The retail and apparel field is part of a supply chain process that starts with the creation of goods (apparel) and is then sold in large quantities to a retailer that sells smaller quantities to the consumer. The retail industry offers opportunities in merchandising, store management, central management, and buying. Apparel or fashion designers create original clothing, accessories, and footwear while working in wholesale or manufacturing establishments, theater or dance companies, and design firms in large cities.
Career Guide
Designing your major
Your major may be indirectly or directly related to your career choice, and it’s only one of many pieces to finding a good career fit. There are many majors that are related to retail and apparel, including:
- Apparel Merchandising
- Comprehensive Design
- Fashion Design
- Media
- Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation
- Interior Design
- Management (Kelley)
- Management (SPEA-O'Neill)
- Management + Human Organization
- Marketing
- Operations Management
- Environmental & Sustainability Studies
- Sociology
- Studio Art
- Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management
- Theater Arts
Learn about careers in the field
- Buyer
- Designer
- Visual Merchandiser
- Merchandise Analyst
- Brand Manager
- Purchasing Agent
- Retail Sales Manager
- Store Manager
- Fashion Editor
- Sales Representative
- Inventory Control Analyst
- Pricing Associate
- International Marketing Manager
- Store Planner
- Fashion Blogger
Learn through experience
Join a student organization
Student organizations can help us clarify our interests and build experience. Here are a few ideas of organizations in this area:
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering in the community has many benefits for the community and for your personal and professional development. How can you use your knowledge and skills to make a difference?
Interested in graduate school?
In this field, some common graduate school programs may include Apparel Merchandising, Marketing and Advertising, Fashion Design, International Business, Entrepreneurship, and many more!
There are many ways to explore careers, through research, gaining experience, and talking with other people. Your career coach is here to mentor you and help you find ways to explore that fit you best.