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First, some facts. Of the Fashion and Apparel Design graduates from Otis College of Art and Design 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 11 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Great! Overall, with an average relevance score of 95%, Fashion and Apparel Design graduates from Otis College of Art and Design have a substantially higher likelihood (+28%) 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 9% 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 2014 from Otis College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fashion and Apparel Design. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONFreelance assistant designer J.Crew Dec 2014 - Apr 2015 Designer Burning Torch Inc. Jul 2015 - Oct 2023 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From the analysis of LinkedIn profiles of Otis College of Art and Design graduates in Fashion and Apparel Design, it’s clear that many of them have landed roles that are pretty closely linked to their degree. Common positions include Assistant Designer, Associate Designer, and Designer roles, especially in fashion companies like Hollister and Free People, where graduates are applying their design knowledge day-to-day. These specific roles heavily rely on skills from their academic background, making them relevant and fitting for someone with a degree in Fashion and Apparel Design.
However, not every job is related to fashion. Some graduates ventured into digital design roles or more general creative positions that don't harness their fashion education as much. Roles like Digital Designer or Interactive Designer often focus on broader design principles without a direct relation to apparel. While having a diverse skill set can be advantageous, many graduates seem to find themselves in jobs that do tap into their fashion roots, indicating that degrees from Otis truly prepare students for relevant careers in the fashion world, but there’s also a mix of unrelated positions that dilute that focus.
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 Otis College of Art and Design):
Looking at the career paths of graduates from Otis College of Art and Design with degrees in Fashion and Apparel Design, it seems like many of them have landed solid roles in the fashion industry right after graduating. Typically, their first jobs are as assistant designers or interns, which is pretty normal for starting out in a competitive field like fashion. For instance, many graduates took roles at well-known companies like Vince, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Free People. This indicates that the college's program does a good job of preparing students for entry-level positions in the industry.
Fast forward five to ten years, and it looks like a good number of these graduates have moved up the ranks to become full-fledged designers and even creative leads at various fashion brands. They've gone on to hold impressive titles like Designer and Art Director, and some have even started their own freelance ventures. While there are still a few that seem to have taken a more unconventional route—like teaching or working in unrelated fields—most appear to be thriving within the fashion design arena. Overall, it seems like Otis graduates are finding their footing and building successful careers closely tied to their degrees, which is definitely a positive takeaway for any aspiring fashion designer.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion and Apparel Design can be pretty challenging, and Otis College of Art and Design is no exception. It’s a creative field that demands not only artistic skills but also a lot of technical know-how, like sewing, pattern-making, and understanding textiles. You’ll have to juggle design projects, critiques, and sometimes intense deadlines, which can be pretty stressful. The coursework tends to be rigorous, with a heavy focus on both individual projects and group work. While it might be easier for those who are naturally inclined toward art and fashion, don’t underestimate the workload—you’ll definitely need to put in some serious effort to thrive!
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.
Looking at these graduates from Otis College, it seems like they’ve made a pretty decent living, especially as they move up in their careers. Those who graduated around 2013 to 2016 have climbed the ladder from internships to designer roles and even creative director positions, which usually pay better and comes with benefits. For instance, some are now working at recognized brands like Macy's and Calvin Klein, which likely means they’re making some solid dough. Even the newer graduates just starting out are finding positions at established companies, so they're off to a good start. Overall, it looks like they’re on the right track to making some good money in the fashion world!
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 Otis College of Art and 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 |