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Featuring Karen Hamil Iglio, director of admissions, Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (New York,NY)

Q: I've always loved fashion, but I know design isn't for me. What other careers are available in the  

fashion industry

 , and how would you recommend I prepare myself for my College studies and a future career?

A: There are many careers in fashion not related to design, such as merchandising, marketing, public relations, advertising, visual merchandising, magazines, styling, and management. This is the Business part of the industry that most people don't know about. But don't be fooled - these "behind-the-scenes" careers are a vital, exciting, and prosperous part of the field.

Many students ask me how they can find a job in the fashion industry. Well, the answer is simple -- prepare yourself with a college education in fashion and business. Choosing a College is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. That's why it's important to choose a school that offers the right combination of fashion and business classes. Knowing about trends and the hottest new designers is simply not enough. You must know about profit margins, press kits, markdowns, and market share, as well.

Good communication skills are also essential in this field (or any other). Many jobs require you to give presentations and meet people from all over the world. You'll be networking and establishing business contacts on a daily basis. It's vital that you develop strong verbal and written communication skills.

Many people perceive fashion as just glamorous and fun. While this may be true, it's important to have a solid business background to be successful. Hard work, long hours, and dedication are also required, but it all pays off. Thousands of people enjoy rewarding lifelong careers in this fast-paced industry.

One of the most important things to look for when selecting a college is work experience. You want to choose a college that offers you hands-on experience in the fashion industry. Internships are the best way to gain experience and fuel your passion. On-the-job training is invaluable and puts you ahead of the rest.

If you're interested in an education in the business of fashion, consider a college such as the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (LIM), which offers majors in fashion merchandising, marketing, and visual merchandising. You will learn about the fashion industry firsthand through three internships, field trips, and guest lectures. LIM is located in the heart of New York City, the fashion capital of the world.

So, are you ready for a future in fashion? If the answer is yes, then get ready for the glamour and the grit, the fast pace and the fun. The world of fashion awaits you.

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