I have done some research on interns and higher up at fashion magazines and it seem that some did not go to college. Like Anna Wintour, she worked at a fashion house and was connected through family.
So my question is, is it worth going to college for, or should I just head to NYC/LA and hope for an internship? My college offers journalism, (plus I could focus in magazine management) but it is definitely more geared to “The Times” and “Fortune 500” and less Harper Bazaar.
I have always thought you either know fashion or you don’t and you basically have to work your way up whether you have a college degree or not. Is there a significant advantage of going to college (spending tens of thousands of dollars plus4-5 years) against not and having “real world” experience during that time?
Thank you for any help.
Go to college
It sometimes seems that internship/real world experience outweighs a college degree but you actually need both. Most publishing companies prefer highly to hire a college grad. Also, you can learn basic reporting, editing skills in a Journalism or communications program. It’s also harder to get an internship since most magazines require you to get college credit. Try to choose a less expensive school and definitely take advantage of any internship or campus publication opportunities you get. And don’t forget to enjoy the college experience!
I think you should
I think you should definitely get your bachelor’s just so you have something to fall back on in case you decide you don’t want to do fashion down the road. Also, it’s much easier to get internships if you can get college credit.
I remember reading that most fashion EICs like Amy Astley and Kim France went to school and probably interned at the same time. You don’t have to major in journalism; there’s always English, Communications, or something else completely unrelated.
You definitely have to work yourself up the ladder with fashion magazines but unless you have connections, being in college will make it easier for you to be hired as an intern and get that real world experience.
Now if you’re thinking about grad school, that’s a whole other story. I’ve heard lots of editors say that they didn’t go for their graduate degree because they would have had to spend $80K to get a fashion job that would pay 1/4th that amount a year.