Fashion

The luxury fashion industry is all about high-end style, expert craftsmanship, and brands that set the tone for trends worldwide. It includes everything from clothing and accessories to beauty and fragrance. While designers play a big role, the industry also depends on pros in marketing, merchandising, tech, and customer service to create unforgettable brand experiences. Today, luxury fashion is mixing tradition with new ideas—think sustainability, e-commerce, and unique in-store events—to keep inspiring style lovers everywhere.

Necessary Skills

Everyone brings different strengths, but here are foundational skills that many employers value across roles: 

  • Digital & Visual Communication / Social Media Savvy
  • Trend Forecasting / Consumer Behavior Insights        
  • Project Management / Time Management        
  • Customer Service & Sales Experience        
  • Basic Business Acumen / Professionalism / Ethics        
  • Strong Writing & Verbal Communication        
  • Brand Awareness / Communicating within Brand Guidelines        
  • Team Collaboration        
  • Tech Proficiency (Microsoft Office or Google Suite)        
  • Critical Thinking / Problem Solving        
  • Partnership Building / Relationship Management
Typical Entry-Level Jobs

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” path, but these are common entry points in fashion and beauty. 

Creative Roles

  • Design(er)        
  • Styling & Product Development        
  • Visual Merchandising        

Corporate Roles

  • Marketing / PR / Communications        
  • Merchandising & Planning        
  • Finance / Strategy / Business Intelligence        
  • Logistics / Supply Chain / Operations        
  • Sustainability & Environmental Impact        
  • Human Resources        
  • Ecommerce / Technology        
  • Research & Development (esp. in Beauty)        

Consumer-Facing Roles

  • Retail Sales & Leadership        
  • Client Services / CRM        
  • Events & Brand Experience           

Key words and searching for roles: Utilize these key words to search for positions on job boards and company webpages, but common entry-level roles often include the language junior, associate, or assistant. 

Search on Handshake for internships, jobs, or development opportunities by using any of the key words above. 

Handshake search tips:

  • Filter by industry: Fashion, Retail, CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods)        
  • Check out the specially curated Fashion Collection         
What to do Now to Prepare

Campus Resources & Student Orgs: Explore U-M’s student orgs that align with fashion and beauty interests. Start with: Maize Pages. Search “fashion” or “retail” to find clubs to join!

Experiential Learning: Watch Handshake and the Fashion Track Newsletter for opportunities to chat with employers and get hands-on experience!

  • UCC Immersions: Half-day field trips to employer sites to experience a day-in-the-life at various companies.        
  • UCC Employer Challenges: Team opportunities to practice innovation and collaboration while “pitching” material to company leaders.         

Skill Building: Take advantage of learning opportunities through UM or otherwise!

  • Online Courses: Consider courses or certifications on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, or Google Career Certificates. Focus on skills relevant to your position(s) of interest.        
  • Micro-Internships or Job Simulations: Websites such as Parker Dewey and Forage allow students and alumni to test fields of interest and gain experience through short-term projects.        
  • Please note that if you are an international student, it is likely that you will need some type of work authorization to pursue a micro-internship. Please visit the International Center to see if you are qualified for OPT/CPT before engaging in a micro-internship experience.                
  • Personal Projects: Start a project on your own or with a team, such as developing a website or social media channel, or creating a portfolio of art, writing, or coding projects. It’s a great way to show initiative and build a body of work that can impress future employers.        

Build Your Network: The luxury fashion and beauty industries are relationship-driven. Use these tools to connect with professionals:

Industry Trends

Stay up-to-date: Follow top companies and professional associations on LinkedIn and Handshake. Subscribe to and read Business of Fashion articles regularly.

  • Omnichannel Retailing is the new norm. In-store and online teams now work closely to deliver seamless brand experiences.        
  • Tech Integration & E-commerce are key. Brands want professionals who understand digital tools, platforms, and user experience.        
  • Internships & Training Programs are growing—especially with major luxury players like LVMH and L'Oréal. These often lead directly to full-time roles.
Job & Internship Search Essentials

Job and Internship Search Boards:

Also: check company career pages directly, sign up for email alerts and newsletters, or submit general interest applications!

When to Apply: Key Timelines

  • Fall (Aug–Nov): Summer internships in beauty (Estée Lauder, L'Oréal, Shiseido)
    Winter (Dec–Feb): Fashion brand internships (LVMH, Kering, Chanel); creative roles open
    Spring (Mar–May): Last-minute & off-cycle internships (often smaller/boutique brands)
    Summer (Jun–Aug): EU brands post fall internships

Tip: Roles may not be widely posted. Network or reach out directly on LinkedIn or UCAN to unlock hidden opportunities.

For Internship and Job Search support, you can make an appointment with Fashion Career Track Manager, Cierra Sutherland ([email protected]), on Handshake!