Turning a love of fashion into a career
February 27, 2012
Many experts say that the best way to ensure one's success in a certain field is to be passionate about it. In other words, it's important to truly like what you're doing in order to do a great job and enjoy a long, successful career.
Individuals who love fashion have several options for turning their passion into a career.
Aspiring fashion designers can choose between attending an art school or a more traditional college or university.
"I never thought studying fashion was realistic until I talked with my advisors and started taking classes in the [Apparel and Textile Design] department," Michigan State University fashion design student Lauren Kroll recently told the Huffington Post.
Classes are often a bit different than a traditional college lecture. Instead, they're meant to nurture the students' creativity. Individuals can expect to learn about textiles, fabrics, ornamentation and fashion trends.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), students can expect basic coursework to include classes on color, textiles, sewing and tailoring, pattern making, fashion history, computer-aided design (CAD), and design of different types of clothing such as menswear or footwear. Coursework in human anatomy, mathematics, and psychology also is useful.
"While all of my roommates were at the library studying for midterms and essay exams, I was in the work labs working on pieces for our annual fashion show or for projects, or in the computer labs generating different types of fabrics or flats," Lauren told the website.
In addition, many fashion design programs help students learn the business side of being in the fashion industry.
Those interested in a career as a fashion designer should know that like any other major, working or interning at businesses that help them gain experience in their field is helpful.
"Interning and working are both great ways to gain more experience, network and learn more about the industry," Lauren Felix, who recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising, told the Huffington Post.
Fashionistas who want to put their passion to work should know that the industry is considered very competitive.
"Job competition is expected be keen as many applicants are attracted to the creativity and glamour associated with the occupation," reports the BLS.
The government organization reports that the median annual salary for a fashion designer is $61,160. However, salaries can vary widely based on the employer and years of experience. In addition, starting salaries in fashion design tend to be very low until designers are established.
Mothers who are interested in pursuing a career in fashion design should know that they can get help paying for their education by applying for various grants for parents and scholarships for mothers.
