Unlocking Your Potential: Why Fashion Design Schools Are Worth It 

A degree may be worth the investment if you’re passionate about fashion and willing to work long hours. Just make sure it’s an accredited program. Plus, look for schools with strong graduate programs in related design fields. Their faculty and alumni are likelier to hook you up with industry ops, internships and prestigious competitions.

Career Opportunities

Fashion design is a rewarding career that often comes with above-average pay. However, a competitive industry requires passion and drive to thrive. Formal education is vital if you want to break into this field. Fortunately, you can find a variety of programs designed to prepare you for the world of fashion.

A degree program will teach you how to develop your ideas and create a portfolio, which can help you find job opportunities after graduation. The program will also offer opportunities to hone creativity and explore new styles and trends through coursework and hands-on projects.

In addition to learning how to sketch and use software, students will likely take courses in merchandising and business. These skills will allow you to launch your fashion line, evaluate customer demand and market your products. Many colleges offer internships that will enable you to gain valuable hands-on experience in the fashion industry.

In addition to gaining work experience, you can learn from established fashion professionals through courses and master classes. 

Personal Development

As a fashion student, you’ll learn to express your creativity and flair through coursework. You’ll also learn to develop a portfolio that highlights your design skills. Your portfolio will include coursework and themed collections of garments, and it will serve as your resume when looking for a job.

Your course of study will also teach you transferable skills, including communication, research and enterprise, project management and teamwork. You’ll also develop an understanding of how the fashion industry operates, including sourcing and manufacturing.

You’ll learn about all aspects of the fashion design process, from visual research to concept development and sketching ideas, through drafting and technical flat sketching, draping and fully constructed garments. You’ll also be introduced to work production patterns for the industry and learn new construction techniques.

While a degree isn’t essential to break into the fashion industry, it can make you more competitive during hiring. Plus, it’s a great way to network and meet other fashion students and professionals.

Networking

The best fashion designers can see the future and predict the latest trends. These trends inspire new designs or inform existing styles and materials. The best fashion design schools can help you connect with other students and industry professionals.

These relationships will pay off when you look for full-time and freelance jobs after graduation. In addition to teaching you how to sketch, sew, and twilling, the right fashion school will teach you how to market your brand and run a business.

This is important because, whether you want to open your clothing line or work in a large company, you’ll need to understand the ins and outs of running a business (like manufacturing, sourcing, taxes, warehouses etc.).

The right fashion school will also go above and beyond by providing guest lectures, exhibitions, panel discussions and workshops. These opportunities will help you gain the confidence and exposure you need to succeed.

Internships

Many fashion design schools have industry connections that help students find internships. The right training can allow a student to see what they’ll do after graduation, build their resume and connect with professionals in the field.

It’s also an opportunity to learn the inner workings of a fashion business. While it may seem superficial, it’s important to know the ins and outs of running a company to be successful. That includes sourcing, inventory, staff management, taxes, and more.

If you want to start your fashion label in the future, this is important information you’ll need. In addition to learning the basics of sewing and patternmaking, most fashion programs go above and beyond.

Many offer a broad skill set that allows students to gain experience in various areas, including web development and design, styling and filmmaking. These skills will be essential in the modern world, where employers seek more than just an impressive portfolio.

Finally, internships can provide a great way to get letters of recommendation that will bolster a student’s college application. A letter of recommendation from a supervisor or teacher that outlines what they learned and how the internship will help them in their future career can stand out on an application.

Get a Job

Fashion designers can’t afford to be bashful when it comes to networking. They must tell everyone they know they’re looking for jobs and would love to be considered for internships. This may seem like a lot of work, but it will pay off once they start freelancing or getting hired full-time by large fashion companies.

While the fashion industry is competitive to the point of being cutthroat, students who go through a fashion design program can get a leg up on those who don’t have a degree. They’ll be able to network with the best of them and be given access to all sorts of resources, including studios and specialized labs. Plus, they’ll be able to showcase their creations at the school’s annual fashion show.

Whether you’re interested in fashion or just curious about it, check out the best fashion schools before making any decisions. You’ll be happy you did since these organizations provide a range of advantages that can set you up for success as the next great designer!