There are numerous ways to become a personal shopping assistant, and almost none of them have anything to do with formal education. Most personal shopping assistants have had a significant amount of hands-on experience within the fashion industry. In fact, this type of work experience is almost always enough to gain a position as a shopping assistant.
Those who aspire to become a personal shopping assistant should obtain a fashion-related job as soon as possible. Beginning work within this field at an early age is an ideal way to gain a personal shopper position. In addition, many different large department stores hire retail sales people, and promote these people to personal shopper positions within a few months.
The most important attributes that a shopping assistant must possess include an aptitude for fashion, excellent communication skills, and an impeccable eye for detail. While seemingly simple, these qualities are difficult to learn. Thus, most people who become a personal shopping assistant tend to have an innate knack for style and fashion.
While no formal education is required in order to become a personal shopping assistant, there are some certificate programs and courses that may help one personal assistant candidate gain an edge over another. Fashion-specific courses, such as design, theory, and history, can all add to the appeal of a prospective candidate. Fashion buyers are also great candidates for personal shopping assistant positions.
Learning the necessary skills to become a personal shopping assistant can be accomplished, though finding a job within this field may be more difficult. Personal shoppers are usually hired by business professionals who need an extra hand when it comes to coordinating outfits. However, seeking out a potential customer is not as simple as it might sound.
One of the best ways to gain new clients is to begin with friends and family members who may need fashion help. Offering to dress someone that you know can help to advertise your new business. Otherwise, you may want to speak with retail store owners about the skills that you offer. Sometimes, an owner of a particularly lucrative store may hire a professional personal shopper to help important clients shop.
Personal shoppers tend to work independently, though becoming affiliated with certain retail stores may prove to be worthwhile. In addition to helping clients shop for outfits, personal shoppers must also have excellent contact within the fashion industry. When all of these skills, attributes, and contacts are meshed together, the outcome is a successful personal shopping assistant.