Simon Rademan Fashion Design Studio CC

Each month in O magazine, the fashion editor, Primrose Moloantoa, answers reader’s questions.

Q: I’m 28 and have always wanted to work in the fashion department of a magazine. But without qualifications, it has been difficult. What advice can you give me?

A: Careers m The fashion and magazine industry are competitive but rewarding. I suggest you:

Call everywhere and offer your services for free. Look for opportunities in newspapers and websites (bizcommunity.com). Get an internship at a magazine (offer to return clothes to stores and help on shoots) or work at a retail store -whatever it takes. Everyone appreciates a team player who is keen to learn and willing to start at the bottom. And you might have to work long hours.

Once you have your foot in the door, it's up to you to make your career last. Apart from being organised and having a flair for fashion and/or writing, you need a personality that endears you to your colleagues. Work hard and be resourceful.

e-mail Me Primrose Moloantoa

Buy the O magazine and get excellent answers and guidelines from the fashion editor