Fashion merchandising is a broad industry that requires a strong
sense of style and trends, in addition to business training. A
successful career begins with formal
training at a fashion merchandising school, and obtaining a
fashion merchandising degree can open up many opportunities in
this diverse field. Students can learn about industry trends, marketing, event
planning, and product development. Most
students choose careers in a management role or working with
major apparel manufacturers and designers. Some may choose to
own and operate a boutique of their own.
Job Description and Responsibilities of Fashion Merchandising School Graduates
Graduates of fashion
merchandising schools can choose to pursue a range of careers. In most cases, they are required to have strong business
background and marketing skills, along with predicting styles and trends.
These schools train students to:
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Work with a team of
fashion industry professionals
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Learn how to make decisions
and take risks
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Develop key marketing skills
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Learn about sales and
promotion
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Predict styles, trends, and
patterns of the industry
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Handle media communications
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Work with designers and
create wardrobes
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Evaluate the needs of a
target market or demographic
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Work with photography,
magazine layouts, and other media materials
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Promote runway shows and
learn the guidelines of the industry
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Attend fashion shows
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Manage retail outlets and
setting up store displays
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Negotiate with suppliers
A fashion merchandising degree
can best prepare students for a variety of careers in the
multi-million dollar industry. Students not
only learn about fabrics, patterns, and style but are also exposed to marketing
and product development. Fashion merchandising careers are available through
many of today's leading brands, media organizations, and corporations.
Skills Needed for a Career in Fashion Merchandising
Fashion
merchandising careers combine a passion for business and fashion, and finding
the right balance can lead to a successful career.
Colleges can prepare students with skills such as:
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History of fashion and past trends
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Current industry developments
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Problem solving and analysis
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Budgeting
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Identifying customer needs
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Strong communication skills
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Basic
computer skills
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Marketing and brand awareness
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Creative thinking
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Basic
accounting skills
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Trend
watching
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Color
theory and design basics
Career Options For Students of Fashion Merchandising College
Multiple opportunities exist in the field, with studies
leading to a position as a:
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Fashion Merchandiser
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Store Manager
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Fashion Event Planner
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Importing or Exporting Agent
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Product Developer
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Retailer
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Fashion Advertising Agent
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Merchandise Manager
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Buyer
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Fashion Designer
Fashion Merchandising
Courses and Training
Fashion merchandising schools
offer specialized training and unique curriculums for a comprehensive education.
While a fashion merchandising degree can be obtained at a variety of colleges, many students gain a significant amount of experience
from working directly in the field. The fashion industry is competitive, and
those with experience through a steady career path are most successful. A
typical associate program will include a
variety of courses that balance business and design. Common courses include:
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Pattern Making
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Textiles
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Retail Merchandising
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Marketing
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Introduction to Design
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Color Theory
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Fashion Business Practices
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Industry Trends
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Merchandising Basics
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Fashion Show Production
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Computer Applications
Schools
and colleges require a high school diploma for admission, and programs can range
from two to four years in length. An associate's degree program can prepare
students for a career in accessories, costume designs, fashion design, and
footwear. Common courses include apparel design, history of fashion, and
instructional courses in sewing. Some schools also offer a masters in fashion merchandising.
Bachelor's degrees are also
available. These programs offer more
extensive education and training, and students learn key skills in
marketing, advertising, consumer psychology, retail buying, and retail
management.
Fashion Merchandising College Accreditation
The majority of fashion
merchandising colleges are accredited by the National Association of
Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Fashion Merchandising Careers: Potential and Employment Prospects
While the fashion industry continues to grow as a multi-million
dollar industry, employment of fashion designers and fashion-related careers is
expected to grow slower than the national average through 2014. Jobs that
concentrate in the areas of design for the mass market are expected to be
average, and as competition increases, the job market can become even more
difficult to establish a career. Still, the industry is attractive for those
interested in marketing, advertising, and product development. Students who
receive comprehensive education through an accredited college and gain experience in the field can create their own
business or work as a buyer, consultant, or independent designer.
Median annual earnings for fashion designers were $55,840 in 2004,
and $72,450 for purchasing managers and buyers in 2004. Related occupations
include:
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Interior designers
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Product demonstrators
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Assistant designers
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Event promoters
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