These tips are very useful and practical for us - incoming employees in the fashion industry.
Reblog from:
JERRLIFE: Tips for Volunteering at Fashion Week
Tips for Volunteering at Fashion Week
My first Toronto Fashion Week experience concluded a few weeks ago and
it went successful for the most part but I ask myself "What could I have
done better?" Hit me on the comment box or
twitter
if you've volunteered yourself but for everyone who wants to know about
what to expect volunteering at Toronto Fashion Week here are my tips on
how to maximize your experience volunteering for Toronto Fashion Week!
1.
Make friends. I came in with no connections
to the industry but I left with newfound friends. I met great
volunteers who have the same interests as me so it's great to get advice
from their own experience careerwise plus they are great people in
general. Talk to guests as well. I know its intimidating and nobody
likes to be rejected but you have to put yourself out there. You never
know who you're going to meet and fashion week attracts notable people.
It's better to get yourself acquainted with people who will be around
you for the whole week versus keeping to yourself. You might as well
have fun, right?
2.
Network. Chit chat is good but cease the opportunity too.
Many volunteers were just staying quiet while surrounded by industry people.
Talk to them! It's part of your job. Especially if you're manning the
shows or working at the lobby. Ask them which shows they're seeing, how
there week is so far and it doesn't hurt to compliment their outfit. You
can ask them why they're here, what company they work for, and what
they do. It's important that you know what you want to get out of this
experience which brings me to my next point:
3.
Bring a business card. Sure the experience is beneficial itself but milk the experience as much as possible. Remember
you're not getting paid so reap all the benefits you possibly could.
Are you here looking got a job? Are you a budding photographer,
blogger, or designer? Or maybe you don't have anything to promote so
promote yourself! Introduce yourself and what you're interests are so
when somebody actually asks you why you're volunteering you can say more
than just 'I don't know, I love fashion?" This way industry people will
have you on there radar and have a way of staying in touch which is
already half the battle.
4. Do a bit of everything. As a volunteer
you are privileged to have all access
of the venue so take advantage! You get to run around and see all parts
of the venues. Steam clothes. Dress models. Make gift bags. Man the
show. Hand out magazines. Greet guests. There's a lot to do and there's
something for everyone so find something you love. Who knows maybe
you'll find you're calling. Make sure you try as much as possible, don't
mope around and don't waste time sitting down doing nothing. You can do
that at home.
5.
Have a love for fashion. When I went to the orientation there
were 300-500 people and by the end of the week we were scrambling to
find volunteers. Don't come if you are afraid of getting dirty and doing
some manual labour. Fashion isn't always glamorous and like someone
said
'The most dressed are usually the ones who does the least amount of work'. Remember this is work and you're not here to dress to the nines. This is a crash course glimpse to fashion.
6.
Bring food. This year all they had was Kelloggs cereal and
bars for the whole week. Trust me, working eight hour shifts with no
food to eat will make you go bananas. Apparently last year they had no
food at all. I took some staff food we weren't suppose to have but
really they should be taking care of us in that department anyway. Also,
there's not a lot of food places around the area of the venue so pack a
lunch or get something on the way.
7.
Have a good attitude. You're experience will not always be
positive. Just like in any industry there are attitudes and egos to deal
with. Just focus on what you're there to accomplish. If anything you
can use the 'fuck you' smile' where you just smile as big as possible to
cover the disdain you have to the person you're talking to.