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How can I successfully double major in Finance and Fashion Journalism?
One problem I feel like I can get stuck in is that, I feel like I might be too hyper focused on one major or I feel like because I am majoring in two majors I might get overwhelmed.
What are the outcomes of this?
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5 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Learner !
This is a good question because, although intricate, I think I can advise you on two routes to take for this. Finance and fashion journalism are duties and may not be majors, however, with careful planning and your decisions about exactly what field of work you want to be in, it can be done.
I know, it's me again saying do not double major. I tell everyone that, but you can do whatever you want. You need to be well-informed however and I advise not double majoring because it's really not necessary (especially for your two interests), it's expensive and it is way too much of a work load while trying to get high grades in college. I understand some people do it, but I am not sure how the success rates are for double majoring and I'm sure some people ace it. I advise taking a regular path and it should be easy for your two interests. Never bunch up or force anything that you do during college.
The first path I suggest is to attend a good Fashion School. At this type of school, you will learn the finance portion, translated to business and in turn, marketing. During your fashion school path, you can go for the business and marketing segment as a concentration since you do not want to be a designer. The exposure to fashion and through the courses you take, you will learn how to write about fashion and there's no need for any journalism courses. Your ability to write about fashion will come from your knowledge of fashion and the industry.
The second path that you can take is at a University and majoring in Business. People that go into the business world deal with many different products and services and yours would be fashion. While at the University for your Bachelors Degree, you can take a class in the art department that comes close to sketching or design. You can take a beginning journalism course, too, just to get the basics. Sometimes, the theatre departments offer a costuming class that doesn't always concentrate on period clothing but it would give you experience in knowing how to style and critique. Most of all, it will be important to visit the academic counselor at the college you choose, explain your goal and discuss the major and courses you should take as they would know what is offered at their University.
Try to watch any fashion and styling TV shows. Watch Emily in Paris, Queer Eye, Next in Fashion, and The Hype. The first three are on Netflix but you can find out who airs The Hype by doing a search. You can also look for reruns of Project Runway and What Not to Wear. Search on line for these. Watching these shows is an important education that will familiarize you with the things to know when writing about fashion.
So those are two routes I would suggest for wanting to be involved in the fashion business world. Having one major will give you time and focus to achieve well in your courses and class projects and any projects that you work on for college and off campus. Instead of being hyper-focused, it would be a more relaxed focus to take one major and enjoy the process. Most people I know have and do take one major and it's worked out very successfully for them, so there is nothing to worry about.
One major is a nice balance of general education courses and major courses that are different topics so it will be easy for you not to be overly focused on one aspect of a subject.
I hope that this helps in contributing to your final decisions about your career and I wish you well for this fabulous and exciting future career !
This is a good question because, although intricate, I think I can advise you on two routes to take for this. Finance and fashion journalism are duties and may not be majors, however, with careful planning and your decisions about exactly what field of work you want to be in, it can be done.
I know, it's me again saying do not double major. I tell everyone that, but you can do whatever you want. You need to be well-informed however and I advise not double majoring because it's really not necessary (especially for your two interests), it's expensive and it is way too much of a work load while trying to get high grades in college. I understand some people do it, but I am not sure how the success rates are for double majoring and I'm sure some people ace it. I advise taking a regular path and it should be easy for your two interests. Never bunch up or force anything that you do during college.
The first path I suggest is to attend a good Fashion School. At this type of school, you will learn the finance portion, translated to business and in turn, marketing. During your fashion school path, you can go for the business and marketing segment as a concentration since you do not want to be a designer. The exposure to fashion and through the courses you take, you will learn how to write about fashion and there's no need for any journalism courses. Your ability to write about fashion will come from your knowledge of fashion and the industry.
The second path that you can take is at a University and majoring in Business. People that go into the business world deal with many different products and services and yours would be fashion. While at the University for your Bachelors Degree, you can take a class in the art department that comes close to sketching or design. You can take a beginning journalism course, too, just to get the basics. Sometimes, the theatre departments offer a costuming class that doesn't always concentrate on period clothing but it would give you experience in knowing how to style and critique. Most of all, it will be important to visit the academic counselor at the college you choose, explain your goal and discuss the major and courses you should take as they would know what is offered at their University.
Try to watch any fashion and styling TV shows. Watch Emily in Paris, Queer Eye, Next in Fashion, and The Hype. The first three are on Netflix but you can find out who airs The Hype by doing a search. You can also look for reruns of Project Runway and What Not to Wear. Search on line for these. Watching these shows is an important education that will familiarize you with the things to know when writing about fashion.
So those are two routes I would suggest for wanting to be involved in the fashion business world. Having one major will give you time and focus to achieve well in your courses and class projects and any projects that you work on for college and off campus. Instead of being hyper-focused, it would be a more relaxed focus to take one major and enjoy the process. Most people I know have and do take one major and it's worked out very successfully for them, so there is nothing to worry about.
One major is a nice balance of general education courses and major courses that are different topics so it will be easy for you not to be overly focused on one aspect of a subject.
I hope that this helps in contributing to your final decisions about your career and I wish you well for this fabulous and exciting future career !
Zoya Naeem
freelancer
22
Answers
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
Zoya’s Answer
Successfully double majoring in Finance and Fashion Journalism requires a strategic balance between both disciplines. Start by carefully planning your course load each semester, ensuring that you fulfill the core requirements for both majors while keeping an eye on prerequisites. Meeting with academic advisors from both departments early on will help create a roadmap that aligns with your graduation timeline.
Stay organized by maintaining a calendar or planner to track important deadlines and class schedules, and be prepared for a heavier workload than a single major demands. Take advantage of cross-disciplinary opportunities: for example, explore how financial principles apply to the fashion industry through internships or independent projects, allowing you to integrate your studies in a meaningful way.
Networking is essential in both fields, so attend finance and fashion events, career fairs, and seminars to build connections. Also, managing your time effectively is crucial to avoid burnout. By focusing on coursework that offers both depth and overlap, seeking internships that bridge both worlds, and staying on top of your responsibilities, you can successfully complete a double major in these dynamic fields.
Stay organized by maintaining a calendar or planner to track important deadlines and class schedules, and be prepared for a heavier workload than a single major demands. Take advantage of cross-disciplinary opportunities: for example, explore how financial principles apply to the fashion industry through internships or independent projects, allowing you to integrate your studies in a meaningful way.
Networking is essential in both fields, so attend finance and fashion events, career fairs, and seminars to build connections. Also, managing your time effectively is crucial to avoid burnout. By focusing on coursework that offers both depth and overlap, seeking internships that bridge both worlds, and staying on top of your responsibilities, you can successfully complete a double major in these dynamic fields.
Jocelyn yangjoce@gmail.com
medical assistant
1
Answer
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Jocelyn’s Answer
Hi!
I double majored in Biology and Psychology. I want you to know that it can be done as soon or as late as you prefer. Before COVID-19, I was on track to finish my degrees in three years. In comparison, I finished my degrees in 5 years. It does not matter how long or short it takes as long as these are academic pursuits you truly do enjoy. At the end of the day in the words of my immigrant grandmother, "Education is something you do for yourself. People cannot take your education away from you." So, I want you to go into this with a mindset of "I'm going to succeed because fashion and finance are things you truly care about." Absorb the information well, and be reassured that they will catapult you into your career.
Reading your note, I see that you are scared or nervous about enjoying one or prioritizing one more than the other. I completely understand, as I went through a similar situation in which I focused more on my biology degree than my psychology one. I'm a pre-med student. To balance the two, it's important to create a link b/t the two subjects. I may be reaching but perhaps you are interested in finance b/c it may help you with a fashion endeavor? If so, think of it like that. I am studying finance b/c it will help me with my fashion career. If not, you can always try to link the knowledge you have about economics and finances with proceedings in fashion - why are some fashion houses more successful than others?
Overall, I wish you the best! I think these two majors are such a fun contrast to each other, and speak greatly towards you as a person. You are creative, and enduring. You are going to do so well. To note, if you do feel overwhelm, allow yourself to step back. Take more classes for one major than the other in a semester. If eventually you find, you enjoy one more than the other. Have a realistic conversation on which route will make you happiest.
I double majored in Biology and Psychology. I want you to know that it can be done as soon or as late as you prefer. Before COVID-19, I was on track to finish my degrees in three years. In comparison, I finished my degrees in 5 years. It does not matter how long or short it takes as long as these are academic pursuits you truly do enjoy. At the end of the day in the words of my immigrant grandmother, "Education is something you do for yourself. People cannot take your education away from you." So, I want you to go into this with a mindset of "I'm going to succeed because fashion and finance are things you truly care about." Absorb the information well, and be reassured that they will catapult you into your career.
Reading your note, I see that you are scared or nervous about enjoying one or prioritizing one more than the other. I completely understand, as I went through a similar situation in which I focused more on my biology degree than my psychology one. I'm a pre-med student. To balance the two, it's important to create a link b/t the two subjects. I may be reaching but perhaps you are interested in finance b/c it may help you with a fashion endeavor? If so, think of it like that. I am studying finance b/c it will help me with my fashion career. If not, you can always try to link the knowledge you have about economics and finances with proceedings in fashion - why are some fashion houses more successful than others?
Overall, I wish you the best! I think these two majors are such a fun contrast to each other, and speak greatly towards you as a person. You are creative, and enduring. You are going to do so well. To note, if you do feel overwhelm, allow yourself to step back. Take more classes for one major than the other in a semester. If eventually you find, you enjoy one more than the other. Have a realistic conversation on which route will make you happiest.
James P
Portfolio Manager
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
James’s Answer
I did a double degree (in more similar fields) -- best advice I could give is to concentrate on learning the most important aspects of each area and do not obsess over grades. Once you are a year into your career no one will ask or care about your grades again. Spend the time developing friendships and professional connections and you will have two great career possibilities.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
607
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I double majored and it wasn’t too bad! Be mindful of the classes you take each semester. I was able to adjust my load in a way that I typically took a couple challenging courses with a couple easy ones. I took an extra semester to get both degrees, so it’s ok to not do things in a “traditional time”.
Best of luck!
Best of luck!