Fashion Careers: Don't Pin All Your Hopes on Designing

As Bravo's Project Runway enters its fourth season, more fashionistas across the country are dreaming of design careers. But if becoming the next Donna Karan seems impossible, what about other careers in the industry? Someone has to turn those all those sketches into sales.
Under the watchful eye of host Heidi Klum, the designers of Project Runway compete to make careers out of fabric swatches and their own designs. Many of these designers obtained fashion design degrees before they entered the contest, but fashion design is only one option at many fashion schools. The fashion industry also needs professionals with business and production skills. Popular professions include:

Fashion Buyer

Finding the latest trends is the aim of this career. Fashion buyers must stay ahead of the latest trends and recognize a good deal when they see it. Travel is often required, and buyers might even get to travel outside the country.

• Average salary: Purchasing managers earned $72,500 on average in 2004, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Possible degree: Fashion merchandising

Marketing Manager

In fashion, marketing managers develop strategies to sell the latest trends. Marketing managers work with sales and product development managers to monitor trends and maximize sales. When sales are up, marketers have done their job.

• Average salary: The BLS reports that marketing managers earned $87,600 in 2004.
• Possible degree: Fashion marketing

While no fashion school can guarantee a particular career or salary, it pays to be skilled in your chosen field. Every aspect of the fashion industry is competitive, and hiring managers often prefer or require formal education prior to hire.
Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Purchasing managers"
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales managers"

Amelia Gray is a teacher and freelance writer in San Marcos, TX. Amelia earned a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from Arizona State University.