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First, some facts. Of the Retail Merchandising and Product Development graduates from Florida State University 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 12 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 73%, Retail Merchandising and Product Development graduates from Florida State University have a higher likelihood (+6%) 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 8% 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 Retail Merchandising and Product Development 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 Florida State University with a Bachelor's degree in Retail Merchandising and Product Development. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONRetail Management Intern Nordstrom Jun 2014 - Present 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 job profiles of graduates from Florida State University's Retail Merchandising and Product Development program, you can see a clear trend. Many of them have landed positions that are quite relevant to their degree, particularly roles like Merchandising Assistant, Digital Merchandiser, and various managerial positions in retail. These positions often involve hands-on experience with product selection, inventory management, and marketing, which are all key components of what they studied. For instance, jobs at recognizable brands like Bloomingdale’s, Coach, and Anthropologie highlight how graduates can apply their knowledge directly in retail environments.
However, not every job listed can boast a direct connection to the degree. Some graduates have moved into roles that seem to stray away from merchandising, like Account Managers or Marketing Consultants, which, while they may use some overlapping skills, don't fully leverage the specific training in retail and product development. Even some managerial roles at companies that aren't directly in merchandising suggest a shift away from the core skills honed during their studies. Overall, many of these graduates have found work that aligns well with their education, but there's a noticeable portion that veered off into roles that aren't as closely linked to their degree, which might not fully utilize their potential in the retail merchandising field.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Retail Merchandising and Product Development graduates (this is across all Retail Merchandising and Product Development graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Florida State University):
Graduates of the Retail Merchandising and Product Development program at Florida State University tend to start their careers in roles that are directly aligned with retail and merchandising. Many secure internships during their studies that set the stage for their first jobs, like merchandising assistants, sales coordinators, or other entry-level positions within retail companies. For instance, several recent graduates took positions at places like Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, and HSN shortly after graduation, which suggests a positive entry into sectors that are relevant to their field of study. It’s clear that these graduates are leveraging their education effectively, as many remain within the retail and fashion industries, transitioning into roles with increasing responsibility over time.
Five to ten years down the line, alumni from this program often find themselves in managerial or specialized positions, working their way up the ladder in companies they already entered post-graduation. For example, we see individuals becoming production managers, account executives, and even higher roles like vice president or senior marketing specialists. However, there are a few paths that veer off into areas that might seem less related to traditional retail, such as some graduates who have shifted into marketing roles or other sectors entirely. Overall, while the trajectory is promising for many, it’s important to note that not every graduate sticks to the core merchandising path, indicating a mix of outcomes based on individual interests and opportunities that arise over time.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Retail Merchandising and Product Development is generally considered to be on the easier side compared to some other majors, especially if you enjoy the subject matter. At Florida State University, you’ll dive into fun stuff like fashion trends, visual merchandising, and consumer behavior, which can be really engaging if you're into that lifestyle. Of course, like any college course, there will be assignments, projects, and exams that can get a bit intense, but it’s usually not as heavy on difficult math or science as other degrees might be. So, if you’re passionate about retail and creativity, you’ll probably find it manageable and even enjoyable!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Retail Merchandising and Product Development.
Based on the job trajectories of these Florida State University graduates in Retail Merchandising and Product Development, they seem to have carved out pretty decent careers. Many have jumped up the ranks, going from internships to managerial roles, especially in well-known companies like Indeed, Coach, and Anthropologie. While it’s tough to pinpoint exact salaries without specific numbers, moving from roles like sales assistant and intern to account executives and managers typically suggests they’re earning respectable salaries. Plus, you'd expect positions in places like Spanx and HSN might pay well, given those brands’ prominence in the retail space. Overall, it looks like they’re on the right track toward making good money!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Retail Merchandising and Product Development (this is across all Retail Merchandising and Product Development graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Florida State University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Retail Merchandising and Product Development (ordered by the average relevance score of their Retail Merchandising and Product Development graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Florida State University
|
73 | 12 |