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First, some facts. Of the Fashion and Apparel Design graduates from Fashion Institute of Technology 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 35 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 87%, Fashion and Apparel Design graduates from Fashion Institute of Technology have a much higher likelihood (+20%) 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 5% 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: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from Fashion Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA in Fashion and Apparel Design. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONDesign Assistant Kim Shui Jan 2021 - May 2021 Designer taottao Jul 2021 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Based on the analysis of LinkedIn profiles of graduates from the Fashion Institute of Technology, the most common types of jobs these individuals have pursued are in design roles, such as Assistant Designer, Associate Designer, and Freelance Designer. Many have taken on positions at well-known fashion houses and retail brands, where they use their skills and knowledge from their degree extensively. For instance, roles like Head of Design, Associate Designer, and Senior Designer are prevalent, directly applying the coursework and creative abilities cultivated during their studies in Fashion and Apparel Design. These opportunities highlight a strong alignment between their educational background and career paths.
However, not all jobs listed are fully relevant to fashion and apparel design. Some positions, like bartenders or marketing assistants, may draw on general skills but lack direct connection to design principles or practical application. Additionally, roles focused more on production or merchandising may utilize some degree knowledge but do not fully engage the core design skills. Overall, while a significant number of graduates find roles that align closely with their fashion education, there are also instances where the jobs are only tangentially related, reflecting a mix of both directly relevant and less applicable career pathways following their studies.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Fashion and Apparel Design graduates (this is across all Fashion and Apparel Design graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Fashion Institute of Technology):
Graduates from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) seem to generally navigate a career path that's pretty relevant to what they studied, with many stepping into roles that align closely with fashion design and apparel. Right after graduation, it's common for these alumni to land internships or assistant positions, which makes sense since they need that initial experience to break into the competitive fashion industry. For instance, many have started as design interns or assistants at well-known brands like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. This hands-on training helps them to gradually move up the ladder, as seen with those who transition from interns to assistant designers and then into higher-level positions like associate or lead designer within five to ten years of finishing their degrees.
Looking at the longer trajectory, many of these graduates have sustained careers in fashion, often continuing to climb in positions that are quite impressive. They tend to build a portfolio of freelance work or direct employment in reputable firms, with some even founding their own lines or companies. However, it's worth noting that not all paths are smooth. A few graduates have taken on roles outside of design that may be less aligned with their education, like bartending or customer service. So while the majority seem to thrive in fashion-related careers, there are definitely exceptions where individuals diverge from the field. Overall, if you're considering a degree in Fashion and Apparel Design from FIT, it looks like there are solid career opportunities for most graduates, especially if you're willing to start from the ground up and work your way into your dream job.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion and Apparel Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology can be pretty challenging, but it’s also super rewarding if you’re really into fashion. You’ve got to be ready to juggle a bunch of things like design projects, sewing, and sketching, along with courses in fashion history and business. The workload can be intense, especially with deadlines for collections and critiques, but if you love being creative and are passionate about fashion, it’s definitely manageable. So, while it might be tougher than some degrees, it’s all about how much you’re willing to invest in your passion for the art of fashion!
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 the career paths of these Fashion Institute of Technology graduates, it seems like many of them have secured pretty decent jobs over time, especially considering the fashion industry can be quite competitive. For those graduating in the early 2010s, roles like Head of Design, Creative Director, and Senior Designer suggest they are likely earning good salaries, often seen in the six-figure range. Even newer graduates from the past few years, while still in entry-level or assistant roles, are already landing positions with well-known brands like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger, which typically pay relatively well for their experience levels. So, while it's hard to pinpoint exact salaries without specific numbers, the overall vibe is that these folks are likely making a solid living in their careers, especially as many are moving up into more lucrative roles pretty quickly.
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 is across all Fashion and Apparel Design graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Fashion Institute of Technology). 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 |