WHILE THE PERCEPTION of the garment industry in Hong Kong is not as high as that of the finance, management consultancy or information technology sectors, the opportunities for career development can be just as exciting, offering the chance for advancement, travel and assignment overseas.
For starters, the entry barriers are lower.
'People who want to begin a career in the garment industry require a high school education and an interest in the business,' said Emily Tein, a former employee of Polo Ralph Lauren.
Another advantage is that the industry is more of an equal opportunity employer than most sectors, with more positions in merchandising occupied by women than men. And women are increasingly working their way into management.
There are three potential entry points for the garment industry: working for a manufacturer and learning the business from that perspective; working for a trading house or agent as a merchandiser; or working for a retailer with a buyer organisation.
An aspiring garment industry professional can begin as an associate merchandiser.