How an MBA can advance a fashion management career

Fashion management is an extraordinarily competitive field – as well as a lucrative one. Fashion executives are found in every country in the world, and perform a wide variety of roles such as management, advertising, brand management, marketing, and financial management.

Over the last years, the fashion industry has become much more business-oriented, allowing many more emerging brands to break into the fashion scene – and requiring brilliant business minds to coordinate the myriad wonder that is the fashion industry. Earning an MBA can help you begin your career in the fashion industry, both during and after your studies.

Here are a few ways a master’s in business administration can help to advance a career in fashion management.

1. Opportunities to Intern

Pursuing an MBA or masters in fashion merchandising can provide many opportunities to meet fashion executives – and, subsequently, to intern at their companies.

If you are genuinely committed to a career in fashion, make it a point to do at least one internship at a fashion company during your MBA.

Ask the faculty at your school – especially if you are pursuing a specialized degree – if they can recommend or introduce you to companies and fashion designers that you can intern for, whether during the academic year or in summer. Interning will not only give you a good deal of valuable experience working in the fashion industry, but will help you to meet and form relationships with fashion professionals that will help you to jumpstart your career in fashion management later on when your master’s studies are complete.

2. Networking

Completing a master of business administration will come with a great many opportunities to network – both with your classmates and with the community. Begin with the students and faculty at your school. Seek out others who are either working on careers in the fashion industry or are already working in it. The fashion industry is principally driven by personal relationships and not just by business connections.

You can also seek out networking events that may include your intended specialization – hair and fashion expos, creative professional business meetups, and so on. Putting your face in front of as many people as possible will be key to your success later – and if you can get recommendations from your faculty or fellow students, you may stumble across work opportunities at these events as well.

3. Specialized Programs

As the business world diversifies, many specialized programs have emerged – from data analysis to design management. Completing a master of business administration in a specialized area within the fashion industry can broaden your horizons and opportunities for networking, internships, and later career advancement.

To launch a career in fashion, you must genuinely commit to the industry – and completing a specialized degree, whether in design management, brand management, or another related program will demonstrate your passion and commitment to this ever-evolving industry.

A great number of schools offer specialized programs in the fashion industry. The Bologna Business School in Italy, for example, offers several programs relevant to the fashion industry, including Design, Fashion & Luxury Brand Management, Retail Management, and Sales and Marketing. Decide where your passion and interest truly lies, and seek out schools that offer specialized programs that best serve your goals.

The fashion industry is one of the most dynamic and fascinating in the world. Working in the fashion industry can take professionals all over the world, from London to Tokyo, Paris to Tel Aviv, and Rio de Janeiro to Johannesburg. For fashion dedicands who decide to pursue a master’s of business administration, a vast number of exciting – and highly lucrative – opportunities await.