4 Steps to the Right Fashion Design School for You
Right after taking the major step of deciding to study Fashion, the next big question is: WHERE? There are many design schools available, each with their pros and cons. You might be considering one with better facilities, or one which produces famous couturiers, you might even be thinking about the total amount you will be spending for your education - right down to your transport fees. So how exactly do we figure out which option's the best?
Here's a guide to find out what you'll need to look out for in a Fashion school:
Step 1: Decide on your Dream Job!
First up, it's important to know which career direction you like to adopt. The earlier you figure out what you want to do, the more time you will have to fine-tune and develop skills in your choice of expertise.
These are a few career paths that you can learn about in Fashion Design school:
- Costume Designer/ Coordinator (for Television, Film or Theatre)
Is Online Fashion School Right for You?
Want a career in fashion design? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most employers prefer to hire designers who have an associate's or bachelor's degree in fashion design. But what if you can't enroll in a traditional fashion degree program? Here are four things you should know before you decide if online fashion design schools are right for you.
1. Online Fashion Schools Are a Valid Option
The good news that online education is becoming more common and more acceptable in the workplace. Many traditional schools are now offering courses and complete degree programs online, and a 2008 article in USA Today cited research that found that "83% of CEOs and small-business owners who are familiar with online education (also called 'distance learning') believe that online degrees are as credible as those earned on a college campus." While your job chances ultimately depend on your portfolio, work experience, and where you apply, know that online schools are increasingly gaining credibility.
2. Online Fashion Schools Require Initial Research
Part of the reason that credibility has been an issue is diploma mills. These fake institutions have Web sites where the gullible can offer up their money, complete little to no coursework, and receive their diploma in the mail. Of course, these schools are not accredited, so the degree means little in today's job market. Do your research before enrolling in an online fashion degree program. You can contact the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or check out the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to make sure you're attending an accredited online fashion school rather than a diploma mill.
Choosing the Best Fashion School for You
The word "best" is always relative. What's best for you may not be the best for others. This is the reason why you should not trust a business that claims to be the best. You need to compare various fashion schools in order to actually find the best one for you. In comparing fashion schools, however, you are going to need some standards. Here are some standards you can use:
1) Cost - some people think that the best fashion schools are the most expensive ones. These people think that just because education is expensive, it is also high quality. What you need to know is that studying fashion is not cheap. However, it doesn't really need to be ridiculously expensive. Some schools just want to appear exclusive in order to attract more students. They pretend to be the best fashion schools by charging outrageous fees to those who wish to be students.
Because of this, you should understand that cost is not the best standard to use in judging quality.
2) Location - there are people who think that attending the best fashion school means going to Europe. They believe that in order for a fashion school to be among the best, it should be located as far away from their hometown as possible. There are some positives to this view. Schools located in fashion centers tend to be more aggressive in their education. They also tend to be more updated on the world of fashion. If this is the sort of school you think is best for you then go attend it.