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What majors are good for me to take if I want to be a fashion buyer?

I am currently researching job outlooks on purchasing managers in my Money Management class. I know that the major of Fashion Merchandising is helpful for this career, but I was wondering what other careers are helpful as well. As a senior in high school, I am hoping to major in Advertising and Marketing in college and I was wondering if that major would help me go into fashion buying as well. #college #management #marketing #fashion #major #buyer

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Jeff’s Answer

You may want to consider majoring in "Supply Chain". Most items are made and shipped from other countries. Having a supply chain degree would help to get you a job in the fashion industry. Once your foot is in the door working for that industry, you may be able to move from logistics\supply chain into procurement. Also, many procurement people are lawyers. So that is another avenue to get into procurement in that industry.

Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! This is very helpful! Katie
Thank you comment icon Several schools have majors in "Fashion Design", "Apparel Merchandising", etc. There are state, private, or fashion-specific schools. I graduated from Indiana University in Apparel Merchandising, worked as a Buyer and got into brand marketing. I also went back to school for Fashion Design a few years later and opted for a smaller, fashion-specific school. (Int'l Academy of Design and Technology) These type of degrees are great because they allow you to work for some of the best retailers in the US (or abroad) and also allow you to explore other "creative" fields if you choose to leave the retail/fashion world one day. The opportunities in fashion and advertising are endless! Also... highly recommend you do two internships - will help you with job placements after you graduate! Angela Holloway
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Colleen’s Answer

Merchandising management, supply chain management and general business are good places to start. I began my studies as a supply chain management major and changed to merchandising management because, although it was more geared toward retail (which I never ended up exploring), the procurement and contracting training was much more detailed.
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Yvonne’s Answer

Being a fashion buyer is a unique role in the fashion world. While a Fashion Merchandising degree can be helpful, there are many other areas of study that can also set you up for success in this field. Here are a few that might be of interest:

1. **Fashion Merchandising:** This study area directly ties into fashion buying, providing you with the specific know-how and abilities needed for the job.

2. **Fashion Design:** Gaining insights into the design process and fashion trends can be a plus when it comes to picking out merchandise.

3. **Marketing:** Your interest in a Marketing major can be very beneficial. It equips you with skills in understanding customer behavior, analyzing markets, and promoting products – all key parts of fashion buying.

4. **Business Administration or Management:** These study areas can give you a solid grounding in business basics, which come in handy in a buying role.

5. **Supply Chain Management:** Knowing how products travel through the supply chain is vital for making smart buying choices.

6. **Retail Management:** This study area is closely tied to the retail sector and can offer insights into retail operations and shopper behavior.

7. **Economics:** Studying economics can help you grasp pricing strategies and market dynamics, both of which are important in buying.

8. **Fashion Marketing:** This major blends marketing fundamentals with a focus on the fashion industry, making it an excellent choice.

In the end, the major you pick should reflect your interests and career aspirations. Remember that gaining hands-on experience through internships or part-time jobs in the fashion sector can be a big plus when aiming for a career as a fashion buyer. Building a network and forming relationships within the industry will be beneficial, no matter which major you end up choosing.
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Margaret’s Answer

I would also recommend some basic accounting classes. I have a degree in Retail Management as well as Accounting from a Community College . The Retail Management course showed me that you need to understand the cost of things as when you are buying fashion, you need a proper mix of items that are within a budget. You need to understand what sells and the amount of money you make on those items to ensure that you cover your other costs (labor, store space). The Legal aspect of procurement is related to negotiating/managing contracts with your suppliers for which Business Law is a great course. I am now in the Legal Dept with my accounting degree, managing contracts. Most of my knowledge was gained in Business law course and experience.
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