Outlook for Fashion Merchandising Careers

Many schools offer diplomas or degrees in fashion merchandising. Your choice of a diploma program or an associate's or bachelor's degree may depend on how quickly you want to enter the workforce. While diplomas and associate's programs have the advantage of being shorter, a bachelor's degree is a great asset when starting any career.

Getting work experience can also boost your chances of landing the job you want. Many companies prefer to promote from within before hiring someone from the outside. If you are willing to start at the bottom, you are more likely to get the fashion merchandising job you really want in the future. Take related jobs, and leverage your industry experience toward a fashion merchandising career.

If you're a student, find out if your school has a career placement program that can help you find internships and entry-level fashion merchandising careers.

In any career field, salaries vary depending on your location and qualifications. Fashion merchandising careers are no exception. The following table shows the national average for salaries in merchandising and buying.*

_{*HR data as reported by Salary.com for October 2009.}