Why You Shouldn't Ditch Fashion School

by Joe Cooper
Fashion School Review Columnist

May 11, 2007

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Working with other graduates, finding fashion opportunities, and beating out job competition are several great reasons to go to fashion school. Just ask New Zealand's fashion school graduates.

Fashion School Graduates in New Zealand's Biggest Show
Several fashion school graduates from New Zealand made headlines recently through their participation in one of the country's most notable fashion shows—the 2007 Vodafone ID Dunedin Fashion Show.

Four fashion degree program graduates are participating in the show, along with numerous other professionals in the industry. More importantly for their budding careers, some 20 new and established fashion design labels will also be participating.

The show is the city of Dunedin's largest fashion show. As in other fashion-friendly cities (Chicago, Toronto, etc.), the local fashion community is dedicated to supporting the careers of new and emerging designers, especially graduates from fashion school.

More Good Reasons to Go to Fashion School
One of the great benefits of fashion school comes from the ability to say you went to fashion school. In a relatively exclusive business, it pays to make connections quickly, and discussion of the school experience can provide a nice icebreaker. All 4 graduates in the New Zealand fashion school went through the same program, and are now supporting each other in a professional show.

Another good reason to attend fashion school is the intense competition of the fashion industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you have to create your own job opportunities in a business where "relatively few job openings arise." Having a fashion degree will not only connect you with other students (with whom you might work someday, as shown above), but will also show potential employers that you know what you're doing. It can be a much-needed edge against the competition.

Numerous schools offer degrees in fashion design, so what are you waiting for? Your career could be just clicks away. Who knows, perhaps you'll put on your own show one of these days.

Sources:

About the Author
Joe Cooper is a freelance education and technology writer and edits medical literature. He holds a bachelor's in American Literature from UCLA.

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