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First, some facts. Of the Fashion and Apparel Design graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 482 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 69%, Fashion and Apparel Design graduates have a slightly higher likelihood (+2%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 13% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Fashion and Apparel Design graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 63% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2013 from International Academy of Design with a Bachelor's degree in Fashion and Apparel Design. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONFashion Designer ELIE SAAB Dec 2015 - Dec 2017 Fashion Designer JK Design Jun 2020 - Jun 2020 Designer  Fashion Cloud Jun 2019 - Present ABOUTStudy fashion trends and anticipate designs that will appeal to consumersDecide on a theme for a collectionUse computer-aided design (CAD) programs to create designsVisit manufacturers or trade shows to get samples of fabricSelect fabrics, embellishments, colors, or a style for each garment or accessoryWork with other designers or team members to create prototype designsPresent design ideas to the creative director or showcase them in fashion or trade showsMarket designs to clothing retailers or directly to consumersOversee the final production of their designs |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When we look at the variety of roles taken up by graduates with degrees in Fashion and Apparel Design, a few clear themes start to emerge. The most common types of jobs these graduates end up in can be broadly categorized into design roles, such as assistant designer, production assistant, and fashion designer. Many of the positions directly relate to the skills and knowledge they acquired during their studies, primarily involving the application of fashion design principles, textiles, and garment construction. It's impressive to see how many recent graduates secure roles that carry a strong connection to their academic background, demonstrating a clear alignment between education and employment.
However, a significant number also diversify into roles that are less directly connected to fashion design. For instance, many graduates find themselves in merchandising, sales, or even administrative roles. While experiences in these areas may enhance their understanding of the fashion industry and build transferable skills, they often do not fully leverage the specific design skills acquired through their educational programs. This trend suggests that graduates are sometimes compelled to take positions that, while related to the fashion industry, do not utilize the depth of knowledge developed during their academic experiences.
Several graduates venture into freelancing, creating their own lines or working on a contract basis. This entrepreneurial spirit demonstrates creativity and independence, showcasing how their education has equipped them with the skills necessary to navigate the industry's challenges. Interestingly, while some of these self-directed roles relate back to fashion design directly, others, such as marketing or brand consultancy, may not fully exploit the specialized skill set developed in their degrees. Overall, while many find jobs relevant to Fashion and Apparel Design, others engage in broader roles that incorporate fashion elements but may not fully tap into their design training.
In conclusion, the path for Fashion and Apparel Design graduates is diverse, featuring a mix of design-focused roles and positions that are peripheral to the core of fashion design. Many of these jobs leverage the qualifications from their degrees, while others represent broader career opportunities within the fashion and retail industries. This diversity indicates a dynamic job market where fashion graduates are finding ways to adapt their skills in various contexts, which is a testament to the adaptability and relevance of their educational experiences.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Fashion and Apparel Design graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of graduates in Fashion and Apparel Design, we can see a mix of successes and struggles across different paths. It seems that many graduates take on internships soon after completing their studies, often in roles like design assistant or technical designer, which is a great way to get real-world experience right after college. For instance, graduates from esteemed institutions like the Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons School of Design commonly land internship positions or entry-level roles within well-known companies right after graduation. This initial step often sets a solid foundation for their careers.
However, after a few years, the picture becomes somewhat more complex. While some alumni manage to climb the ladder to positions such as associate designer or even designer roles at notable brands, others find themselves in career paths that, while related to fashion, don't directly align with their degree. For instance, some graduates have taken on roles in merchandising or styling, while others venture into unrelated fields or end up in jobs that may not fully utilize their design skills. You’ll even find cases where individuals move into positions like project management or administrative roles, which can feel like a departure from the fashion world they aspired to be part of.
Fast forward about five to ten years, and there are clear signs of both achievement and divergence in career paths. Many alumni who initially started off as interns and assistants advance within larger fashion houses and brands, reaching positions like senior designer or design director. On the contrary, several graduates might find themselves transitioning out of the fashion industry altogether, opting instead for roles in retail management or even wider fields unrelated to fashion. It's a mixed bag: while there are notable successes, like owning a brand or heading significant design teams, there’s also a considerable number who have strayed from making fashion a central part of their careers.
All in all, pursuing a degree in Fashion and Apparel Design can lead to a variety of career outcomes. Many graduates do find fulfilling roles in the fashion industry, particularly when they take proactive steps early in their careers to build a strong network and gain relevant experience. Yet, the journey is not uniform, and there are plenty who may not achieve the aspirations they once held upon graduation. Ultimately, it's a world filled with both glittering success stories and cautionary tales, making it crucial for aspiring fashion designers to remain adaptable as they navigate their careers.
A Bachelor degree in Fashion and Apparel Design can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your passion and dedication to the craft. You’ll be juggling practical skills like sewing and pattern-making with theoretical knowledge about fabrics, trends, and marketing, which can be overwhelming if you’re not super into it. It involves a lot of hands-on projects, deadlines, and a fair amount of critiques, so if you can’t handle some constructive feedback or late nights, it might get tough. But if you love fashion and are ready to put in the effort, it can also be a super rewarding experience. Overall, I’d say it’s on the harder side compared to some other degrees, but worth it if you’re genuinely interested!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Fashion and Apparel Design.
When looking at these fashion graduates and their job histories, it seems like there's a range of earning potential based on where they started and how much experience they’ve built up over time. For example, those who interned with reputable fashion brands like Old Navy, J.Crew, and Tommy Hilfiger right after graduation typically moved into designer roles that likely pay better than entry-level gigs. Similarly, some graduates have climbed quite a way up the ladder at companies like Abercrombie & Fitch, moving from assistant designer positions to more senior roles, which usually means they’re pulling in a decent salary. However, there are also plenty who seem to be stuck in lower-paying positions like retail or freelance gigs, which can make it tough to break into the bigger bucks that come with more established roles.
Overall, it looks like many of these individuals can start out earning somewhat decent wages, but it heavily relies on their career trajectory and the companies they’ve worked for. If they consistently move upwards and capture those higher-level positions in well-known brands, they could be making more significant money in the long run. But like any industry, it also depends on networking, skills, and a bit of luck along the way.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Fashion and Apparel Design. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Fashion and Apparel Design (ordered by the average relevance score of their Fashion and Apparel Design graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Otis College of Art and Design
|
95 | 11 |
 Parsons School of Design
|
90 | 11 |
 Parsons School of Design - The New School
|
89 | 22 |
 Fashion Institute of Technology
|
87 | 35 |
 Pratt Institute
|
79 | 11 |
 Kent State University
|
73 | 23 |
 Savannah College of Art and Design
|
68 | 22 |
 The Art Institutes
|
50 | 11 |