The Ultimate Sneaker Career Guide: Discover your skills and interests to help you determine and achieve your sneaker career goals
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The document outlines opportunities and career paths within the sneaker industry, emphasizing growth trends, consumer behavior, and essential skills needed for various roles. It discusses the evolution of sneakers from athletic wear to a fashion staple and highlights the market's projected growth, including a significant rise in sneaker reseller economy. Moreover, it provides guidance for novices, alumni, and experts on how to navigate their sneaker careers, including identifying skills, passions, and setting career goals.
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The Ultimate Sneaker Career Guide: Discover your skills and interests to help you determine and achieve your sneaker career goals
- 3. SPECIAL OFFER 3 04 09 14 18 Industry 101 Prospective Highlights Future of Work Sneaker Design Production & Manufacturing Marketing & Sales Distribution & Retail Novice Strategy Alumni Strategy Expert Strategy 05 07 08 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 21 26 29 30 33 35 CAREER LIBRARY CAREER PLANNING STRATEGY GETTING STARTED Identify Your Skills Pinpoint Your Sneaker Passion Become an Expert Learn the Industry Set Your Career Goals General Rules of Exploration OVERVIEW
- 5. 5 SPECIAL OFFER OVERVIEW INDUSTRY 101 Footwear has always been a vital segment of the fashion industry. Sneakers, specifically, have expanded to move beyond just serving as an athletic function. When there was once a time when sneakers were only associated with sports, over the past decade, the global consumption of sneakers has trended toward casual wear across all age groups. Because of this, sneaker design is more robust than ever from technical and function, experimentation in materials and colors, to sustainability practices. As the result of streetwear trickling across fashion markets, the athleisure trend combines comfort with style and has elevated functional sportswear to coveted fashion statements. The trend is bound to continue within the sneaker industry.
- 6. 6 SPECIAL OFFER Every year, sneaker companies worldwide invest large amounts of money in developing newer trends and partnering with key talent and personalities to drive the market forward. Long gone are the days when sneakers and sneaker-collecting are a niche trend. Sneaker history extends beyond the groundbreaking reveal and marketing frenzy of the Air Jordan 1 or adidas’ collaboration with Run-DMC for the group single “My Adidas.” The industry made leaps and bounds since the pivotal point of sneaker collecting and collaborations with Nike Dunk SB Low Staple “NYC Pigeon”. But one thing has never folded, the importance of the connection between storytelling and the sneaker. As a result, key market players in the footwear market are increasingly reliant on the perfect collaboration, which by association boosts prestige and, therefore, sales of their regular product. Mixed with seeding campaigns and e-commerce websites that collectively sell shoes of different brands on a single platform and provide typical discounts, customers are buying more footwear than ever — with the average volume per person expected to amount to 5.7 pairs in 2022. All these factors have been pivotal in accentuating the growth in the footwear market. OVERVIEW
- 7. 7 SPECIAL OFFER Americans spend an average of $392 per person, per year on footwear. The Footwear market is expected to grow 5.2% annually through 2030. The sneakers reseller economy is estimated at $6 billion and expected to grow to $30 million by 2030. OVERVIEW PROSPECTIVE HIGHLIGHTS $392 PER PERSON 5.2% ANNUAL GROWTH $6 BILLION RESELLER ECONOMY The total global sneakers market revenue was valued at over $72 billion and forecasted to reach a value of $102 billion by 2025. In global comparison, the United States has the largest footwear market in the world. $72 BILLION $102 BILLION
- 8. 8 SPECIAL OFFER FUTURE OF WORK The most crucial driver for the global footwear industry is the increasing importance of emerging markets within production sites and consumer markets. How a sneaker is marketed and released is just as important as the design process itself. Factor in the strong initiatives towards sustainability, and unlocked are a wide range of opportunities and careers to support a sneaker release: design, manufacturing, operations, marketing, retailers, etc. Though footwear is popular among both men and women, it is the former gender driving the sneaker market growth. Although there has been progression made for women’s sneakers and unisex sizing, an increasing number of males are gravitating towards investing in better footwear pieces. However, there has been an increase of women taking on leadership and director roles within sneaker companies opening up the possibilities within the women’s market and beyond. OVERVIEW
- 9. SPECIAL OFFER 9 CAREER LIBRARY Many careers can be pursued within the sneaker industry. The FIT x Complex Sneaker Essentials course gives a holistic understanding of the sneaker industry, including the jobs responsible for taking a sneaker from concept to market. It helps you understand and develop the necessary skills for each. Below is a list of career possibilities for sneaker school students, along with highlighted industry experts within the course you could learn from.
- 10. 10 SPECIAL OFFER Sneaker Designer Materials & Color Designer Men’s Footwear Designer Women’s Footwear Designer Kid’s Footwear Designer Creative Director Design Engineer CAD Engineer CAREER LIBRARY INDUSTRY EXPERT HIGHLIGHT GREGG WOODCOCK Footwear Designer, ES Originals Lifestyle Footwear Designer Product Developer Footwear Graphic Designer Sneaker Customizer Corporate Lawyer Product Tester CAREERS IN SNEAKER DESIGN
- 11. 11 SPECIAL OFFER CAREER LIBRARY Product Manager Footwear Factory Operative Pattern Master Quality Control Specialist Machine Operator Sample Coordinator INDUSTRY EXPERT HIGHLIGHT JON TANG Founder & Creative Director, Fronteer CAREERS IN SNEAKER PRODUCTION & MANUFACTURING
- 12. 12 SPECIAL OFFER Footwear Editor Copywriter Product Line Manager Business Development Manager Marketing Manager CAREER LIBRARY INDUSTRY EXPERT HIGHLIGHT WILLIAM ZEITZ Founder & Creative Director, Waz Inc. Email Marketing Specialist Photographer Photo Retoucher Public Relations Social Media Manager CAREERS IN SNEAKER MARKETING & SALES
- 13. 13 SPECIAL OFFER CAREER LIBRARY Buyer Merchandising Coordinator Footwear Authentication Specialist Reseller Visual Merchandiser INDUSTRY EXPERT HIGHLIGHT JOHN MCPHETERS Co-Founder & CEO, Stadium Goods Store Manager Sneaker Order Fulfillment Associate Customer Service Representative CAREERS IN SNEAKER DISTRIBUTION & RETAIL
- 14. SPECIAL OFFER 14 CAREER PLANNING STRATEGY There is no set linear path to achieving your dreams within the sneaker industry. The following is a three-phase career planning guide that is reflective of industry experts’ experiences and are tailored to novices, alumni, and professionals who are either considering a career within sneakers, navigating into the sneaker industry, or experiencing growth and leadership within their careers.
- 15. 15 SPECIAL OFFER NOVICE NOVICE Begin to understand your interests within the sneakers industry Explore job options within the sneaker industry Determine when you want to enroll in #SneakerSchool or additional programs, conferences, etc. that expand your knowledge. Create a LinkedIn profile and reach out to potential mentors or industry experts that align with your area of interest Attend Yellowbrick webinars to learn more about the FIT’s x Complex Sneaker Essentials Course Follow Yellowbrick on Instagram and TikTok to learn about expert workshops on topics related to the industry, networking, and job searching Identify the career path(s) you’re interested in pursuing Identify your interests, values, skills, and talents Enroll in programs, classes, and attend conferences that allow you to gain first-hand learning experience about the sneaker industry Learn the timelines and experiences of potential mentors and industry experts you admire Understand recruiting timelines within the sneaker industry KNOWLEDGE ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY CAREER PLANNING STRATEGY
- 16. 16 SPECIAL OFFER Have an expert understanding of how a sneaker goes to market — from design to retail Complete exercises, assignments, and work that apply to the sneaker industry Upload work completed onto your portfolio and LinkedIn Review job descriptions of positions within the sneaker industry that interest you Attend events to build a network Attend recruiting and employer information sessions Connect with mentors, industry experts within your field of interest, and alumni to better position yourself for the job search Assess what you’ve learned about yourself and the intersection between sneaker career paths and the alignment with your skills and interests Seek an internship or entry- level opportunity within your field of interest in sneakers Determine the gaps in your skillset and pursue opportunities to build those skills needed Revise and tailor your resume and cover letter KNOWLEDGE ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY CAREER PLANNING STRATEGY ALUMNI ALUMNI
- 17. 17 SPECIAL OFFER Have in-depth, hands-on knowledge about specific careers within the sneaker industry Master communication within your discipline and field Have your hand on the pulse with industry trends and topics Develop and maintain relationships with mentors and peers within the sneaker industry Explore leadership, speaking engagements, and opportunities within the industry beyond your 9 to 5 Collaborate with peers, companies, and/or organizations Celebrate your accomplishments, growth, and opportunities to learn Give yourself permission to pursue and grow out of your comfort zone Ensure your professional online presence is up to date: LinkedIn, website, etc. Prepare field- specific application materials (resume, cover letter, samples/portfolio) KNOWLEDGE ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY CAREER PLANNING STRATEGY EXPERT EXPERT
- 18. SPECIAL OFFER 18 GETTING STARTED IDENTIFY YOUR SKILLS PINPOINT YOUR SNEAKER PASSION BECOME AN EXPERT LEARN THE INDUSTRY GENERAL RULES OF EXPLORATION SET YOUR CAREER GOALS
- 19. 19 SPECIAL OFFER GETTING STARTED ON YOUR NEXT STEPS The sneaker industry is an ecosystem of careers ranging from design to retail. The possibilities may feel vast, but you can follow a career planning process that will help you make informed decisions beyond completing the FIT x Complex Sneaker Essentials course. Figuring out what career you want to pursue and creating a plan to get there involves assessing your interests and skills, exploring your options, making decisions, and taking action to achieve your career goals. While each person’s experience will be unique, these key points apply to everyone. GETTING STARTED
- 20. 20 SPECIAL OFFER GETTING STARTED DISCOVER Dig into your interests, personal values, skills, work environment preferences, lifestyle, and job responsibilities to identify different fields within the industry you’re passionate about. ACT Get hands-on experience from internships, projects, volunteering, job opportunities related to your evaluation. EXPLORE Research and learn a range of career options that align with your interests you’ve discovered. DECIDE Assess and evaluate your options and narrow down your selections to a few that match best with your lifestyle, work environment preferences, and wants. It’s important to practice a growth mindset and be open to exploring your passions, interests, wants, and needs.
- 21. SPECIAL OFFER 21 IDENTIFY YOUR SNEAKER SKILLS As you understand your interests within the sneaker industry, you must be aware of the skills you have developed and already acquire, especially when planning your career goals or beginning your job search. CAREER PREP
- 22. 22 SPECIAL OFFER Each box represents a skill and area of interest within the sneaker industry. Within each box below: Place a “3” in the box if you are highly skilled Place a “2” if you are moderately skilled Place a “1” if there’s room for improvement SNEAKER DESIGN IDENTIFY YOUR SKILLS Use creative programs efficiently (Adobe) Adaptable to new technology and new software Innovative Critical thinking and action Interpret and draw conclusions Quick and efficient learner Ask good questions Conduct analysis and interpret Explain Ideas clearly Imaginative and ability to develop new ideas
- 23. 23 SPECIAL OFFER Each box represents a skill and area of interest within the sneaker industry. Within each box below: Place a “3” in the box if you are highly skilled Place a “2” if you are moderately skilled Place a “1” if there’s room for improvement SNEAKER MANUFACTURING & PRODUCTION IDENTIFY YOUR SKILLS Attention-to-detail Find resolutions Build collaborative relationships Willingness to listen Motivating others and self Follows rules and conduct Holding teammates accountable Adaptable to new processes Problem-solving skills Process-oriented
- 24. 24 SPECIAL OFFER SNEAKER MARKETING & SALES IDENTIFY YOUR SKILLS Verbal and written communication skills Networking skills Timeline-driven Creative thinker Influential Ability to prospect and identify key trends, cultural moments, and people Active listener Knack for storytelling Business acumen Contract negotiation skills Each box represents a skill and area of interest within the sneaker industry. Within each box below: Place a “3” in the box if you are highly skilled Place a “2” if you are moderately skilled Place a “1” if there’s room for improvement
- 25. 25 SPECIAL OFFER SNEAKER DISTRIBUTION & RETAIL IDENTIFY YOUR SKILLS Meeting team expectations Public speaking Listening attentively Expressing ideas concisely Good with numbers Trend-forecasting Customer service Commercial awareness Time management Visually driven Each box represents a skill and area of interest within the sneaker industry. Within each box below: Place a “3” in the box if you are highly skilled Place a “2” if you are moderately skilled Place a “1” if there’s room for improvement
- 26. SPECIAL OFFER 26 PINPOINT YOUR SNEAKER PASSION The most important element in figuring out your career path and next steps is understanding your passion and how your interests relate. This career prep exercise is your starter guide in exploring your passion and interests within the sneakers industry. CAREER PREP
- 27. 27 SPECIAL OFFER 1 4 7 2 5 8 3 6 DIRECTIONS Take a few minutes to reflect on the following topics. Come up with 3-5 answers to each. Once you are finished answering the questions, identify commonalities, and find themes in your answers. During my free time, I... I’m an expert at... I’m obsessed with sneakers because... I’m energized by... I like learning about... If I can learn anything about sneakers, it’d be... Naturally, I’m good at... I want to take a class on... PINPOINT YOUR PASSION 1 4 7 2 5 8 3 6
- 28. 28 SPECIAL OFFER OF your answers, what common theme(s) are you seeing that are related to these areas of interest within the sneaker industry? SNEAKER DESIGN SNEAKER MANUFACTURING & PRODUCTION SNEAKER DISTRIBUTION & RETAIL BRAND STRATEGY & MARKETING SNEAKER MEDIA ACTION STEP To learn more about your area of interest, who can you talk to? PINPOINT YOUR PASSION
- 29. 29 SPECIAL OFFER BECOME AN EXPERT These days, hiring managers are impressed with what you know and the skills you can bring to the table. Making time for yourself to become an expert is how you’ll find your lane and make yourself stand out. This can appear in different ways: investing in your career with time, money, and knowledge. While there’s constant exposure to new information, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start and how to keep up. Begin with what you know and where your interests fall by researching brands you gravitate towards or competitors of the brands you love. Nike adidas Asics Puma (Kering) Under Armour New Balance Converse Reebok Fila Skechers TOP SNEAKER COMPANIES TO GET YOU STARTED
- 30. SPECIAL OFFER 30 LEARN THE INDUSTRY How well do you know the sneaker business? Use this research exercise to learn more about key players in the sneaker industry, your favorite brands, and their competitors to discover what type of company you want to work for (or start!). CAREER PREP
- 31. 31 SPECIAL OFFER LEARN THE INDUSTRY
- 32. 32 SPECIAL OFFER LEARN THE INDUSTRY
- 33. 33 SPECIAL OFFER SET YOUR CAREER GOALS 33 SETTING YOUR CAREER GOALS You’ve narrowed in your passions and done some industry research into the sneaker industry. Identifying your career goal and creating a plan around it will help you with your next steps. Setting career goals requires planning. Identify academic requirements, experience, barriers, and other factors that would help you prepare for your career goals on the next page. CAREER PREP
- 34. 34 SPECIAL OFFER SET YOUR CAREER GOALS ACADEMICS EXPERIENCE BARRIERS OTHER FACTORS CAREER GOALS
- 35. 35 SPECIAL OFFER GENERAL RULES OF CAREER EXPLORATION WITHIN THE SNEAKER INDUSTRY GENERAL RULES EXPLORE Take time to explore how your interests and skills intersect with different career paths in the sneaker industry. This will help you holistically understand the whole industry and communicate the value you can bring to future employers. BUILD Each opportunity you take on builds a foundation of skills that are applicable for the next opportunity. START Beginning allows you to build a wide range of experiences, explore various fields, and give you room to change your mind or pivot along the way.
- 36. SPECIAL OFFER 36 READY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SNEAKER INDUSTRY AND ALL ASPECTS OF THE SNEAKER BUSINESS? Check out Yellowbrick’s Sneaker Essentials course alongside FIT faculty and Complex contributors.
- 37. 37 SPECIAL OFFER U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS | COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRY DESIGNERS https://www.bls.gov/oes/2017/may/oes271021.html LEARN.ORG | SHOE DESIGNER CAREER PROFILE https://learn.org/articles/Shoe_Designer_Job_Duties_ Occupational_Outlook_and_Education_Requirements. html GLOBENEWSWIRE | WORLDWIDE ATHLETIC FOOTWEAR MARKET SIZE https://www.globenewswire.com/news- release/2021/03/26/2200052/0/en/ Worldwide-Athletic-Footwear-Market-Size- Share-Revenue-to-Generate-USD-120-000-Million-by- 2026-According-to-Facts-Factors.html RESOURCES
- 38. 38 SPECIAL OFFER 38 SNEAKER ESSENTIALS Fashion Institute of Technology faculty, together with leaders from Complex and across the sneaker world, will teach you about the key areas and related career opportunities in the ever-evolving sneaker industry. This 100% online course will build your sneaker industry skills and expertise in key areas such as: Sneaker design and functionality Manufacturing and distribution Brand strategy and marketing Publicity and media Learn more at ylearn.co/sneakersbook. ABOUT
- 39. 39 SPECIAL OFFER EMPOWERING DREAMERS TO ACHIEVE THEIR CALLING In partnership with top universities and brands, we create educational experiences that tap into interests and passions to spark success, fuel personal advancement, and open doors to fulfilling paths for our students. Check out our full course offerings at ylearn.co/ebook. Join us on social: ylearn.co/facebook ylearn.co/instagram ylearn.co/linkedin ylearn.co/youtube ylearn.co/twitter ylearn.co/tiktok ylearn.co/pinterest ABOUT