If you enjoy all of aspects of fashion, and would like to work with some of the world's most successful designers, then your career may be brighter than you think.
Academic advisor and professor in fashion merchandising, Tracy Robinson, received her B.A. and M.A. in the major. Having been involved in the industry for more than 20 years, she said there are several advantages for students involved in the major.
"It gives students an opportunity to express their creativity in a degree program that results in an exciting and challenging career," Robinson said.
According to surveys by http://www.salary.com, entry level merchandise buyer assistants with less than two years experience earn annual salaries between $32,881 and $50, 757, and senior merchandise buyers with four to six years of experience earn from $83,408 to $116,750.
Robinson said the program is a good option for students who are not very knowledgeable about clothing design because it involves different aspects of the fashion industry.
"It's basically the business side of fashion," she said. "It's about learning store operations, learning how to promote your product and learning how to display your product."
Robinson said students benefit tremendously from the program. Fashion merchandising major Dorcus Darlene Martin said she's seen her personal and professional growth throughout the program.
"The program allows you to see another side of fashion. It helps broaden your horizons on more than clothing and style. I understand the different aspects of fashion," she said.
Martin said she has received experience that has prepared her for the workforce.
"There is much hands-on activity that really gives you a sample of what you're headed toward," Martin said. "It's actually exciting. As being in this program I've become more artistic."
Martin said she has found her calling in the fashion industry, and is excited about future possibilities.
"Like a painting, it shows a world not yet seen and brings life into the dullest personalities," she said. "I realize this is what I'm supposed to be doing in life."
Fashion merchandising major Elise Kuhar-Pitters said the major has also benefited her.
"The advantage of being in fashion merchandising is that you get the knowledge of what people want. Whether it be style in clothing or home decorating," she said.
Kuhar-Pitters said she enjoys the program, but it has one downfall for her.
"The only disadvantage that I can think of right now is how everything has to be precise, which can be tiring," she said.
According to Robinson, some graduates have interned outside of the city and others have gone on to open their own businesses.
"We had a student that worked with Vera Wang in New York. We had a student that worked with Donna Karen in Los Angeles," she said.
Interested students can contact The University College, located in 218 Brister Hall, or Family and Consumer Studies, in 404 Manning Hall, for more information.
