Fashion merchandising management combines fashion merchandising with a business and management education. Careers in fashion are highly competitive and few in number, and those with a degree in fashion merchandising management often have an advantage in pursuing employment in the field over those with traditional design or merchandising degrees.
Apparel Product Engineer
A fashion merchandising management degree with certification or a dual major in engineering can lead to employment as an apparel product engineer. Apparel product engineers create garments using computer-aided drafting equipment, rendering them in design form to be used in manufacturing.
Buyer
Buyers work for retail clothing establishments and make determinations as to what the store or company will purchase and sell to the public. The business training of fashion merchandising management graduates gives them an advantage in being able to calculate and predict the projected cash flow of a business, allowing them to make more informed choices in purchasing inventory.
Managers and Owners
Fashion merchandising management graduates often find employment in management positions in department stores, overseeing the employees and merchandise of the store. Additionally, they may use their skills to open their own boutique.
Market Researcher
Market researchers conduct studies of consumer tastes and opinions in regard to fashion. They may work directly for a company or store, for a larger advertising or marketing company, or independently as self-employed consultants.
Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a fashion merchandising management professional earns an annual salary of between $42,140 and $87,510. Those that work as managers average $70,570.
Competition
The fashion industry is expected to grow slowly over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This slow period of growth may make jobs in the field very scarce.
Tags: merchandising management, fashion merchandising, fashion merchandising management, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics