Alexa
What type of degree would I need in order to become either the marketing manager or store manager of a fashion company?
I wish to pursue a career in fashion marketing or management and wanted some insight on what type of degree I should work to receive for the best results. #management #marketing #fashion #manager
4 answers
Renee Fisher
Renee’s Answer
Hi Alexa. I would get a broad business degree that is not specific to fashion. You can then apply that to fashion and any other field you want to after that. It gives you more flexibility to move and understand other industries. I got my business degree from UC Berkeley and then have been in advertising, tech, and fashion all because my degree in business was really broad. Good luck!
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
If you're dreaming of becoming a marketing manager or a store manager in the world of fashion, you'll typically need a degree in marketing, business administration, fashion merchandising, or a field that's closely related.
A marketing degree can be your ticket to understanding consumer behavior, market research, advertising, and how to create winning promotional strategies. This kind of knowledge is key to understanding the fast-paced world of fashion and how to effectively promote fashion products to the right people.
On the other hand, a degree in business administration gives you a wide understanding of management principles, financial analysis, operations management, and strategic planning. These skills are vital if you're looking to manage a fashion store's operations or handle the overall business side of a fashion company.
Fashion merchandising programs offer a unique blend of fashion, business, and marketing. Here, students get to learn about trend forecasting, retail buying, visual merchandising, and brand management, all within the fashion industry's context. This specialized degree can provide valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities the fashion world presents.
Of course, formal education is just one part of the equation. Practical experience gained through internships or entry-level positions in the fashion industry can significantly boost your chances of becoming a successful marketing manager or store manager.
Here are the top 3 authoritative reference publications you might find useful:
1. Harvard Business Review
2. The Fashion Business Journal
3. Journal of Marketing Management
May you be blessed abundantly in all your endeavors!
Best wishes,
James.
Abgour Sanae
Abgour’s Answer
Hi Alexa,
This is the question I was asking myself 5/6 years ago. I wanted to be a marketing manager and at the same time, I realized there are other type of jobs in which I might get interested along the way, such as sales and merchandising. Therefore, I decided to have a major in marketing and a minor in commercial action. I personally see merchandising, like sales and others, as one part of the same discipline which is marketing. So I had different classes on the consumer behavior, merchandising, project management, etc. and these various classes made me kind of flexible that I tried different jobs (store manager, Marketing support manager, PR intern etc.) and today I’m occupying a completely different job (bid manager) that happens to be pretty awesome !
So I suggest you opt for a degree that won’t limit your options as your interests may change in the future.
Good luck !
Tammy Murray,
Tammy’s Answer
Hi Abgour, I received a B.S. degree in Marketing with an emphasis on fashion. My first job out of college was with a major retain chain in their management prep program. I worked as an assistant buyer for 3 months to get to know the corporate office work then as a store department manager for 3 months to understand the front-line work. At the end of the 6 month program I was able to specify which 'side of the house' I wanted to work.
Tammy recommends the following next steps: