Like many college graduates, design school grads will beg the same question upon graduation: what now? You are ready to embark on the next phase in life: a career. But what should you expect with your degree? The following provides tips, facts and advices for new fashion design school grads.
Before you start your career in fashion design, there are a few things you should know. Almost one-fourth of fashion designers are self-employed, job growth is slower than average and the fashion industry is fiercely competitive. Luckily, the demand for unique clothing, footwear and accessories has always been strong, and there will always be a need for new and upcoming designers.
Also, in the fashion design industry, landing a dream job and moving up the design school ladder is extremely difficult and can be painfully slow. Fashion designers have to deal with low job turnover due to the fact that few jobs ever open up. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fashion design jobs are most available in mass market clothing design, which involves design pieces for many department stores and chain retail stores. Careers designing for specialty boutiques and private, expensive clothing stores are hard to find and are only given to the best of the best in the world of design.
There are many different careers for fashion design school graduates, however. Commercial and industrial designers, interior designers and graphic designers have better job outlooks and a less-competitive work environment than fashion designers. Although their careers are still artistically competitive, they are able to live in more diverse areas, be self-employed or work for a firm while enjoying a less cut-throat industry. Most designers in these industries enjoy a decent salary once they have established themselves.
These are just a few options fashion design school graduates have to choose from. Every degree outlook is different and can be applied in many diverse ways. The good news is that the world of design continues to grow and becomes more in demands as fashion and creativity grows and evolves.
