Fashion Students: Vary Skills to Land a Job

by Sarah Clark
Fashion School Review Columnist

March 10, 2008

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Fashion designers who can cut a pattern, read a spreadsheet and sketch innovative designs are best positioned to compete in the fashion industry. As with many careers, being a jack-of-all-trades and having some specialized knowledge can give you an advantage.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that fashion designers benefit from having a variety of design and business-related skills. To be prepared for the many opportunities that come your way during a career in fashion, you'll benefit from having training in more than just fashion design.

Fashion School's Sewing 101
You'll need to be conversant in the entire fashion design cycle, from concept to distribution. For instance, you'll need to understand how patterns are cut and detailed craftwork is done, from custom embroidery to delicate dying techniques. This enables you to communicate with and effectively oversee professional tailors. Fashion school coursework can introduce you to these and other critical concepts.

A Place for Business in Fashion Design
To be a well-rounded designer, you'll also benefit from having some business knowledge, particularly in marketing and merchandising. With an understanding of the entire cycle of the fashion design business, you can have a stronger impact on the process and contribute to its success by creating clothes for which a strong market exists.

Preparing for a Career in Fashion
Fashion school is a key step in getting the wide-ranging skills and knowledge needed to compete for a career in fashion. Fashion is not an easy profession to break into, but there can be great rewards for the right person with the right set of skills. Don't let your lack of fashion education keep you from making the most of a career in fashion. Numerous fashion schools exist around the country, and there's sure to be one right for you.

Source:

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

About the Author
Sarah Clark is a freelance writer specializing in career development and postsecondary education.

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