You may not end up as a Stella McCartney, but there are plenty of options for fashion graduates
Not every fashion design student is lucky enough to be able to call on the likes of Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss to model their creations, as Stella McCartney did for her graduation show at Central St Martins. Those with fewer high-profile connections will have to rely on their eye for a good look and sense of style to make their name in a highly competitive industry.
Notable alumni include Katharine Hamnett, famous for her slogan-bearing T-shirts, Matthew Williamson and Hamish Bowles, European editor at large of US Vogue.
Graduates will have covered topics such as merchandising, buying for retailers, brand management and marketing during their degree as well as the rudiments of design and the history of fashion.
But while not everyone will follow McCartney on to the runways of London and Paris, there are plenty of options for fashion graduates.
What skills have you gained?
As well as honing your drawing, pattern-cutting and design skills you will have picked up transferable skills that are useful in a wide range of careers. You will be used to meeting tight deadlines, coming up with ideas, working collaboratively and on your own initiative. You will have developed good presentational and analytical skills and be able to manage your time.
What jobs can you do?
In 2009 almost 70% of fashion design graduates found full-time employment ? nearly 30% in retail and 28% in art and design.
"Fashion and textile design are the primary career options, but jobs in costume design for theatre, film or TV may also appeal to fashion design graduates," says Margaret Holbrough, a careers adviser with Graduate Prospects. "Similarly, jobs as buyers, merchandisers or managers within the fashion retail industry could utilise their creativity and knowledge of customers' preferences and fashion trends. Visual merchandising ? displaying fashion and accessories in store ? may be another option."
Self-employment could also be an attractive prospect. Some graduates start selling clothes on a market stall, while the rise of the fashion blog has become a new phenomenon. But, Holbrough warns, it may take time "firstly, to become recognised and successful and secondly, to be profitable in a very competitive industry".
The media and publishing are alternative sectors where opportunities exist for fashion illustrators, stylists and writers. Working as a public relations officer for a fashion house or retail organisation may be another option.
A handful of graduates found jobs in marketing (8.7%) and the commercial/industrial sector (nearly 9%) in 2009.
Postgraduate study?
Graduates can do a master's specialising in a particular area such as childrenswear. Other master's courses explore the ethical, economic or environmental side of the industry. Some jobs require further training or qualifications, for example fashion journalism, illustration or theatre costume-making. Of 2009 graduates, 3% did a higher degree with a further 2.8% choosing to study and work at the same time.
Data supplied by the Higher Education Careers Services Unit and Graduate Prospects
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/jun/11/fashion-degree
Rihanna Taxonomy Dimitar Berbatov Strictly Come Dancing Peter Crouch Craig Bellamy
No comments:
Post a Comment