berufskunde.com.)

You are looking for a job as an agent or manager? Then have a look here.

DESCRIPTION

Agents/managers represent creative workers in the entertainment industry such as actors, writers and musicians. They assist in promoting their careers and running their business affairs, and try to obtain the best paying work and the best conditions for their clients. They assist their clients with career decisions and negotiate their contracts and fees; they also promote and publicise them. They also keep an eye open for new talent. The work is normal office hours, but they must often visit potential employers and attend performances of their artists, and so the working hours are usually quite flexible. They normally earn a percentage of the fee paid to their clients, so a very successful agent/manager can earn £250,000 or more per year.

REQUIREMENTS

• there are no set ### requirements for this job
• the building up of experience and contacts are the most important aspects of this job
• some people enter this job from previously themselves being artists, or by managing friends and acquaintances
• agents/managers must have very good communication and negotiating skills
• they must be persuasive and charming

EDUCATION

• various study programmes enable a career as an agent/manager, e.g. management studies
• Training is often on the job

CAREER PATH

Advancement in this profession is almost entirely dependent upon successfully building a reputation for good service and attracting the best clients and getting them the best jobs. Many agents open their own agencies. Management companies exist in almost every country in the world.

(The content of this job has been provided with the permission of the Berufskunde-Publishing house: Copyright by www.berufskunde.com.)

You are looking for a job as a public relations officer? Then have a look here.

Public relations is the interface between an organisation and its clients, financial institutions, other organisations, the Media, politicians or the general public. PR personnel either work in-house or for an external public relations company. The work involves: programme planning, in consultation with the management and clients; writing and editing of PR material and its production; personal presentation of the PR material at interviews, conferences, etc; the planning of special PR events such as news conferences, exhibitions, or trade fairs; and research and evaluation of the results of past PR activity.

REQUIREMENTS

Entrants into this profession must be totally at ease when communicating with other people:

• self confidence and unflappability
• charm, diplomacy
• clear-thinking and analytical skills
• a facility with words and figures
• ability to see to the heart of a problem
• familiarity with word processing, the internet and e-mail

EDUCATION

• it is usual for entrants into this profession to have a degree, e.g. in communications, journalism, culture
• many have had experience in other professions such as journalism, advertising, etc.
• a few universities run special degrees in PR.
• specialist training in PR is mostly on-the-job, supplemented by training sessions, workshops, courses and conferences organised in-house or by the professional PR institutions.
• PR personnel can also study for diplomas related to management and PR.

CAREER PATH

Competition in this field is intense: however, promotion possibilities exist both in-house and by moving between companies. Opportunities also exist to work for international companies in other countries. Some PR workers move into advertising or marketing, or set up their own consultancy.

You are looking for a job as a store manager? Then have a look here.

DESCRIPTION

A store manager has to be result driven and be able to enhance customer satisfaction, meet sales and profitability goals and manage staff effectively. The development of business strategies in order to increase the number of customers, to expand store traffic and to optimise profitability is important. Set sales goals have to be met. Therefore, the store manager will train sales staff and provide mentoring at any time. Administrational tasks are also part of the job as a store manager as well as creative tasks, e.g. driving innovation through coming up with ideas and concepts. Reports have to be written on trends, customer needs and profits.

REQUIREMENTS

• powerful leading skills and business orientation
• people and customer management skills along
• strong organizational skills
• good communication and interpersonal skills
• degree, e.g. in business administration

EDUCATION

• several programs are offered that train for a career as a store manager (e.g. degree in Business Administration or similar field)

(The content of this job has been provided with the permission of the Berufskunde-Publishing house: Copyright by www.berufskunde.com.)

You are looking for a job as a store assistant? Then have a look here.

DESCRIPTION

Store assistants or store manager assistants thoroughly know the goods they sell. They have a broad knowledge and therefore can give or find out information about every product. With good knowledge of people and sensitivity they try feeling out the wishes of their customers, the adequate words and – very important in selling – the right smile. Other activities include sales promotions, the storing of products and arranging others so that they give a good presentation. Store assistants sort and count, fix price tags and tidy up, check dates and deliveries. All these many background activities however serve the same aim: to serve the customers and make them always find a comprehensive and attractive offer.

REQUIREMENTS

• friendly, helpful and outgoing personality
• should be able to express themselves clearly when giving advice to customers
• should be neat and tidy, and present a pleasant appearance
• patience
• a good memory and good health are also important.

EDUCATION

• On-the-job training or – with larger companies – introduction training

CAREER PATH

• Team leader, supervisor, store manager

You are looking for a job as a customer service manager? Then have a look here.

The  goal of a customer service manager is to satisfy the customer needs. A customer service manager can work on different levels, from managing and dealing with the customers directly to the higher level offices where customer service managers have to make the officers and seniors aware about the customer needs and expectations. A customer service manager also has to manage a team of customer service staff members and further develop a customer service policy for the entire organization. The daily tasks of the customer service manager are spread through a wide spectrum of duties that may include, managing the tasks, working arrangements, staff meeting, training and development programs.

REQUIREMENTS

• good management skills
• good communication skills
• ability to work under pressure
• disciplined
• team-player

EDUCATION

• Degree in business or related field

(The content of this job has been provided with the permission of the Berufskunde-Publishing house: Copyright by www.berufskunde.com.)

You are looking for a job as clothing presser? Then have a look here.

DESCRIPTION

Clothing pressers remove the creases from clothing: this is sometimes carried out before the pieces are assembled (it is then called underpressing) as well as when the garment is finished. There are several different types of pressers: vacuum steam presses that look very much like a domestic ironing-board and iron; steam presses that look like tailor’s dummies; and flat presses that press suitable items between two flat plates.

REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants for this job need to be good at hand work, and quick and methodical workers
• They need to be fit and healthy, as the work is carried out often in quite hot and steamy conditions
• Even though they carry out the same procedures many times a day on the different sort of garments they must nevertheless take pains to make sure the garment has a good finish.

EDUCATION

There are no formal academic qualifications required for this job, but practical skills and a willingness to learn are necessary

CAREER PATH

Pressers are also employed in dry cleaners and laundries. Pressers can be promoted to management or supervisory positions, and work training new employees is also possible.

You are looking for a job as a (retail) buyer? Then have a look here.

A retail buyer has to be able to recognise future trends. Also excellent communication skills are crucial as well as the ability to find out what the customer wants. Most buyers specialise in one product type such as clothes or food. This division can be further broken down into ladieswear and menswear or buying for a specific brand within the shop, depending on the size of the shop. The buyer must find the best product at the best price . He establishes buying plans , negotiates the prices of finished or manufactured products as well as the delivery delays . The selected garments have to satisfy the clients demands , current fashion trends and the past season’s sales results. Besides, the retail buyer has to control the garments’ quality and evaluate the scope of the order.

REQUIREMENTS

• managing stock levels
• reacting to changes in demand
• meeting suppliers and negotiating contract terms
• participating in promotional activities
• writing reports and forecasting sales
• commercial attitude
• strong communication skills
• creative
• strong analytical skills
• work under pressure

EDUCATION

• Degree in retail or business or degree in fashion marketing
• Work experience crucial
• Some of the larger fashion shops/chains have graduate schemes that provide access to buying roles.
• A common path is to become a buyer’s assistant and then a trainee buyer or assistant buyer. With experience you then progress to a junior buyer and then a buyer.

A textile buyer takes care of the supplying of various materials and supplies. In collaboration with the product manager and the fashion designer, the textile buyer is in charge of placing the fabric orders for the collections.

REQUIREMENTS

• good fabric knowledge
• good management skills (has to handle and monitor the orders)
• good knowledge of technical aspects of a product, such as the weight of the fabric, threads, printing, fabric finishes

EDUCATION

• Degree in retail or business or degree in fashion marketing
• Work experience crucial

You are looking for a job as a product developer? Then have a look here.

The tasks of a product developer are diverse. The product developer is in charge of managing the development of styles - from the design stage through to shipment. Also monitoring sales, after the developed styles are in-store, is part of the job. Further, a product developer is responsible for the distribution of technical packs to the relevant factories. He also manages samples and trims, ensuring they are fitted, approved and comments sent within the desired timeframe.

REQUIREMENTS

• strong communication skills
• able to work with different parties (designers, buyers)
• excellent negotiator
• strong organisational skill
• an eye for deadlines

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree
• Some companies prefer candidates with graduate-level ### educations (in fields as engineering or design)