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First, some facts. Of the Fashion Merchandising 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 568 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 59%, Fashion Merchandising graduates have a lower likelihood (-8%) 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 15% 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 Merchandising graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 47% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from California State University, Northridge with a Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSales Associate Wasteland, Inc. Jun 2021 - Aug 2021 Associate Buyer  Wasteland, Inc. Aug 2021 - Jan 2022 Inventory Manager And Sales Lead Saturdays NYC Feb 2023 - Sep 2023 Sales Associate Olderbrother Jan 2023 - Feb 2024 Freelance Stylist/Vintage Curator  Self-employed Jan 2022 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
It's clear from analyzing the various job titles held by LinkedIn users with degrees in Fashion Merchandising that there are two primary paths these graduates tend to follow: positions directly related to fashion retail and merchandising, or roles that deviate significantly into other fields. After reviewing numerous profiles, we can see that many individuals have secured jobs that allow them to apply the skills they learned during their studies—specifically in areas like buying, merchandising, and visual presentation. However, a significant number also ended up in roles that have little to do with their fashion merchandising background, from teaching and administrative positions to sales roles in entirely different industries.
When we categorize these jobs, the most common roles traditionally connected to Fashion Merchandising include Assistant Buyer, Visual Merchandiser, and various positions within retail management. For instance, numerous graduates work as assistant buyers at well-known retail companies like Macy's or Dillard’s, where they employ skills like trend analysis and inventory management—key components taught in their degree programs. Likewise, many graduates find themselves in visual merchandising roles, ensuring that store displays align with the brand's aesthetic and effectively attract consumers. These roles not only utilize the foundational knowledge from their degrees but also allow graduates to engage creatively with fashion retail.
However, a notable finding is the vast range of unrelated roles some graduates pursue. Positions in education, human resources, and even entirely different fields like real estate or customer service are prevalent. These roles generally do not require any specialized knowledge in fashion merchandising or utilize the specific skills that graduates worked hard to acquire. This could indicate a mismatch between what they're trained for and the opportunities they pursue, or perhaps a reflection of broader job market dynamics where graduates need to adapt to available roles outside their initial field of study.
In conclusion, while many Fashion Merchandising graduates do land relevant positions that leverage their education and skill set, a significant proportion find themselves in unrelated roles. This suggests a landscape where, despite the relevance of their degrees, many professionals face challenges in aligning their careers to their educational background in fashion merchandising. The diversity of roles indicates both the versatility of the skills learned in such programs and the competitive job market that may necessitate varying career paths.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Fashion Merchandising graduates:
Looking at the career trajectories of fashion merchandising graduates from various universities, there's a mixed bag of outcomes. Generally, the immediate post-graduation jobs often lean towards retail positions, such as sales associates and merchandising interns. These roles seem to lay the groundwork for further career development in the fashion industry. For instance, many graduates start as merchandising interns or sales associates at well-known retail brands, and some even get the chance to work with luxury labels. This is a classic entry point that helps build their resumes while gaining practical experience in the fast-paced fashion environment.
However, moving five to ten years into their careers, the paths vary significantly. Some graduates do successfully transition into more specialized roles within fashion merchandising, like buyers, merchandisers, or product developers. For instance, numerous individuals progress from internships to becoming assistant buyers, leading to higher-level purchasing roles at prominent retail companies. Yet, there are also many graduates who have taken jobs that seem disconnected from their fashion merchandising degrees, such as roles in education, healthcare, or altogether different industries. This diversification might stem from personal choice, job market fluctuations, or other life circumstances. It's worth noting that the fashion industry can be particularly competitive, and not every graduate finds their way into a fulfilling position directly linked to their studies.
As for those who stayed within the realm of fashion, it's clear that career growth can lead to significant roles such as senior buyers or managers, especially at major companies. Some have even moved into impactful areas like visual merchandising and brand management, leading teams and formulating strategies for well-known retailers. In contrast, others have faced setbacks or shifts that led them elsewhere, from starting in fashion to branching into marketing or event planning. Overall, while there are plenty of success stories among fashion merchandising graduates, there are also many who find themselves in unrelated fields or positions, which highlights the unpredictable nature of career paths in today's job market.
In summary, if you're looking into a degree in fashion merchandising, you should be prepared for a variety of potential outcomes. While a solid number of graduates find relevant roles shortly after graduation, others may veer off into different directions entirely. Success in the fashion world often requires perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities—whether in the fashion industry or beyond.
Honestly, a Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising can be a mix of fun and challenging, kind of like a collage of creativity and business smarts. You’ll dive into topics like marketing, trend analysis, and visual merchandising, which can be super exciting but also requires some serious dedication and critical thinking. If you’re passionate about fashion and willing to put in the work, you might find it easier than some more technical degrees. However, expect to juggle projects, presentations, and the occasional late-night study sessions, so it’s definitely not a walk in the park. Overall, it’s about average in terms of difficulty, but your love for the subject can make it a lot more enjoyable!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Fashion Merchandising.
When looking at the career paths of these Fashion Merchandising graduates, there's a mix in terms of financial success. For example, graduates with roles like an Associate Buyer at TechStyleOS or the Senior Director of Planning at AEG Vision are likely pulling in a decent salary, especially considering the progression into managerial roles and the level of brands involved. It seems those who’ve stayed in the retail and merchandising realm, evolving into positions like Buyer or Retail Manager, can potentially earn good salaries, commonly reaching into six figures with experience. However, others have taken quite differing paths, finding themselves in lower-paying roles like cashiers or sales associates, which are often part-time or minimum-wage jobs. That said, several have also transitioned into more stable and potentially lucrative careers outside core merchandising roles, like education or product development. Overall, while some have secured financially rewarding careers, others seem to be navigating a tougher financial terrain.
In a nutshell, if you're aiming for a career in fashion merchandising, focusing on gaining relevant experience and climbing the ladder in retail management or buyer roles typically leads to better financial prospects. It's a mixed bag—some are probably living comfortably, while others may find themselves in a more challenging financial situation depending on the specific role and industry sector they choose to pursue. So, keep your options open, stay focused, and you can carve out a good career path in this industry!
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 Merchandising. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Fashion Merchandising (ordered by the average relevance score of their Fashion Merchandising graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 LIM College
|
70 | 43 |
 University of North Texas
|
69 | 20 |
 Kent State University
|
68 | 49 |
 Fashion Institute of Technology
|
66 | 21 |
 Philadelphia University
|
62 | 14 |
 The University of Georgia
|
59 | 13 |
 California State University-Long Beach
|
56 | 12 |
 Texas State University
|
54 | 24 |
 Marist College
|
54 | 17 |