If you are anxious to get right out in the field and start working, a two-year or associate’s degree program may be a good fit for you. This will give you a solid overview of the field and will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to start off with bang. Expect an associate’s program to focus mainly on fashion-focused classes that relate to what you will need to know when you start working. This is a good choice if you can’t see yourself spending a long time in school but know you need some formal training to be competitive in the marketplace.

A four-year, or bachelor’s degree, goes an extra step to provide you with a more general education. For this option, in addition to courses focused on art and fashion, you will also need to take core classes in the basics, including such topics as psychology, health, religion, math and science. Requirements vary by school, but the overall goal is to give you some core knowledge that will be helpful when you enter the workforce, no matter what you plan to do.

Some schools encourage their students to participate in internships and other work experience as part of their education. This is usually a good way to learn hands-on and start paying your dues. But whether you have a two or four-year degree, and even with some work experience thrown in, it is important to be prepared to start out in the field in an entry level capacity. Most people need to pay their dues before bigger doors open up for them.

A High-Paced Career

Of course the dream is to hit it big. Imagine being one of the lucky few to have their own runway shows at fashion week. But not everyone with a fashion design degree will be able to design their own line, let alone arrange for such a prestigious public viewing. Such incredible opportunities are few and far between.

That’s why many fashion designers work for wholesalers and corporate offices. Some also work in manufacturing jobs, although the breadth of this area is declining as more companies get their goods produced in other countries, where costs can be considerably less.

Further, not everyone with a fashion degree even aspires to actually work in design. There are many other, related, positions that can be equally as rewarding and still work off the same basic knowledge and background. For instance, stylists, illustrators, merchandisers, buyers, wardrobe specialists and fashion journalists are very respectable jobs and people in these careers need to have an understanding of the design process and can benefit from a solid education the field. So don’t feel you need to use your degree in only one way. Be open to whatever possibilities exist and capitalize on those that best fit your interests and your strengths.