Friday, March 30, 2012

So you want to get into Fashion Merchandising? Here’s how


In the fashion industry there are plenty of opportunities. However, competition for fashion jobs, or fashion merchandising is pretty high. With the right attitude and discipline, making the career move for top jobs in fashion can land you with an incredible high paying job.

But, where do you start?

Preparation and researching the right channels is the key to getting ahead with fashion. For most, the best options available would be finding the right courses, or schools that offer fashion merchandising diplomas/degrees. If your passion is fashion, considering stepping onto a campus isn’t such a bad idea either.

How about experience?

Whether you are in school or not, other areas may offer opportunities provided you have the necessary skills to excel in the industry. For example, any connections in fashion can serve up some juicy opportunities. Or, another area of consideration could be an Internship. Internships in the right organizations can advance your career much more quickly. This little tip works in each area, no matter fashion retail, fashion design, or over all merchandising. There are plenty of high profile individuals in the industry ready to share experiences and offer you insider secrets.

What area or courses do you choose?

As you are probably already aware, fashions merchandising branches off in several directions. As in any career you would choose, the more you know, the more opportunities arise. Education is never wasted, especially if your passion for fashion has been a lifelong dream.

However, there are several skills associated with Fashion Merchandising that are in higher demand –
here are just a few for your information:

- Principles of retailing
- Fashion Textiles
- Fashion Design
- Consumer Behaviour
- Brand Management
- Fashion History

Top Fashion Merchandising Schools

There is no shortage of online courses and training when it comes to the world of fashion. Making the right move for you, just takes a simple list of where you think your top priorities, or for a much broader term, where your passion may lie.

Here is an overview of the TOP FIVE SCHOOLS with Fashion Merchandising Degree Programs. Have a look, do some research then plan for your bright future in fashion. Your talents and business skills are definitely needed!

#1 - CUNY New York City College of Technology (Brooklyn)
Offers job placement opportunities

#2 - Fashion Institute of Technology (New York, NY)
Proud home of the ‘Style Shop Boutique’

#3 - Harding University (Searcy, AR)
Provides labs for textiles, clothing and fashion

#2 - Howard University (Washington, DC)
Accredited University for the Association of Schools: Art and Design (NASAD)

#1 - University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ)
Offers a fashion merchandising scholarship