Fashion merchandisers usually have a degree or certificate in fashion merchandising, and may also have experience from internships or entry-level positions. These are the requirements for becoming a fashion merchandiser.
Fashion degree
Employers are looking for candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising and design. The four-year undergraduate degree in fashion merchandising or design provides graduates with liberal arts training as well as fashion knowledge. These courses are designed to help students develop their business and artistic skills. These could include:
Color theory and textiles
Fashion History
Retail management
Planning and management of merchandise
Management of the supply chain
Forecasting fashion
Consumer behavior
Fashion merchandisers may also be able to earn an associate degree or complete fashion certificate programs.
Work experience
Fashion merchandisers can gain valuable experience while completing or following their education by interning with a fashion company. These internships can help them learn the basics of fashion merchandisers outside the classroom. Many schools offer resources and career centers to assist students in finding internships. Internships can also provide valuable networking opportunities and references for resumes. Fashion merchandisers who are interested in becoming fashion designers might also consider volunteering with retailers, textile manufacturers, or designers.
These individuals will be able to apply for entry-level positions such as junior merchandiser or sales representative, assistant buyer, marketing assistant, or assistant buyer if they have a basic knowledge of fashion and buying trends. They might be eligible to apply for positions as fashion merchandisers after a minimum of one year in a beginner position.
Professional portfolio
Candidates often submit a portfolio of work when applying for Fashion merchandiser job. This portfolio could include photographs of their displays, products that they have promoted, opinions on fashion trends, or even a biography. Portfolios are intended to show applicants’ creativity and analytical abilities. The portfolio can also show that the candidate is knowledgeable about current fashion trends. Fashion merchandiser job may start to build their portfolios while completing their degrees. They can then update it as they gain more experience and work on other campaigns.
Advanced
To further their career, fashion merchandisers may choose to obtain an advanced degree or certificate. You might choose to specialize in a particular area such as marketing, retail management, design, or advertising. Potential employees can demonstrate their commitment to the field by completing certification courses or a master’s level.
Master’s students often write a thesis (a research report), which they can include on their resumes to highlight their expertise. Fashion merchandisers have the option to continue their education, improve their resumes, and get an edge over other job candidates by attending workshops, seminars, and other conferences. Many courses are included in two-year master’s degrees in fashion.
Fashion Theory
Fashion analysis
Consumer behavior
Buying strategies
Textile markets
