How to Get a Degree in Fashion Merchandising

A fashion merchandiser combines retail, advertising, marketing and creative skills to assure that her company's clothing is stocked in all the right stores and marketed to all the right customers. If your fashion interests lean more toward the business side of the industry, a degree in fashion merchandising may be right for you.

Instructions

1. Research colleges that offer a degree in fashion merchandising. There are online and on-campus schools geared to the profession. Some schools offer associate degrees while others have four year programs.

2. Specialize in one aspect of fashion merchandising. If high-end or boutique retail interests you, consider becoming a store or retail district manager. Buyers and merchandisers work as a conduit between retail and the manufacturer or designer. This position is good if you enjoy the fashion and design aspect of the business much more than retail.

3. Learn everything you can about the fashion industry. Work or intern for a designer, wholesaler or fashion importer while attending classes. Familiarize yourself with fabrics, styles and how importers and wholesalers impact the fashion world.

4. Adapt yourself to changes in fashion marketing and advertising. Know how to use blogs, websites and videos to market and advertise fashions and you'll be valuable to a potential employer who may lack cutting-edge skills needed for YouTube or MySpace.

5. Apprentice with a major retailer, fashion house or designer. By the time you graduate with your degree in fashion merchandising you'll be able to parlay your experience to an assistant buyer or merchandiser position.