Choices for active duty and wanting to do Fashion Merchandising or Marketing

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by QueenBee0833, Apr 12, 2014.

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  1. QueenBee0833

    QueenBee0833 New Member

    Hello everyone,
    I've been active duty for almost 7 years now (I should have tired to do college sooner but I'm on shore duty so this is as good a time as any. Plus if anyone has ever been on a ship then yall would know that the internet would make it next to impossible on deployment). But I want to go into Fashion Merchandising or Marketing, there isn't a vast majority of options for doing this online but I'm in an area that I'd literally have to travel several hours if not more to get to one that does have it. That's simply not possible, and college here and FSU campus here don't offer it.
    I'm going to speak to my ESO on monday to see what he thinks aswell. I'd love to hear yall's opinions because from what I did read here before I registered, you all seem extremely smart and knowledgable (more so than I am) and hopefully can help me out some.
    I was looking into 3 online colleges, but 2 seem to be better. The first one which seems alright, not bad but not that great either is Penn Foster which only offers an A.A.S. I also read on another thread that it was so easy a middle schooler can do it (I'm sold, haha, just kidding). I seen a sample lesson plan which was up on their website (and I'm assuming that it's a sample from lesson one), it was extremely easy and it reminded me of military training or NKO courses. If anyone had any experience with those, although this seemed more interesting for sure, you'd know how simple they are.
    The second one I was looking at was Berkeley College. They have an online program for both A.A.S. and B.S. in Fashion Marketing and Management. I did read somewhere that doing classes here while working full time would be difficult but also I would not be opposed to going part time. I need to make sure that I can strive in my classes and not be a mediocre student. I read some mixed reviews on this one but I think the hardest thing is the fact that it doesn't start until July and there wasn't a thread on this forum I could read about it. I like yalls opinions.
    The last one (which honestly might be the best option but I'm not sure) is Southern New Hampshire University. They offer an online program for A.A.S in Fashion Merchandising and an B.S. in Fashion Merchandising and Management. I read on this forum and online that the classes are challenging (which is good, that means that I'm learning something).
    I think also my main concern would be making sure I did not do too much too fast. I haven't been in school in almost 10 years (that's why I have so many run on sentences) and I don't want to overwhelm myself. I also don't want it to be too easy either.
    Also long term, one day in the distant future when I get out the navy, I'd LOVE to the fashion institute of new york. I would hate for the credits not to transfer.
    I was also thinking of only doing a A.A.S at one of these schools and doing a B.S. at FIT (because that can be done online). I'm not sure if the possibilities are endless with TA but I'd love to use as much as the military lets me.

    Sorry this is so long.
     
  2. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    I'm not a strong supporter of fashion merchandising degrees. My wife earned one when we were much younger and it didn't do much for her career in fashion. The powers in that industry don't seem to care much about degrees. My wife eventually worked her way up into being a regional manager for a well-known, high-end department store chain, but never once did the HR people ask, care or even know that she had her degree. All they care about is what you can do, not what degree you have. What made her advance was her incredible talent in the industry and her amazing people skills. Many of the top people in her industry worked their way up from stock room or sales clerk positions. Most people who are above her do not have fashion degrees.

    If I were you, I would get my degree in a broader field, such as marketing, so that you can apply your skills in other industries. If your degree is in fashion merch, you have limited your options. And, like I said, the fashion degree will not buy you much clout.
     
  3. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

  4. sanantone

    sanantone Well-Known Member

    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 13, 2014
  5. TCord1964

    TCord1964 New Member

    You don't need a degree to do fashion merchandising. That's something you learn on the job. I know this because it is what my niece does, and she has worked for some of the most popular designers in NYC, and has done fashion styling for photo shoots and worked for Lady Gaga. It's sort of an apprenticeship kind of deal.

    I would go for the marketing degree. If you can sell, you can work almost anywhere. There are also good job opportunities for marketing analysts. I'm former Navy, and marketing is the field I work in now.
     
  6. QueenBee0833

    QueenBee0833 New Member

    I was mostly wondering which one of the colleges were better since I was leaning towards Berkeley College online or South New Hampshire University online. I would definitely need a degree with fashion to go into the Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing BA and MBA programs at FIT once I get out of the military. I won't be able to do that with a marketing degree, that would be useless for what I'm trying to do. the Cosmetics and Fragrance marketing isn't only marketing it's also how makeup/fragrance is made.
     
  7. sanantone

    sanantone Well-Known Member

    Have you looked at the curricula and course descriptions for those programs? The few fashion-specific courses focus on design, color, and textiles. I didn't see anything about how fragrances are made. Berklee's program has one course that covers the marketing of cosmetics along with other products in the fashion industry.
    Fashion Marketing and Management
    Fashion Merchandising (AS) | SNHU

    FIT does not require a fashion associates degree. They require an associates that's either equivalent to any one of their AAS programs or in liberal arts. Some of their AAS programs have nothing to do with fashion.

    https://www.fitnyc.edu/2046.asp
    https://www.fitnyc.edu/4301.asp
     
  8. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    The fashion programs that I have seen are mostly fluff. I doubt there are any that delve into the deeper aspects of fragrance and cosmetics. I am worried that you will find your degree useless, as my wife did. She would have been much better served by a business degree and I expect she would have advanced to an even higher level if she had one. It's all business, QueenBee, fashion or not. I don't know your particular program, so I could be wrong, but I fear that it will be a waste of your time and money. Marketing is marketing, no matter what the product. The product knowledge will be specific to the company you work for and is not likely to be offered even at the program you are looking into.

    Do what you want, of course. But you have the advice from a number of members here already that suggests otherwise. No matter what you decide, you have our very best wishes for your success. Keep us informed on what you decide to do.


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    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 14, 2014
  9. Koolcypher

    Koolcypher Member

    I agree with what everyone has said. However, it is your time, money and energy. Therefore, you must decide what is best for you and your future. Bear in mind that a fashion/merchandising degree is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere. - Dorothy Galyean

    Of course she did not say the same exact thing. I've added some flair to it, but you get the gist of it.
     
  10. sanantone

    sanantone Well-Known Member

    I'm only seeing these programs as being offered online.
    Fashion Institute of Technology - Online Degree Programs
     
  11. TCord1964

    TCord1964 New Member

    My niece attended FIT, but dropped out once she realized she was learning more on the job than she was at school. If you want to be a fashion designer, the school is a good FIT (pun intended) but if you want any other job in the fashion industry, get a good business degree, get your foot in the door and work your way up.

    But, don't just take my word for it. There is a good article about breaking into fashion merchandising here: How to Start a Career in Fashion Merchandising | Everyday Life - Global Post

    I would also check the major job search sites, and see what kind of qualifications the companies who hire fashion merchandisers require. I checked a few on Indeed.com. The job listings that did specify an education requirement (a lot emphasized experience over eduction) mentioned a bachelor degree in marketing.
     

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