Fashion Careers

Undergraduate careers in fashion are ideal for those who enjoy keeping current with the latest fashion trends and who have a flair for design. Fashion careers require creativity and ambition in order to be successful. Plus, with fashion trends constantly changing, fashion designers must always be ready with new, innovative ideas. Many people are attracted to fashion careers because of the unlimited income potential, especially if they are self-employed. Fashion designers are in demand, especially if they have an area of focus. Many art schools offer undergraduate degrees in fashion.

Although fashion offers many career opportunities, there are several fashion careers that are very popular. Visual merchandise designers often work for stores, making sure merchandise and props are displayed attractively. They organize clothing, create window displays and use mannequins to show off clothing. Interior design is another hot field. Interior designers focus on beauty and functionality. They work in many environments, such as homes, offices, retail stores and hotels. Fashion designers create clothing and accessories. Set designers work for films; although not true fashion careers, set designers create sets and backgrounds by reviewing film and television scripts.

When it comes to fashion careers, personality traits and experience are often more important than education. A college degree enhances your credibility but creativity, detail and artistic ability are very important as well. A fashion design degree program teaches important skills necessary in the fashion design field, such as business, management, advertising and marketing. Internships and assistant positions help prepare students for more advanced fashion careers.

Fashion careers opportunities are expected to increase steadily due to demand for highly-talented designers. Creativity and drive, combined with higher education, will help candidates stand out from the crowd in this highly competitive field. Those with graphic design skills are also in high demand.

Fashion careers offer varying salaries, based on experience and job title. Entry-level salaries start out very low, at under $20,000. However, more education and longer experience result in salary increases. Graphic designers can make up to $65,000 annually, with interior designs earning up to $71,000. Merchandise displayers top out at $40,000 and set designers earn up to $63,000 annually.