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What minor should I add?
I am currently an Information Technology major and want to go into Data Analytics in the fashion industry. My school doesn't offer fashion, so I was wondering if anyone had ideas for minors I could take. Thank you!
19 answers
Updated
Vanessa’s Answer
Ollisha, it's great that you are thinking in terms of specialization. I agree with other responders that Data Analytics is industry agnostic. That said, even the most sophisticated and thorough data should be analyzed with a lens which accounts for nuances, and outliers. To best recognize these, you would need experience in the specific dynamics of that industry. To that end, I wouldn't recommend a minor so much as using your personal time to self-study fashion - be it buying trends, macro/micro, global, production, supply chain, etc... there are so many elements to fashion beyond the clothing!
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Karin’s Answer
Hi Ollisha,
If you are in Information Technology and a specialist in Data Analytics, you can go into any industry with those skills You don't need to be a specialist in that industry as well (unless you want to for personal reasons). There is no need to take a minor.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
If you are in Information Technology and a specialist in Data Analytics, you can go into any industry with those skills You don't need to be a specialist in that industry as well (unless you want to for personal reasons). There is no need to take a minor.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
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John’s Answer
It's important to have a clear business focus, and exploring areas like Business Analytics, Business Administration, or Finance can be a great start. Data should be useful and understanding the story it tells is crucial. Many times, data analysts just move numbers around without grasping their meaning. As a product manager, I've often received reports that don't help me understand my product better. Remember, creating a spreadsheet is easy, but turning data into actionable insights is a valuable skill. Keep learning and you'll make a real difference!
Thank you so much for your insight! I will look into those areas.
Ollisha
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Erika’s Answer
If your exploring technology roles or within research I suggest taking Anthropology which a lot of Researchers take along with Computer Science to understand the evolution of humans and different cultures and how that impacts our relationships with technology
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Chiquria’s Answer
Your career goal is truly inspiring and focused! Even though your school doesn't have a fashion program, you can still prepare for exciting data analytics roles in the fashion industry by choosing a minor that complements your Information Technology major. Here are some great options:
Top Minors to Consider:
Business or Marketing:
These minors give you a strong base in market research, consumer behavior, and business strategy, which are crucial for data analytics in retail or fashion.
Statistics or Mathematics:
They enhance your data analysis skills, making you ready for advanced analytics tasks.
Communications:
Good communication is key for sharing data insights, especially in creative fields like fashion.
Graphic Design or Visual Arts:
If you're interested in fashion visuals or data visualization, these skills help you present your findings and link analytics to creative projects.
Economics:
This minor helps you understand consumer trends, financial modeling, and market dynamics that are vital in retail and fashion.
Consumer Science or Retail Management (if available):
These focus on consumer behavior, merchandising, and sales analytics, even if they aren’t specifically about fashion.
Psychology:
Knowing how consumers think gives you an edge in analyzing trends and customer data.
Bonus Tip:
Look for elective courses or certificates in fashion, take online courses (like those on Coursera or LinkedIn Learning), and pursue internships with retailers or fashion brands to gain hands-on experience in the industry.
Top Minors to Consider:
Business or Marketing:
These minors give you a strong base in market research, consumer behavior, and business strategy, which are crucial for data analytics in retail or fashion.
Statistics or Mathematics:
They enhance your data analysis skills, making you ready for advanced analytics tasks.
Communications:
Good communication is key for sharing data insights, especially in creative fields like fashion.
Graphic Design or Visual Arts:
If you're interested in fashion visuals or data visualization, these skills help you present your findings and link analytics to creative projects.
Economics:
This minor helps you understand consumer trends, financial modeling, and market dynamics that are vital in retail and fashion.
Consumer Science or Retail Management (if available):
These focus on consumer behavior, merchandising, and sales analytics, even if they aren’t specifically about fashion.
Psychology:
Knowing how consumers think gives you an edge in analyzing trends and customer data.
Bonus Tip:
Look for elective courses or certificates in fashion, take online courses (like those on Coursera or LinkedIn Learning), and pursue internships with retailers or fashion brands to gain hands-on experience in the industry.
Updated
Noreen’s Answer
Hi Ollisha! It's fantastic that you're thinking strategically about how to align your degree with your passion for fashion and data analytics.
While a minor isn’t strictly necessary, especially in a niche area like fashion analytics, there are still great ways to shape your education to fit your goals. I’ve been in a similar position—starting with a tech background and pivoting it toward a personal interest—so here’s what worked for me and could work for you:
1. Integrate your passion into your coursework:
Even if your school doesn't offer fashion-related classes, look for ways to tailor your assignments or capstone projects toward fashion analytics. For example, when I was interested in special education, I aligned my HR and app development projects with that theme. By the time I graduated, I had built an iOS app to support parents and social workers of autistic children.
2. Build real-world connections and experience:
Join Meetup groups, local communities or even FB groups focused on fashion, data science, or both. These are great places to network, find mentors, and stay current with industry trends. Meetup groups helped me a tonne, I mainly join them to fulfill personal interests and hobbies, but end up with great opportunities.
3. Study companies at the intersection of fashion and data:
Look into companies like Stitch Fix, Zaila Collection, or Wantable. Review job descriptions to understand what skills and tools they value—this can guide your elective choices and self-study.
4. Consider a business-oriented minor:
A minor in Marketing, Entrepreneurship, or even Consumer Behavior could complement your IT background and provide a solid foundation for a future in fashion analytics—or even for launching your own fashion-focused venture someday. The key is to pick something that genuinely interests you. Personally, I gravitated toward marketing because it felt like a natural fit with fashion. Even if your choice feels random at first, if it sparks curiosity and aligns with your long-term goals, it’s a good direction to explore.
Ultimately, don't feel limited by your school’s offerings. With a bit of creativity and initiative, you can carve your own path. Best of luck!
While a minor isn’t strictly necessary, especially in a niche area like fashion analytics, there are still great ways to shape your education to fit your goals. I’ve been in a similar position—starting with a tech background and pivoting it toward a personal interest—so here’s what worked for me and could work for you:
1. Integrate your passion into your coursework:
Even if your school doesn't offer fashion-related classes, look for ways to tailor your assignments or capstone projects toward fashion analytics. For example, when I was interested in special education, I aligned my HR and app development projects with that theme. By the time I graduated, I had built an iOS app to support parents and social workers of autistic children.
2. Build real-world connections and experience:
Join Meetup groups, local communities or even FB groups focused on fashion, data science, or both. These are great places to network, find mentors, and stay current with industry trends. Meetup groups helped me a tonne, I mainly join them to fulfill personal interests and hobbies, but end up with great opportunities.
3. Study companies at the intersection of fashion and data:
Look into companies like Stitch Fix, Zaila Collection, or Wantable. Review job descriptions to understand what skills and tools they value—this can guide your elective choices and self-study.
4. Consider a business-oriented minor:
A minor in Marketing, Entrepreneurship, or even Consumer Behavior could complement your IT background and provide a solid foundation for a future in fashion analytics—or even for launching your own fashion-focused venture someday. The key is to pick something that genuinely interests you. Personally, I gravitated toward marketing because it felt like a natural fit with fashion. Even if your choice feels random at first, if it sparks curiosity and aligns with your long-term goals, it’s a good direction to explore.
Ultimately, don't feel limited by your school’s offerings. With a bit of creativity and initiative, you can carve your own path. Best of luck!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ollisha !
To be an IT Professional and Data Analyst, you do not have to take any courses or path for Fashion. Right now, fashion is on your mind as where you'd love to work but it is way too soon to pinpoint where you'd be working. You need to be an expert in IT and Data Analytics, how it applies to businesses, and you can work for any industry or business knowing what to do as a computer services professional.
The way it will work is that you can apply to various IT and DA positions. Once you get hired, the owner or manager is going to tell you exactly what they need for their computer system, not for fashion. They will tell you what their aim is for their company, not Fashion Week. So you will need to manage their business focused on data and computer systems. The owner or manager will meet with you and after the meeting, you will understand what the employer wants. Your degree should be in IT or DA or Computer Science and you do not need a minor.
Keep this in mind - the path for "fashion" is intense, very time consuming with practicums, projects and heavy networking. That would not help you in the computer science profession, so you're best to dedicate your time on campus and off campus to computer work. Get computer experience under your belt for your eventual resume.
In college, a Minor is not required. For me, I was Minoring without even knowing it. One day, I looked at my transcript and realized that I took the number of units (of credit) to deem Social Science as a Minor. So, I didn't actually "choose" it, it just happened. All colleges have different policies for Minoring. Some colleges require that you go through a process of declaring the Minor and some colleges do not have this process, like in my experience where it just sort of developed because I had enough units to fulfill a Minor. Definitely check with your college about their specific Minor policy and procedure. But remember, Minoring is not mandatory to get a Bachelors Degree.
To satisfy your knowledge of the fashion industry, you can take some classes online and watch videos, become familiar with as many fashion houses and designers as you can.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
To be an IT Professional and Data Analyst, you do not have to take any courses or path for Fashion. Right now, fashion is on your mind as where you'd love to work but it is way too soon to pinpoint where you'd be working. You need to be an expert in IT and Data Analytics, how it applies to businesses, and you can work for any industry or business knowing what to do as a computer services professional.
The way it will work is that you can apply to various IT and DA positions. Once you get hired, the owner or manager is going to tell you exactly what they need for their computer system, not for fashion. They will tell you what their aim is for their company, not Fashion Week. So you will need to manage their business focused on data and computer systems. The owner or manager will meet with you and after the meeting, you will understand what the employer wants. Your degree should be in IT or DA or Computer Science and you do not need a minor.
Keep this in mind - the path for "fashion" is intense, very time consuming with practicums, projects and heavy networking. That would not help you in the computer science profession, so you're best to dedicate your time on campus and off campus to computer work. Get computer experience under your belt for your eventual resume.
In college, a Minor is not required. For me, I was Minoring without even knowing it. One day, I looked at my transcript and realized that I took the number of units (of credit) to deem Social Science as a Minor. So, I didn't actually "choose" it, it just happened. All colleges have different policies for Minoring. Some colleges require that you go through a process of declaring the Minor and some colleges do not have this process, like in my experience where it just sort of developed because I had enough units to fulfill a Minor. Definitely check with your college about their specific Minor policy and procedure. But remember, Minoring is not mandatory to get a Bachelors Degree.
To satisfy your knowledge of the fashion industry, you can take some classes online and watch videos, become familiar with as many fashion houses and designers as you can.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Georgette’s Answer
Good morning, Ollisha,
I studied Business Analytics as a minor. You might want to consider exploring it.
I studied Business Analytics as a minor. You might want to consider exploring it.
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Consider minoring in business to better understand and apply the data you analyze in your work.
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Jori’s Answer
If you're interested in fashion, doing an internship in the fashion industry is a great alternative. It gives you hands-on experience, helps you build real connections, and lets you explore what working in fashion is actually like—without the extra classes. You’ll learn how the industry works, build your resume, and maybe even discover a specific area you love, like styling, marketing, or fashion tech. Plus, employers often value real-world experience just as much (or more) than a minor on your transcript. It’s a fun and practical way to explore your passion!
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
150
Answers
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hi,
That’s a really cool career goal! Combining IT with data analytics in the fashion industry is unique and definitely in demand. Since your school doesn’t offer a fashion program, here are some minors that can still set you up for success in that field:
1. Business or Business Administration:
Why: Understanding the business side of fashion is crucial, especially when analyzing sales data, customer trends, and inventory management.
Skills: Financial analysis, marketing principles, management strategies—all important when interpreting data in a fashion context.
Career Impact: Helps you transition into roles like fashion data analyst or business intelligence specialist within fashion companies.
2. Marketing or Digital Marketing:
Why: Fashion brands rely heavily on data-driven marketing strategies, from social media trends to customer engagement metrics.
Skills: Consumer behavior analysis, brand strategy, digital analytics.
Career Impact: Prepares you for roles where you analyze marketing campaign performance and consumer sentiment.
3. Statistics or Applied Mathematics:
Why: Fashion data analytics often involves predicting trends, sales forecasting, and analyzing consumer data.
Skills: Statistical modeling, data interpretation, probability theory.
Career Impact: Enhances your ability to process large datasets and derive meaningful insights, which is essential in fashion data analysis.
4. Data Science or Data Analytics (if available):
Why: You’ll gain hands-on experience with data collection, processing, and visualization, which are critical in analyzing fashion trends and consumer preferences.
Skills: Data mining, machine learning, statistical analysis.
Career Impact: Directly prepares you for roles like data analyst, business analyst, or data-driven marketing strategist in the fashion industry.
5. Communications or Media Studies:
Why: Fashion brands often focus on storytelling and brand image. Understanding how to analyze media trends can be valuable.
Skills: Content analysis, media impact studies, communication strategies.
Career Impact: Helps in analyzing social media data, influencer trends, and brand perception.
6. Graphic Design or Visual Arts:
Why: Visual data presentation is crucial in fashion analytics, and understanding aesthetic principles helps when working with fashion data.
Skills: Data visualization, creative presentation, brand design.
Career Impact: Useful for roles where you need to present fashion data in visually appealing ways, such as trend forecasting reports.
7. Economics:
Why: Fashion analytics often intersects with understanding market dynamics, consumer spending, and retail economics.
Skills: Economic modeling, data interpretation, financial forecasting.
Career Impact: Prepares you for roles in retail analytics, inventory management, or consumer behavior analysis.
That’s a really cool career goal! Combining IT with data analytics in the fashion industry is unique and definitely in demand. Since your school doesn’t offer a fashion program, here are some minors that can still set you up for success in that field:
1. Business or Business Administration:
Why: Understanding the business side of fashion is crucial, especially when analyzing sales data, customer trends, and inventory management.
Skills: Financial analysis, marketing principles, management strategies—all important when interpreting data in a fashion context.
Career Impact: Helps you transition into roles like fashion data analyst or business intelligence specialist within fashion companies.
2. Marketing or Digital Marketing:
Why: Fashion brands rely heavily on data-driven marketing strategies, from social media trends to customer engagement metrics.
Skills: Consumer behavior analysis, brand strategy, digital analytics.
Career Impact: Prepares you for roles where you analyze marketing campaign performance and consumer sentiment.
3. Statistics or Applied Mathematics:
Why: Fashion data analytics often involves predicting trends, sales forecasting, and analyzing consumer data.
Skills: Statistical modeling, data interpretation, probability theory.
Career Impact: Enhances your ability to process large datasets and derive meaningful insights, which is essential in fashion data analysis.
4. Data Science or Data Analytics (if available):
Why: You’ll gain hands-on experience with data collection, processing, and visualization, which are critical in analyzing fashion trends and consumer preferences.
Skills: Data mining, machine learning, statistical analysis.
Career Impact: Directly prepares you for roles like data analyst, business analyst, or data-driven marketing strategist in the fashion industry.
5. Communications or Media Studies:
Why: Fashion brands often focus on storytelling and brand image. Understanding how to analyze media trends can be valuable.
Skills: Content analysis, media impact studies, communication strategies.
Career Impact: Helps in analyzing social media data, influencer trends, and brand perception.
6. Graphic Design or Visual Arts:
Why: Visual data presentation is crucial in fashion analytics, and understanding aesthetic principles helps when working with fashion data.
Skills: Data visualization, creative presentation, brand design.
Career Impact: Useful for roles where you need to present fashion data in visually appealing ways, such as trend forecasting reports.
7. Economics:
Why: Fashion analytics often intersects with understanding market dynamics, consumer spending, and retail economics.
Skills: Economic modeling, data interpretation, financial forecasting.
Career Impact: Prepares you for roles in retail analytics, inventory management, or consumer behavior analysis.
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Goodera’s Answer
If you're looking to bridge a gap in fashion, try taking as many art classes as you can. I remember an architecture professor once advised me to immerse myself in art. It wasn't just about architecture; it was about boosting creativity and exploring different art forms. I ended up in a top architecture program but soon realized it wasn't for me and switched to art. Now, 30 years later, I'm a project manager in creative events. Art opened unexpected doors and fueled a lifelong passion. Imagine combining data analytics with a minor in studio art or graphic design. It could easily lead to a career in fashion or other creative fields!
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Hania’s Answer
Lots of great answers already! I'll add on some other tips - one is the importance of work experience - whether it be a summer internship, a part-time job or co-op. You might be doing this already, but getting some work experience on your resume, especially in an IT related role (in any industry), should help give you an advantage when applying for full time roles down the road.
Networking can also be really advantageous. It is great that you have a clear vision of what you'd like to do. What inspired you to want to pursue data analytics in the fashion industry? Maybe start there - if it's a person or a company you hope to work for - there's no harm in reaching out to that person or people who work for that company and sharing your passion and that you'd love to hear about their journey. The worst they'll say is no or not reply, but the best would be finding a connection.
All the best of luck!
Networking can also be really advantageous. It is great that you have a clear vision of what you'd like to do. What inspired you to want to pursue data analytics in the fashion industry? Maybe start there - if it's a person or a company you hope to work for - there's no harm in reaching out to that person or people who work for that company and sharing your passion and that you'd love to hear about their journey. The worst they'll say is no or not reply, but the best would be finding a connection.
All the best of luck!
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Ian’s Answer
Hi Ollisha,
I studied Computer Science at University, and later followed a Data Analytics & Business Intelligence career path. As others have mentioned, data analytics skills are completely transferable between industries. The tools and methodologies are basically the same. I myself went from doing analytics for a bank, next to a consumer goods manufacturer, and then to a household-name bluechip technology company.
What will differ is the company itself, it´s business culture, processes, maturity around data & analytics etc. So when you join a new company, your knowledge of analytics will be relevant, but it will take time to truly understand the company and it´s products etc.
My advice would be to focus first on learning the principles of analytics, and don´t worry initially about which industry it is. You can of course keep the medium/long term goal of getting into Fashion specifically within analytics, but once you have some years of experiences those options will be opèn to you.
All the best,
Ian
I studied Computer Science at University, and later followed a Data Analytics & Business Intelligence career path. As others have mentioned, data analytics skills are completely transferable between industries. The tools and methodologies are basically the same. I myself went from doing analytics for a bank, next to a consumer goods manufacturer, and then to a household-name bluechip technology company.
What will differ is the company itself, it´s business culture, processes, maturity around data & analytics etc. So when you join a new company, your knowledge of analytics will be relevant, but it will take time to truly understand the company and it´s products etc.
My advice would be to focus first on learning the principles of analytics, and don´t worry initially about which industry it is. You can of course keep the medium/long term goal of getting into Fashion specifically within analytics, but once you have some years of experiences those options will be opèn to you.
All the best,
Ian
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Shaun’s Answer
Great question. As someone who has been in the industry for over 30 years, I vote for a business minor. Knowledge of basic finance, marketing and business management is invaluable for any direction you take in the future. The other stuff you can take later. Take the business classes now while you are still in school! Keep up the good work.
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Kyle’s Answer
Definitely consider Business as this will assist in any major, especially coupling that with an Information Technology degree.
Look around for internships in Fashion that give you more insights on the business side of things would be something to consider as well.
Look around for internships in Fashion that give you more insights on the business side of things would be something to consider as well.
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Jason’s Answer
Hey Ollisha,
For tech majors like IT, CS, etc, I usually recommend business as a good pairing. I've learned that having both the technical skillset as well as business acumen together is a very sought after and well paid skillset to have. Especially for data analytics because it will help you understand the business value of the data you are working with.
For tech majors like IT, CS, etc, I usually recommend business as a good pairing. I've learned that having both the technical skillset as well as business acumen together is a very sought after and well paid skillset to have. Especially for data analytics because it will help you understand the business value of the data you are working with.
Updated
Ajla’s Answer
Textiles! I want to a strong Textiles school where many people minored in the specific industry they wanted to focus in on. They would major in Information Technology/Anayltics but minor in theater, textiles, sports management, Environmental Science etc. Knowing the industry components and as much as you can about the fashion industry will simultaneously make you a better analyst! And does not necessarily have to be a minor, can be all sorts of experiences to learn more!
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Barb’s Answer
Hello,
Here are my top three minor choices:
1) Data Analytics
2) Communications
3) Business
It's great that you're considering adding another program to your degree. Wishing you the best of luck!
Here are my top three minor choices:
1) Data Analytics
2) Communications
3) Business
It's great that you're considering adding another program to your degree. Wishing you the best of luck!
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