Know-How Exchange : Career/Training

Think of yourself first as a marketer/fastion designer. Pull together a portfolio of your work and get it out there. If you specialize more in the marketing end, offer yourself in that way.

I believe there is a huge trade market for apparel in Atlanta or nearby in Texas. Do a search on Google and look up Atlanta apparel market. Start to mail out resumes and if you have them, samples of your work.

Offer some local retailers help in marketing/merchandising. Help them market their stores better, develop a brand for themselves, etc.

Most importantly, stop thinking of yourself as a secretary/receptionist/clerk. You have the piece of paper to back up your credentials!!!!

I suffered from the same syndrome myself and had to fight with myself--insecurities and all--to work my way up. Your insecurities are what's keeping you back! If the firm you're working for now is in need of marketing help. Offer yours!! They won't know what you can do unless you show them.

I'm from NY..it's a jungle up here. You might have a better shot of being noticed in Atlanta. Just get out there and let them know what you can do!!!

Start doing informational interviews. Identify people or companies that are interesting to you. Learn a bit about them first, then contact them to set up an informational interview. The purpose isn't to get a job (although that sometimes happens). Instead, you'll looking for an insider to help you to help yourself: identify opportunities for you, provide guidance, answer questions, give you feedback, etc. People who aren't too busy are generally very welcome to help others (we've all needed others' help at times).

It's quite possible that you have the right pieces but aren't looking in the right places (or using the right label for what you want to do).

Ignore your education. What do you WANT to do? Then figure a way to highlight your past to show how that will help you to do your DREAM. Employers are looking for skill, but more importantly passion and commitment. All employers expect the new person to spend a bunch of time learning anew, so don't self-select yourself from applying to jobs that are what you dream of.

Good luck.

Atlanta has a number of apparel manufacturers. Have you conected with them to see what openings they have in their marketing departments. the apparel mart is active and companies often need people in the showrooms. There are also a few retail software companies like eXchangeframe and Brickstream headquartered here.

Here is a list of manufacturers in Atlanta area.

Altama Footwear
Carter's Inc.
Delta Apparel, Inc.
LAT Sportswear
Mizuno Sports USA, Inc
Oxford Industries, Inc.
Russell Corporation