Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Fashion Girl,

Dear Fashion Girl,

I'm really interested in being a Buyer for a department store such as Nordstrom when I get older. Is it hard to become successful in that industry? Plus, I don't want to wait until then to start preparing. What are some things that I can do now to start preparing for this job?

Rachel

Dear Rachel:

How successful you become as a Buyer depends on your drive! Most of all, you have to love the retailing business. Being prepared with the proper skills and training that you get in fashion college also helps!

One thing that you do need to have to get in the door of a buying career is retailing experience at the store level -- at least two years. If you start now, you'll be ahead of the game! If you're interested in being a Buyer for a certain store, getting into that store at the retail level is a good plan. Then, going on to get a management background at the retail level will help you make the transition into the corporate side of the business, where the buying takes place. After that, you begin working your way up the corporate ladder.

As a grad from FIDM, for instance, you'd most likely enter the field in just two years as an Assistant Buyer. The next spot on the ladder is Associate Buyer. The top position is Senior Buyer.

So the answer to your question is, begin as soon as you can to get part-time and summer jobs working retail. If you can't get a job at your favorite store right off, work anywhere you can to establish a work history and build your resume until you qualify. Then, when you're ready for college, FIDM's Merchandise Marketing major will give you the specialized skills you need and help you get a foot in the door. Companies such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Gap, BCBG, PacSun, Levi's, and many more all hire lots of FIDM grads!

Sincerely, Fashion Girl