If you’ve been reading/following me for a while you know that I always say that a fashion degree is not necessary to work in fashion because people who work in the fashion industry graduate in many different things.
So if you studied economics but also any other analytical degree including management, business, finance… then what can you do in fashion?
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Well, let’s start by saying that you should not decide your career path based only on your degree (unless you want to become a doctor of course 😉 well, in that case, you must have a medical degree).
I remember when I was about to graduate 10 years ago that I thought I had to find a job that was fitting for my degree, but I’m glad I decided this didn’t have to be the case and I followed my passion.
So you should not choose the job based on what you are currently studying if this is no longer your passion.
We decide the degree course when we are just 18 or even younger so it’s hard to stick to that decision for our entire life. Many of us choose a degree over another based on which one could offer a stable career in the future or following parents or friends’ recommendations or even just what we saw in a movie… so it’s very hard to really choose what your dream role will be upon graduation.
There are some people who stick to that decision and some that change their minds completely. Whatever you choose, it’s totally okay. There is no right or wrong here.
Some of my friends studied law so they were supposed to become lawyers, and instead? They are now buyers in fashion!
Some other friends studied law and they are in fact lawyers.
I studied management engineering and most of my classmates are now working as engineers, but what about me? I decided to move into fashion and I ended up working in the eCommerce department at Alexander McQueen. So as you can see I made a huge shift in terms of the industry, but at the same time, I still liked the management side. So I found a way to combine my passion for fashion with my analytical mindset. I also developed a huge passion for fashion journalism and I in fact started writing here on Glam Observer in 2014. Something completely unrelated to my management engineering degree, right?
You should follow your heart, and your passion and not stick to a role or career path to please your parents or to not disappoint anyone. At the end who is going to do that job every single day? It’s you. So you are the only one who knows what’s best for you and what would make you happy and fulfilled.
And you should not be too hard on yourself because you chose a certain degree and now you want to do something completely different. It’s normal to change decisions. It’s part of our growth. We get clarity with time and our passions and interests change. It’s okay.
Choose a job that you are really passionate about and if you studied economics and now you want to go into fashion, well you can and you should.
So if you studied economics, what can you do in fashion?
Most people who studied economics typically tend to still like numbers and mix the two, so they end up more towards the management/business side of the fashion industry.
Common jobs for those with an economics degree include:
Actually, if you like one of these roles above, you should in fact be very proud of your economics degree because an analytical mindset is required for each of these roles. This means that you’ll have more chances to get one of these jobs above thanks to your economics degree. So if up until now you believed that you made the wrong choice years ago when you opted for an economics degree because now you want to go into fashion, well you should not regret it cause fashion companies will appreciate your analytical mindset and familiarity with numbers for these roles above.
You are perfectly qualified for these jobs. Why? I’m pretty sure you are familiar with these skills which are the most required for roles such as buyer, brand management…
If you know how to use Excel then the job is yours. (Interested in learning Excel applied to fashion? Click here to learn more about our online course Excel for fashion).
Unlike what you might think, those who studied fashion are not more qualified than those who studied economics for these analytical roles mentioned above. They just might have more knowledge of the fashion industry (which btw you can acquire by following a quick fashion history online course or reading books) but you are the expert on numbers and analysis and this is something fashion companies look at and appreciate.
“Yeah but what if I want to change completely and not only work in fashion, but work in the creative side of the fashion industry??”
Even if like I said most who graduated in economics will fit into buying, brand management, marketing… There are also those who graduate in economics but with a strong sense of style and a huge talent in putting looks together, that end up shifting into the creative side of the industry becoming stylists for example. Many people are just so naturally creatively talented. Creativity is many times a talent more than a skill. And do you know what’s the difference between a talent and a skill? A skill is something you can acquire through experience, while talent is something that you just have innate no matter what you studied or the experience you have. So you could be a talented fashion illustrator or stylist or designer despite having a degree in economics. No one can deny the evidence of talent, that’s why a portfolio that showcases directly your talent is more important than your resume to land a creative job (stylist, editor, photographer, designer, illustrator). Because regardless of what you studied you just SHOW directly what you can do.
So what are the first steps if you want to work in fashion and you studied economics?
Just do what everyone else has to do: start with fashion internships. Look for internships in your favorite department. I graduated in management engineering and landed my first internship at Alexander McQueen, here I shared how I passed the job interview and landed my dream role.
Want to learn more about how to land a job in fashion? Click here and register for my free masterclass.
FAQs
The economics of clothing involve three processes: production, making the clothing; distribution, getting the clothing from the maker to the consumer; and consumption, actually using the clothing. Although consumption drives production and distribution, the three processes are in many ways inseparable.
How does economics relate to fashion? ›
The economics of clothing involve three processes: production, making the clothing; distribution, getting the clothing from the maker to the consumer; and consumption, actually using the clothing. Although consumption drives production and distribution, the three processes are in many ways inseparable.
What is the best degree for working in fashion? ›
The best majors for fashion industry employment include fashion management, brand management, art history, graphic design, and entrepreneurship. Degrees in fashion can look very different, from visual arts to business and even engineering.
What can I work as if I study economics? ›
Other common economics careers and roles include auditor, stockbroker, insurer, business manager, retail merchandizer, pricing analyst, statistician, financial consultant and salesperson.
Can a business degree get you into the fashion industry? ›
Having a business degree will give you a competitive edge as a fashion designer, as you'll know how to construct and sell stylish garments. You may want to take two separate courses, one for business and one for design if it's your goal to create your own fashion label or work for an established one.
What type of good is clothing in economics? ›
Clothes are a type of normal goods and also inferior goods, depending on the quality degree of the clothes in consideration.
What kind of economy would help with fashion? ›
The circular economy is highly relevant for the fashion industry as it can significantly reduce the industry's environmental impact. The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, and 85% of textiles end up in landfills.
Who is the highest paid in fashion industry? ›
15 highest-paying fashion jobs
- Merchandising manager.
- Buyer.
- Editor-in-chief.
- Art director.
- Creative director.
- Design director.
- Sourcing manager.
- Product manager.
Breaking into the industry will be hard but not extremely so. The key is to get your first fashion designer job and continue building experience. If you do that, your salary will rise and you'll almost certainly make way more than you spent on your fashion degree.
What is a fashion business major? ›
Fashion Business Management BS
In the largest and oldest degree program of its kind in the country, you'll study fashion business, marketing, product development, buying, planning, fashion forecasting, sourcing, styling, management, artificial intelligence, social media, and analytics.
"Individuals with a bachelor's degree in economics can obtain various entry-level jobs in banks, financial institutions and government agencies as a financial analyst, credit analyst, market research analyst, research associate and so on," he says.
Is economics a high paying major? ›
Earning Potential for Economics Majors
People who majored in economics earn an annual median salary of $75,908, according to ZipRecruiter, with a 25th-75th percentile range of $40,500-$100,500. (Keep in mind that salaries vary widely due to factors like experience, education, location, and many others.)
Is economics a well paying major? ›
You can expect a very high salary with an economics degree and some experience. For example, Salary.com reported an $87,390 average salary rate for corporate economist I job roles in 2021.
What degree do most fashion designers have? ›
Fashion designers typically have a bachelor's degree in a fine arts or business field such as fashion design or fashion merchandising. These fashion-focused programs teach students about textiles and fabrics and how to use computer-aided design (CAD) technology.
How do I get into business fashion? ›
How to get into fashion
- Get a degree. ...
- Find a relevant internship. ...
- Create an online presence. ...
- Develop and track your role-related skills. ...
- Ask questions and learn from experts. ...
- Identify your ideal role. ...
- Hone your skills in another industry. ...
- Build your network.
Starting an online clothing business doesn't require a degree. Many people don't have formal fashion-related education or even experience in the fashion industry when starting a clothing line. If you intend to design and sew pieces yourself, you will need knowledge of fabrics, fitting, and sewing, of course.
What is a luxury good in economics? ›
In economics, a luxury good is a good for which demand increases more than proportionally as income rises. Luxury goods are said to have high income elasticity of demand. In other words, as people become wealthier, they will buy more and more of the luxury good.
What are 3 goods in economics? ›
Economists classify goods into three categories, normal goods, inferior goods, and Giffen goods.
What is demand in economics? ›
Demand is a principle of economics that captures the consumer's desire to buy the product or service. The demand is calculated as the price the consumers are willing to pay for the product or service.
What industry does fashion fall under? ›
The fashion industry encompass many different smaller and more niche industries. Often people think of it as just retail/online stores, design houses and brands, and fashion magazines. However, there are other craftspeople and industries in the manufacturing of clothes.
The global fashion industry is valued at $1.7 trillion as of 2022.
How much does fast fashion make a year? ›
The fast fashion market is valued at US$ 1002.3 Million in 2022 and is anticipated to increase to US$ 1,401.5 Million by 2028, with a growing CAGR of 5.2% in the next six years.
What jobs at Vogue pay the most? ›
The higher paying positions at Vogue include owner/operator, head of marketing, art director, and digital producer. A worker with the title owner/operator salary at Vogue can earn an average yearly salary of $171,539.
How much do Dior models get paid? ›
Average Christian Dior Model hourly pay in the United States is approximately $22.36, which is 7% below the national average.
Can you make a living in fashion? ›
You can make serious cash (while doing work you love) as a Successful Fashion Freelancer. Confidently presenting yourself and setting competitive rates is one key to getting there. But beyond confidence, there is another factor that can affect how much money you'll make freelancing in fashion.
How do I get my first job in fashion? ›
Now, what is the process of landing a job in fashion? Start the internship (most of the time, you will do several internships before one turns into a job). Work hard and always try to do more than is expected of you. After 6 months to a year, your internship could turn into a promotion, aka your first fashion job.
How do I know if fashion design is for me? ›
If you enjoy sketching garments and working with fabrics and trimmings, a fashion design career could be right for you. When considering a career in fashion, you should assess your ability to draw and cut patterns to prepare garments as this skill is essential for a career in fashion.
What is a fashion marketing major? ›
Fashion Marketing majors explore theories of marketing, consumer behavior, brand marketing, digital strategy and International business. Drawing upon case study analysis and industry collaborative research, students learn to apply fashion marketing principles to solve problems and develop plans of action.
What is the difference between fashion designer and fashion business? ›
Fashion design deals more with the generation of ideas whereas the clothing industry produces the garments that are generated from the design ideas.
What are the 4 core areas in a fashion business? ›
The four basic components of the primary level are: fiber processing, yarn production, fabric production and fabric finishing.
This growth is driven by the increasing need for data analysis and economic expertise in a wide range of industries and organizations. Pursuing an economics degree can be an excellent choice for those interested in the study of markets, trade, and other economic principles.
Which field is best after BS economics? ›
The following are some of the major jobs that you can do:
- Investment Analyst.
- Economist.
- Financial trader.
- Financial manager.
- Banker.
- Budget analyst.
- Insurance underwriter.
- Statistician.
If you are more interested in the theory behind economics and its practical application, you should consider the B.A. degree since it offers more opportunities to take theory-based economic classes. If you are interested in the math behind economic decisions, the B.S. degree is a better choice for you.
Is economics one of the hardest majors? ›
So why do people consider economics a difficult major? In this area, you will take a lot of math and statistics classes and do plenty of critical thinking and synthesizing of data – so it can definitely be hard!
Do economists make 6 figures? ›
Yes, economists typically make a lot of money. While there is a wide range of roles with different salary levels, most economists make at least $100,000 in a year.
Who hires economists? ›
What kind of companies hire economists? Economists are hired by research institutes, universities, healthcare, and government institutions. Private companies like finance consultancies and banks also need economists. In addition, they can be hired by an Internet company like Netflix or Microsoft.
How can I make money with my economics major? ›
Best economics degree jobs
- Credit analyst.
- Personal finance advisor.
- Policy analyst.
- Supply chain analyst.
- Economic consultant.
- Business reporter.
- Loan officer.
- Portfolio manager.
The earning potential and salaries are comparable between the finance and economics fields. While the professions are related to one another, they're also very diverse, and salary can range based on the type and level of the job. As candidates gain more experience, they can typically negotiate for higher salaries.
How useful is an economics degree? ›
The versatile economics degree can lead to a range of careers. Some of these occupations include public policy analyst, research assistant, investment analyst, consultant, financial analyst, data scientist, and market analyst. Some management consultants may have also studied economics in their MBA programs.
What is the highest level in fashion? ›
Haute Couture. At the top of the fashion pyramid comes haute couture.
Job Outlook
Employment of fashion designers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2021 to 2031, slower than the average for all occupations. Despitelimitedemployment growth, about 2,300 openings for fashion designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
How many hours do fashion designers work a day? ›
Work environment
Fashion designers typically work 40 hours a week, though self-employed fashion designers may work more hours than that to manage the various roles they have to perform as independent designers.
What is the best business degree for fashion? ›
Fashion Business Management is one of the most popular degree options for those who wish to combine their love of fashion with their interest in business. Every brand needs professionals with business savvy to help them prosper in the fast-paced world of fashion.
Why pursue a career in fashion? ›
Help people gain confidence
If you're looking for a creative and challenging career, fashion designing could be the right fit for you. With its vast array of opportunities to travel and work with different materials, this profession offers plenty of chances to develop your skills in various areas.
How to get a job in a high fashion brand? ›
The first thing you want to do when you are looking for fashion jobs at a particular luxury company is to go to their official website to see if they have any open vacancies. Every brand usually has a “Work with us” or “Careers” section on their website. For example, this is the Louis Vuitton careers page.
How can I get a fashion job without a fashion degree? ›
Do as many internships as possible, volunteer during fashion weeks, ask people in fashion if you can help them even for a couple of hours per week, intern every summer during college and whenever you can. Do everything to start gaining some experience in the field and start building your connections at the same time.
Can I be a fashion designer if I can't draw? ›
Many aspiring fashion designers are confronted by fashion industry myths that one should not start a clothing line or can't start a clothing line if they can't draw or sew. This myth could not be further from the truth. It is absolutely possible to start up a clothing line or fashion brand without these skills.
What subjects are needed for fashion business? ›
Your 6 specialisation subjects focus on building key industry skills and knowledge in fashion areas:
- Introduction to the Fashion and Retail Industry.
- Styling and Creative Direction.
- Brand Management and Product Innovation.
- Fashion Planning and Buying.
- Retail Strategy and Operations.
- Visual Merchandising and Design.
On the other hand, if the economy is strong and national income is high, fashion flourishes. Furthermore, the global effect of devaluation of the dollar, international trade agreements, fluctuations in inflation rates, etc. affect the global economy.
What is the economic impact of fashion shows? ›
It draws in thousands of people, generating about $887 million per year. In addition, fashion week brings in $11 billion in wages and $2 billion in tax revenue annually. This industry opens jobs in marketing, design, research, manufacturing, and more.
When combined with cost planning, design economics is a core competency of design and specification. It covers the impact of design and other factors on costs throughout the entire building process - including cost plans that are required during the pre-contract stage.
How does social and economic influences affect fashion? ›
Consumer Factors
Social factors affecting fashion include cultures, norms, lifestyle, demographics and population changes. For example, a small clothing manufacturer needs to create styles that appeal to those of different cultures, especially if those cultural groups represent large enough segments of its market.
What are the 3 key influences on fashion? ›
Fashion Designing Basics: Factors Influencing Popular Fashion
- Fashion Forecast (Colour & Fabric) Deciding the colour, fabric and look for the upcoming season is something that every designer works on. ...
- Movies & Music. The entertainment world is a major influencer of fashion. ...
- Fashion Stylist. ...
- Economy of a Country.
Economic factors
- economic growth.
- interest rates.
- unemployment.
- inflation.
- exchange rates.
Economic importance of Garment making include self-reliance, economic stability of individuals, etc. Some career opportunities in Garment Making design assistant, fashion designer, textiles designer etc. Ways of getting information in Garment Making include television, fashion magazine, radio, newspapers etc.
Why is fashion one of the greatest economic forces? ›
Because new designs are constantly being created and consumers steadily replace their old clothes with new ones.
What is an economy designer? ›
Economy design is about creating a design framework that can quantify the player's experience using common-sense concepts (like the time taken or the number of actions required to do something) so that you can predict how players will play, anticipate problems with gameplay, and resolve them quickly.
How is art and economics related? ›
Economics of the arts and literature or cultural economics (used below for convenience) is a branch of economics that studies the economics of creation, distribution, and the consumption of works of art, literature and similar creative and/or cultural products.
Is economics is a science or art? ›
The practical application of scientific techniques is the Art of Economics. Some economists consider economics as a science and art while few others as science and applied science. It is considered as newest of science and oldest of arts and the queen of all the social sciences.
What influences the fashion industry? ›
There are certain factors that influence fashion, such as psychological factors, socio-cultural factors, economic factors, environmental factors, etc.
The revenue of the global apparel market was calculated to amount to 1.53 trillion U.S. dollars in 2022, a slight decrease on the previous year.
