Plan Ahead for Your Fashion Career

by Fran Walker
Fashion School Review Columnist

May 2, 2005

Send to a friend |

Printable Version

"I never look back darling. It distracts from the now." Thus speaks Edna, the fabulous fashion designer in The Incredibles. The truth is, however, that fashion design is as much about looking back as looking forward. When planning your fashion career, however, you must always be looking forward.

Step 1 - Research Careers in Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising

These days there are few jobs or careers that people stay in for life. If you are planning to invest in an online or conventional degree in fashion, however, you would be wise to be sure that you really want fashion to drive your career. You need to be aware of what is involved in a fashion career, so do some research first. Here are some suggestions:

Do as much research as you can about the different fashion careers available;
Find a local fashion designer, at a local community or fashion college or in the shopping mall. Ask them what a fashion career is really like;
Have a go at some fashion design for yourself. Even if you want a career in fashion merchandising, you will need and in depth understanding of what will sell.

Step 2 - Look at all the Fashion Colleges Available

If you are sure you want a fashion career, you have probably decided which fashion career is for you. You must always remember that whether you end up in fashion design or fashion merchandising, the whole of the fashion business is commerce-led. You must always have a view to what will sell when planning your career and next season's must-haves.

There is plenty of information about different fashion colleges on this site, offering online degrees, conventional degrees, diplomas and certifications in fashion design and fashion merchandising. Do as much research as you can now, and reap the benefits in the future.

About the Author
Fran Walker is a freelance writer, editor and researcher specializing in educational, health, safety and domestic issues. Previously, she spent five years in marketing in the self-help, health and health and safety sectors before leaving to start a family

Featured Schools
Campus The Art Institutes The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations. See more facts about The Art Institutes Program Offer: Fashion Design (BFA) Fashion Design (AA) Fashion Design (AAA) And more... Campus Locations: Chicago Dallas Denver Fort Lauderdale Houston Indianapolis Miami Milwaukee Minneapolis New York North Hollywood Philadelphia Pittsburgh Portland San Antonio San Bernardino San Diego San Francisco Santa Ana Santa Monica Schaumburg Seattle Tucson Vancouver Campus American InterContinental University If you want to get serious about getting your degree, come to the school that doesn’t mess around. Our real-world based curriculum is industry-focused and made for busy, working professionals. We offer accelerated Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees with specializations in Business, Technology, Criminal Justice and Design that can be completed in as little as 15 months.* Tuition - No financial surprises here. We provide a net price calculator for you to get a quick estimate of your program costs/financial aid Adaptability- Attend classes on campus or online, this way, you can choose the class format that suits you best. Flexibility- You’re in control of the pace at which you want to learn because you can select between our part-time and full time pace options. We even have accelerated undergraduate degree programs and Master’s degrees that can be completed in as little as 15 months.* Generous Transfer-In-Policy- Transfer** up to 75% of our degree requirements from your approved past college credits or your work, even military experience. We are AIU. America’s #1 Unparty School™. Legal: Not all programs are available to residents of all states. AIU cannot guarantee employment or salary. Find disclosures on graduation rates, student financial obligations and more at aiuniv.edu/disclosures. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. * Program length may vary. Future costs and financial aid estimates are subject to change. Results of the calculator are not guaranteed and special circumstances are reviewed by the Financial Aid Office on a case-by-case basis. The accuracy of your estimated awards is based on the information you provide. It is intended for undergraduate domestic students. The estimated awards are based on the assumption that the student will complete the FAFSA. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. See more facts about American InterContinental University Program Offer: Bachelor of Fine Arts Fashion Marketing Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Marketing and Design Campus Locations: Atlanta Fort Lauderdale Campus International Academy of Design and Tech Start planning for your future. No matter what you want to achieve in your career, the International Academy of Design & Technology in Chicago can help. The Academy offers diverse and comprehensive degree programs in numerous Design disciplines as wel See more facts about International Academy of Design and Tech Program Offer: Fashion Design and Merchandising Fashion Design Campus Locations: Chicago Henderson Nashville Orlando San Antonio Seattle Troy Campus Collins College Prepare yourself for the future. Collins College, located in Tempe, AZ, is your gateway to the world of design and technology. Get the education you need to start a new career in Visual Communication, Multimedia Production, Animation, Digital Video, or PC See more facts about Collins College Program Offer: Fashion Design and Merchandising Campus Locations: Phoenix Online Stratford Career Institute Earn Your Diploma from Home! Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods. See more facts about Stratford Career Institute Program Offer: Fashion Merchandising and Design Campus Visual College of Art and Design Follow your passion! For over 35 years, the Visual College of Art and Design (VCAD) has taught artists and imaginative people just like you. VCAD's Fine Arts diploma program is highly regarded for providing a well-rounded arts education in an environment that emphasizes creativity and individuality. Which program is right for you? Choose from Graphic Design, Marketing & Merchandising for Fashion, 3D Modelling Animation Art & Design, Fashion Design, and Interior Design. We know that employers want graduates who are knowledgeable about their field and possess the most up-to-date technical skills. That's why our students receive focused and specialized training on the tools, techniques, and technology used in their chosen career field. Visual College of Art and Design offers courses at one campus in Vancouver, British Columbia Get started today by answering a few questions.>>> See more facts about Visual College of Art and Design Program Offer: Fashion Design Campus Locations:** Vancouver