Career Options
for Fashion Design College Graduates
Fashion design school graduates should expect to start their career at a junior
level, usually as assistant designers. Despite the hard work and long hours, the
opportunity to learn about the industry and observe senior designers will be
immensely useful. Some designers choose to work for large apparel manufacturers
who cater to the masses. Others prefer the exclusivity of high fashion which
allows them to design unique luxurious fashion.
There are many career options out there.
Some possible careers include:
Fashion Design
Schools Education
A formal education in a fashion design school is the
first step to becoming a fashion designer. You may opt to enroll in a 4-year
degree program at a fashion design college, earning a Bachelor's degree upon
graduation. Vocational schools and community colleges are another route into the
industry. Programs at these schools usually span 2 years and
graduates can earn a diploma or associate degree.
Some of the fashion design school degrees available include:
-
Bachelor's Degree
in Fashion Design
-
Associate Degree in
Fashion Design
-
Bachelor's Degree
in Fashion Design & Fashion Marketing
-
Associate of
Science Degree in Fashion Design and Marketing
-
Associate of Arts
Degree (Fashion Design)
-
Associate in
Applied Sciences (Fashion Design)
Attending a fashion design college will allow you to take classes on relevant
subjects such as sketching, sewing, textiles, design and fashion marketing.
After acquiring the necessary skills, you should focus
on garnering industry experience. Creating and updating a portfolio is essential
in the fashion world as it serves as a showcase of your talent and creativity.
Fashion Design
School Program Accreditation
Before enrolling in any school, it is important to check the
accreditation of the institution. Besides considering the accreditation of a
school by a regional body, you should also ensure that the school
is similarly recognized by The National Association of Schools of Art and Design
(NASAD), which is the main accrediting body for fashion design schools.
Fashion Design
School Graduates Earning Potential and Employment Prospects
In 2005, the median salary of graduates of fashion design schools was
approximately $60,000 with the middle 50 percent of designers earning between
$40,000 and $87,000. As with most jobs, salaries will increase as experience is
gained. Even though entry-level earnings are low, fashion design school
graduates can quickly advance, expecting to earn more as they do so.
Fashion designers can earn a regular steady income as employees of large fashion
companies. Those with exceptional talent and ambition can strive to start their
own label, potentially earning a great deal more.