A.A.S. BUSINESS OF FASHION

Description of the Business of Fashion program

The Business of Fashion degree (A.A.S.) exposes students to marketing and merchandising in the fashion industry.  Upon successful completion of the Business of Fashion degree program requirements, graduates will demonstrate a level of mathematical and computer skills appropriate for employment in the fashion industry to include using Excel and Photoshop, evaluate marketing and merchandising strategies, identify short and long-term trends for the development of new products and overall themes for the fashion industry and apply principles of retail buying to plan, select, and control merchandise.

Skills

Analytical skills. When evaluating suppliers, purchasing managers and buyers and purchasing agents must analyze their options and choose a supplier with the best combination of price, quality, delivery, or service.

Math skills. Purchasing managers and buyers and purchasing agents must possess math skills. They must be able to compare prices from different suppliers to ensure that their organization is getting the best deal.

Creativity. Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers must be able to generate new and imaginative ideas. Best of luck with the election.

Career Information

Buyers and purchasing agents buy products and services for organizations to use or resell. They evaluate suppliers, negotiate contracts, and review the quality of products. Purchasing managers oversee the work of buyers and purchasing agents and typically handle more complex procurement tasks.

Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers plan programs to generate interest in products or services. They work with art directors, advertising sales agents, and financial staff members. 

Employment Outlook

Overall employment of purchasing managers and buyers and purchasing agents is projected to decline 6 percent from 2018 to 2028. Employment growth will vary by occupation.

Overall employment of advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth will vary by occupation.

Career Path

Buyers and purchasing agents typically have a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree and a few years of work experience in procurement is required for purchasing manager positions.  The median annual wage for buyers and purchasing agents was $62,750 in May 2018.

A bachelor’s degree is required for most advertising, promotions, and marketing management positions. These managers typically have work experience in advertising, marketing, promotions, or sales.  The median annual wage for advertising and promotions managers was $117,130 in May 2018.