Q&A: What can I do with a Fashion Degree?

Learn more about the potential of a fashion degree with a Q&A that answers all your questions.

Q: Is there a future for me in the fashion industry in Australia?

A: It’s always wise to pick a career in an industry that shows growth. When it comes to the fashion industry in Australia, the industry is not only growing, it is booming.

According to Statista, a leading provider of market and consumer data, revenue in the Australian fashion segment is projected to reach an astounding $15.5 billion in 2023. Not only that, but revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2023-2027) of 11.98%, resulting in a projected market volume of $24.37billion by 2027.

What do these big numbers mean for you? It means that there is a future for you, and many others, in the fashion industry in Australia as growth equals multiple entry points into a dynamic and booming industry.

Q: What can I do with a fashion degree?

A: If you believe your future lies in fashion, it makes sense to study a degree such as the ICMS Bachelor of Business (Fashion and Global Brand Management). What can you do with this degree? You can make a career in the industry with your background in business, you can start your own business, you can work as a buyer or planner – the options are as endless as the industry’s growth potential.

Q: Tell me more about career options open to me with a fashion degree?

A: There are many different avenues to enter the industry, particularly if you start with a suitable degree behind you.

We cover the 9 Top Jobs in the Fashion Industry with a Business Degree here, but as a refresher, these are the types of jobs open to you:

Brand Manager

Digital Marketer

Brand Strategist

Product Development Manager

Visual Merchandiser

Retail Manager

Fashion Planner

e-Commerce Manager

Fashion Buyer

Marketing Manager

Retail Strategy and Operations

Q: Ok, so I want to work in fashion. How do I get my foot in the door?

A: All ICMS degrees include Work Integrated Learning (WIL) industry training as part of your degree. This means you are placed in an internship and gain 600 hours real-world experience in a suitable placement before you graduate. With ICMS’ wide network of industry partners in the industry, you could find yourself working at Christian Dior, Fendi, Halation Agency, Strandbags, to namedrop a few.

An internship is the ideal way to prove yourself to future employers, to build your network, and to get your foot in the right door.

Q: Is getting a fashion degree enough to kickstart my career?

A: Sometimes simply studying isn’t enough to get the career you want.

If you study a fashion degree through ICMS, you will get a background in business through the mix of core business subjects and fashion and brand management specialisation subjects (view the full course structure here).

What you may also need is support, encouragement, motivation and mentorship. At ICMS you will be encouraged to make your mark in the industry through the ICMS ethos of supporting you through your journey from enrolment to graduation via ICMS as The Professional Mentor.

Watch this Q&A with ICMS Bachelor of Business (Fashion and Global Brand Management) Program Manager Nicole Venter to learn more about her experience in the industry, and how she brings this expertise to the ICMS. Learn about how she got into the industry, career setbacks and highlights, and what you can expect from studying at ICMS.

Q: With so many career options open to me with a fashion degree, where and how do I apply? 

Starting an ICMS Bachelor of Business (Fashion and Global Brand Management) is your first step towards a fulfilling, lucrative and exciting career in this fast growing industry.

To find out more about this degree, and how to apply, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can a fashion degree help in the fashion industry?

A fashion degree opens the door to a diverse array of career opportunities within the dynamic fashion industry. Graduates possess a blend of creative insight and business acumen, enabling them to excel in various roles.

What are the top career paths with a fashion degree?

Fashion Buyer

Role: Select and purchase apparel and accessories for retailers, ensuring alignment with current trends and consumer preferences.

Skills Required: Market analysis, negotiation, and trend forecasting.

Average Salary: Approximately AUD 95,000 annually for experienced professionals.

Brand Manager

Role: Shape and maintain a fashion brand’s identity, developing marketing strategies and overseeing product development.

Skills Required: Strategic planning, creative thinking, and leadership.

Average Salary: Around AUD 110,000, with potential for higher earnings in luxury brands.

Retail Manager

Role: Oversee daily operations of fashion retail stores, manage staff, and ensure exceptional customer service.

Skills Required: Leadership, organisational, and sales management.

Average Salary: Approximately AUD 70,000, plus performance bonuses.

Fashion Planner

Role: Analyse industry trends and consumer behaviour to develop strategies that meet company goals.

Skills Required: Data analysis, strategic planning, and market research.

Average Salary: Varies based on experience and company size.

Product Marketing Manager

Role: Coordinate marketing strategies for fashion products, collaborating with design and sales teams to execute successful product launches.

Skills Required: Communication, research, and trend analysis.

Average Salary: Up to AUD 110,000 in major markets.

Fashion Merchandiser

Role: Determine product assortments for stores by analysing sales data and market trends.

Skills Required: Analytical thinking, collaboration, and consumer insight.

Average Salary: Varies based on role and experience.

Digital Marketing Manager

Role: Enhance a fashion brand’s online presence through strategic digital campaigns across various platforms.

Skills Required: Digital literacy, creativity, and analytical skills.

Average Salary: Comparable to traditional marketing roles, with variations based on digital expertise.

Fashion Consultant

Role: Provide personalised fashion advice to clients, assisting with wardrobe selection and style development.

Skills Required: Fashion knowledge, interpersonal skills, and trend awareness.

Average Salary: Around AUD 55,000, with potential for higher earnings through private consultancy.

E-commerce Manager

Role: Manage online retail operations, optimising the digital shopping experience and driving online sales.

Skills Required: E-commerce platforms proficiency, digital marketing, and data analysis.

Average Salary: Varies based on company size and online sales volume.

Why pursue a fashion degree?

Pursuing a Bachelor of Business (Fashion and Global Brand Management) equips students with the necessary skills and industry exposure to excel in these roles. The program combines core business subjects with specialised fashion and brand management courses, ensuring a comprehensive education tailored to the fashion industry.

What are the benefits of a fashion degree?

A fashion degree provides a versatile foundation, opening doors to various career paths within the fashion industry, each offering unique challenges and opportunities for growth.