High School

A high school diploma is necessary for work as a fashion model agent. If you are interested in pursuing this career, you should concentrate on classes such as family and consumer science and art. Take business and mathematics classes since you will be working with contracts and negotiating salaries. English and speech classes will help you develop your communication skills. If your high school offers any sales and marketing courses, be sure to take those. Some high schools offer a curriculum that is fashion-focused, which may include classes in design, illustration, and sewing. Sign up for these if they're available.

Postsecondary Training

While a college degree in fashion merchandising, business, marketing, or a related field is helpful, you do not necessarily need one to get ahead in this industry. Much of the training is learned while on the job. In essence, a model is a commodity you are trying to sell; so naturally, any sales experience you have is good. It is important to believe in and be supportive of your model's potential.

Useful classes for aspiring agents include business, textiles, merchandising and buying, marjeting, and psychology. New hires receive on-the-job training and work as assistants to agents. They learn to do bookings, keep track of schedules, and meet with clients.

Other Education or Training

Fashion Group International, Inc. offers a Beauty and Retail Symposium Series that “features influential business leaders in a panel format who address global issues and the changing dynamics of today's marketplace.” Contact the organization for more information.

Certification or Licensing

A business license may be required to work in certain states. Contact your state’s department of professional regulation for information on requirements in your state.

Working for an agent as an intern, volunteer, or assistant is a great experience that will look good on your resume. Contact agents in your area to learn more about the opportunities that are available. 

Successful agents have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and they need to be able to get along with everyone. The fashion world is a highly competitive environment filled with individuals who are, more often than not, used to getting their way. The bottom line: If attitude and diva-esque behavior easily intimidate you, then this job won't be a good fit. Other important traits for agents include excellent negotiation skills, tenaciousness, strong communication skills, the ability to work well under pressure, and top-notch persuasive skills.

Agents should be interested in fashion, since they need to stay current on the newest trends of the industry. To do this, agents frequently do a lot of reading during their free time, looking over such magazines as Vogue and Seventeen, or the trade journal, Women's Wear Daily.