A question for all you other fellow hunters out there:
My eventual goal is to do fashion editorial at one of the big pubs: Elle, Harper’s or Vogue. I just graduated in May from a small liberal arts college and am living in Philly while I job search. I have two editorial internships under my belt, one with a regional city publication and the other with my university alumni magazine. I’ve had interviews and edit tests at NY Mag and informational interviews at Seventeen and Lucky, but nothing has been opening up.
I just got an email to come in for an interview for a Fashion Assistant position with Dance Magazine (I was a Dance minor). My question is, do you think if I get offered and take this job, in my future job searches, will the big publications frown upon experience at a Dance publication since my fashion experience will be with leotards and toe shoes, not exactly Gucci and Prada?
I’m inclined to take it just so I can move to NYC and start getting experience, but I wondering if you guys think it’ll steer my career path in different direction. I think holding out for a miracle at a larger national publication is sort of foolish at this point…Any thoughts? Thanks!
One of the most important
One of the most important pieces of advice I ever received was to never turn down a job before you even interview. Experience is always a plus, and the dance and fashion worlds think very highly of each other (there was just a big NYT article about how dancers are the new in-demand models, I think). This will make you look highbrow and knowledgeable, and stand out.
i think you should
i think you should definitely go on the interview and just see how it feels. there isn’t a yes or no answer to your question. it is possible that it could be amazing and you will learn so much and love it. it is also possible that you will hate it and want to leave immediately. that’s why you need to ask a lot of questions on the interview about exactly what your job responsibilities will be and just get a general vibe.
i started at a small unknown mag and now work at one of those mags that you mentioned (not in the fashion dept) and i have to admit that it was tough to get where i am now and the fashion dept is even more competitive. BUT it also isn’t as amazing as i thought it would be at a top magazine. when looking back at all of the mags i have worked for, the smaller ones were the most rewarding since there are less editors and you have more creative control and responsibility. starting out at a small mag is a great way to learn what everyone does and how a magazine really works. it’s a great opportunity, but it won’t necessarily lead you to a job at vogue which in my mind is ok. you also have to remember that your dream job will change as you do and you will have different goals…
good luck!
Hmm..
I’m not sure how the fashion world works but I know in publishing as a whole, any experience is good experience! I’m in a similar position as you. I want to become a lifestyle or relationship/sex editor at a large national magazine/website, but I’m an EA at a large national home decor/shelter magazine right now. It’s somewhat relevant to what I want to do, but sometimes I’m afraid I’m going to get stuck.
I say, go for the interview and if you do get the position take it if you’re not having luck with anything else. It’s still a Fashion Assistant position and Dance Mag is pretty well known. Good Luck!
I’m interested to know what others think.