All right dear readers, I am sending out a call for help to all of you and I’m hoping that some of you can give me some help/insight/encouragement!
As some of you might know, I am currently wrapping up my degree here in Western Canada. It’s been a good, long five years and I am so ready to finally finish school and just throw myself into work (by the way, I know that five years is an inordinately long time to finish an undergrad, but that’s what happens when you’re as impulsive/indecisive as I am and switch your major every nine months).
Having said that, another one of my objectives for this coming year is to just get the hell out of Vancouver. Aside from trips to tropical locations for vacations with the family, I haven’t really gone away and lived elsewhere since I was a teen, when I lived in Bordeaux, France for awhile. I am a very proud Canadian and love the city that I come from, but like most other young, ambitious people, I have a very real need to break out of my hometown and work and live elsewhere for awhile.
So that’s where (hopefully) you all come in: most of you are from somewhere other than Vancouver, be it in Europe, Australia, the States, other parts of Canada, etc. I want to know if any of you know how to go about applying for positions within your city, or if you know of any fashion job websites such as Daily Fashion Jobs that are based out of your city. I also just want to hear your stories: How did you get to where you are? Are you in a position similar to mine and looking for work? What suggestions do you have for someone who’s just getting their foot in the door?
Feel free to comment on this post, or email me at tovogueorbust@gmail.com. I really want to hear what you have to say and I want to thank all those in advance who choose to share their stories and advice!
On a bit of a different note, I ended up having the worst vacation of my life (which is why my posting has been nonexistent/super infrequent). I ended up having some sort of severe allergic reaction to something in the cabin and needless to say, the four days up there were not as enjoyable as I’d hoped they would be. My body has not been on my side this past month and I’m embarrassed by its feebleness as of late. Fortunately for me, I feel a lot better and am pretty confident it will be smooth sailing from here on out. No more allergies, no more weird surgical complications, no more colds, nothing!
I am actually really glad to be back and am ready to dive back into school, blogging, and enjoying the rest of the summer! Who needs vacations or downtime. Plus, the blog design is coming along nicely and will be up very shortly…yee I’m excited!
Hi !
Great blog, and post !
I don't understand everything, because i've a bad English, but i think you search a place to go, because you finish school, isn't it?
And i'm sorry, i've any idea for that ! ! 🙂
I live to Lyon,in France, but i'm still to collège, so it's for that i live here !
I can't help you more !
Sorry…!
But, i really really love your blog, it's so nice ! ! Very cool ! 🙂
Good luck for the next ! ! 🙂
I hope you understant what i write here ! 😉
xoxo.
just came across your blog..its lovely! im now following…good luck obtaining a new career!!! your best bet is just applying for a range of jobs..I will be in your position after this spring so it will be cool to hear how everything worked out for you 🙂
http://thelooktoday.blogspot.com
Alexandra…. get you butt downunder. I now call Australia home and it was the best move I ever made. Not that I am still very much in love with my home country Brazil but Australia has the best of everything. I feel very privileged to be here. Australians are such great people. Canadians do really well here as they seem to fit into the lifestyle easily. Think that might be something to do with the fact they are both former colonies of England. Sydney and Melbourne are the places to be in for fashion. Both totally different but great cities with their own styles. As far as jobs go, they are not so easy to come by unless you hold a working permit. They are not so easy to come by. You need to come down for a visit and try your luck first.
LOx
Hi,
I just came across your blog (saw your comment about stylish bikes on the sartorialist).
I really think you should go to Montreal. No one goes without being inspired. The architecture, people, food, music, everything. It's one of Canada's most cultural places.
Funnily enough, I live in Regina, and my goal is to get to Vancouver!
i find the opportunity in los angeles is blossoming. it is still in its developmental stages and full of independent designers and wonderful fashion opportunity. what is it you would like to do most?
Heya A!
I'm in Australia too, have also lived in Singapore…both I guess are developing fashion markets, especially compared to NY or Paris! But there's heaps of exciting stuff happening!
For fashion I think Sydney is more prestigious (all the mags would be based there) but Melbourne is more arty and there's loads of young labels.
From what I've heard…people doing internships and so on…the key things are to work hard, love what you do and network like crazy. Most start out unpaid with long hours, young designers often get their work stolen, and you may not get a look-in unless you know the right people (I think there are a few fashion job posting sites BUT most positions won't be on there).
But you've got a blog – great start! Build up a portfolio, don't take no for an answer, and…hope to see you in Oz sometime!
K xx
caughtcouture.com
Don't worry, it took me 6 years to finish my undergrad because when i was doing my theatre specialist I tool it a little too easy in my third year and only signed up for half of the courses. I can totally relate to your desire to move elsewhere and that's why i'm making my way to Cali in about a month. I think you might know everything else though. I don't know how much I can contribute because I'm in a similar stage in my life as you only you are finishing school and I have about 3 more years to go with Law.
Love your post and sorry to hear that your vacation didn't really work out,
Love Lida
hey i love the blog and will be following
i'm from nyc and this is the city that could make you or break you. if you know the right people then your good but if you don't then its that much harder
i hope that wherever you go you find what your looking for
best of luck,
nek
Beautiful blog!
im so sorry i don't have any helpful advice, but goodluck, i know you will do well:) have a lovely week
xx
mel
peterbellandtinkerpan.blogspot.com
Congrats on graduating! I just graduated too and am trying to figure all of this out too! I would definitely check out career fairs and any career center on campus they may be able to give you some contacts.
Right now, I found a job that I'm not in love with but I know it's a good start to get some experience and figure out what is really out there.
good luck!
http://jammer10am.blogspot.com/
Hey congrats on your graduation, and don't worry it also took me 5 years to finish my undergrad hehe. As for career advice, the best thing i can tell you really, having worked in the industry in canada, the US and in France, is that you just go there, try as hard you can and see what happens. You really have to fight for it if you really want it and everything works out in the end. Good luck!
xxx