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First, some facts. Of the Fashion Business graduates from Columbia College Chicago 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 10 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 57%, Fashion Business graduates from Columbia College Chicago have a lower likelihood (-10%) 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 0% 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 Business graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 52% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2011 from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Fashion Business. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSales Lead Ann Taylor Sep 2011 - May 2013 Assistant Manager/Assistant Buyer  Apricot Lane Boutique May 2013 - Aug 2013 Assistant/Operational Manager Club Monaco Aug 2013 - 2017 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the types of jobs people have landed after studying Fashion Business at Columbia College Chicago, a mixed bag of roles stands out. Many graduates have taken on positions like Assistant Buyer, Collection Developer, and Visual Merchandiser, which directly link to the core aspects of fashion buying, merchandising, and product development. These roles leverage the practical skills and knowledge learned in their degree programs, making them highly relevant to their fields. However, there are also a number of graduates working in roles like Sales Associate, Customer Service Specialist, or even Marketing positions that, while they may require some overlapping skills, don’t necessarily utilize the full breadth of their fashion business education on a regular basis.
Overall, it seems that while some graduates are definitely working in jobs that match up well with their Fashion Business background, others have ended up in positions that are less directly related. Many also find themselves in roles that touch on fashion without requiring a deep understanding of core fashion business concepts. This suggests that while a degree can open doors in the fashion industry, the path can vary quite a bit, leading to roles that sometimes stray from the specialized skills they developed in school. It’s a bit of a mixed picture, but there’s definitely a strong representation of positions that are relevant to their field!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Fashion Business graduates (this is across all Fashion Business graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Columbia College Chicago):
Looking at the career trajectories of graduates from the Fashion Business program at Columbia College Chicago, it seems like many of them have kicked off their careers in fairly relevant roles right after graduation. Many of the graduates took up positions in sales, merchandising, and operations, often starting as assistants or in entry-level management. This makes sense given the nature of the fashion industry, which often emphasizes hands-on experience and an understanding of retail business processes. So, pretty much right out of the gate, they’re landing jobs that show they’re diving into their field armed with their education.
As we look at where they tend to be five to ten years later, there seems to be a solid progression for many. A good number of these alumni have moved up to roles like buyers, product development associates, and marketing managers. This indicates that the foundational roles they entered helped them build the necessary skills and networking to advance. However, there are also those who explored different paths in marketing or even transitioned into roles that aren't directly tied to fashion. So, while there are definitely success stories where graduates are thriving in relevant careers, there are a few outliers who may not be entirely in the fashion realm anymore. Overall, it looks like the program does equip students with the tools to either stay in the fashion industry or carve out their niche in related fields.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Business, like the one at Columbia College Chicago, can be a mix of both challenging and manageable, depending on your interests and how well you handle the various subjects. It dives into stuff like marketing, merchandising, and the business side of fashion, which can get pretty detailed and require a fair amount of critical thinking and project work. If you're passionate about fashion and ready to roll up your sleeves for group projects and presentations, you might find it engaging rather than overwhelming. But if you're not super into the business side of things, it could feel a bit tougher. Overall, it’s not necessarily harder than most degrees, but it does require focus and creativity to really shine.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Fashion Business.
Looking at these graduates from Columbia College Chicago, it seems like they’ve had a pretty decent start in their careers, but it’s a mixed bag when it comes to how much money they're making. Many of them have moved up the ladder to roles like Assistant Buyer and Product Development Associate at well-known brands, which suggests they’re earning a solid salary, especially considering the competitive nature of the fashion industry. However, there are also quite a few roles that are more entry-level or freelance, like Social Media Manager and various internships, which typically don’t pay as much. Overall, while some seem to be doing well financially, others might still be figuring things out, so it really varies from person to person.
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 Business (this is across all Fashion Business graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Columbia College Chicago). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Fashion Business (ordered by the average relevance score of their Fashion Business graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Columbia College Chicago
|
57 | 10 |