Today brings the first installment of a new series we’ll be periodically delving into, Heroes of the Job, that will look at some of the more inspiring figures in our global community, and examine the successes and stresses of their line of work. And so, without further ado (we’re working hard to cut out both carbs and ado these days), let’s take a look at the ins and outs of the Fashion industry, through the eyes and in the words of Ugly Betty.

Betty: “Besides, we get to meet all of our family members and practice our spanish. ‘Hola comi a tu sobrina.’”
Ignacio: You just said “I ate your niece.”

“It’s supposed to be mystical. The old man who sold it to me said it would help you on your journey to enlightenment. Or with cramps. My Spanish really sucks.”

The lesson: You don’t have to be multi-culturally proficient in order to make an impact in the fashion world. (But, you know, it helps.) Indeed Betty, who lacks high-level sophistication in several arenas, more than makes up for this by trusting her instincts and being unhesitantly honest. Are you cut from similar cloth? You may find your niche in the management end of the business. Check out the Art Institute Online’s Fashion Retail and Management bachelor’s program.

Henry: “When the paparazzi are stalking accountants, you know it’s bad.”
Betty: “I know, they were following me, too. And one of them thought my glasses and nose were a disguise.”

The lesson: Not all of us are blessed with Alexis Meade’s (transgendered, but still) good looks, and may feel like we live in the corner, as outsiders. (A host of factors besides looks conspire to put us in the corner; Malcolm Gladwell has a book about this, Outliers, that comes out tomorrow.) But we shall overcome! The world of fashion requires that you stick with your vision and see it through, whether that’s via an online Dressmaking & Design course, or a bachelor’s degree program in Business Administration & Retail Management.

“I don’t think I have cilantro. Can I just add extra cheese?”

The lesson: In the fashion world as in life, it’s the hardest thing to be your normal self with someone who’s cruel to you for no reason. However, the good news is that assertively being your normal self with such people is, oftentimes, enough to drive them away (as was the case with Lindsay Lohan on the set, as well as Lindsay Lohan’s guest character on the show).

“If this is what it takes to help my father then I will ride that giant robot horse all the way to Mexico!”

The lesson: is a metaphor that’s open to several avenues of interpretation. Exhibit your strong fashion character by choosing your own!

“Word of advice. Be who you are. Wear what you want. Wear it, glare it. Just learn to run really fast.”

This is Betty’s ultimate lesson. Check out more about online Fashion degrees, invoke the plucky, funky Betty as your guardian angel, and get moving towards your career in the fashion world today.