Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Fashion Girl,

Dear Fashion Girl,

I am a Junior in highschool. I want to pursue my career as a fashion buyer or as a special events coordinator, but our school does not offer any kind of fashion classes. I was wondering which classes I should take that will make colleges more likely to accept me so that I may have a wonderful career? I was also wondering what job will help me get a feel for becoming a fashion buyer or special events coordinator?

Sincerely, Eventful

Dear Eventful,

Cool career choices! As a fashion buyer you need strong analytical and mathematical skills. Any business mathematics, statistics, and logic courses will be beneficial. Buyers are in the merchandising segment of the fashion industry. Find out if your high school offers any merchandising classes; even if they aren't fashion-related, you will learn the basics. Special events coordination falls within marketing. For this career, take marketing classes like advertising and retail selling. For both careers you've chosen, take every business course you can in high school, especially those where the class simulates operating a retail store. Also take computer classes where you learn word processing and business programs like Lotus and Excel. Get valuable special event experience by volunteering to help out with fashion shows at local department stores. You can't go wrong with a sales job in a retail apparel or department store. You will be surrounded by changing fashion trends and learn about customers' needs and wants, which is so important for a buyer. Buyers must know what merchandise their customers want to buy. What part of the fashion industry is for you: women's, home decor, children's, accessories? Retail will help you decide. Retail experience is always a plus in the fashion industry, and looks great on your resume. With your ambition, you're sure to have a wonderful fashion career!

Sincerely,