the Fashion Spot - View Single Post - What can I Expect to be Paid for a Starter Job in the Fashion Industry?

DS/W MCS · 12-09-2008

Ugh.

Here comes my first post/ bitter rant!

I graduated almost 2 years ago with a BA in Merchandising Management. I loved fashion, had a knack for marketing/ visuals and thought it would provide more flexibility and chances to make a decent income than going straight for design.

Had I known what the job market is like after graduation, I probably would have either called it quits after an Associates or not have gone to school at all. So many employers want a 4 year degree and 3-5 years experience...and pay you 30K/yr tops. Its so disheartening the way we are encouraged to attend college, rack up debt without too much thought because when we graduate we're supposed to get a well paying job that will take care of all of our worries. Such BS!

Recently, I looked into visual merchandising at Forever 21 and Urban/ Anthropologie and was FLOORED that F21 was only paying $9/hr! I never got a straight salary out of Urban, but I found some info on the internet that wasn't much more promising than F21. I mean, these are big companies that are heavily reliant on image and eye catching displays, yet their compensation is awful!

I work PT marketing for a wholesale jewelry rep and get to work from home, and I also freelance style. Working for yourself is extremely hard (marketing and getting your name out there) but there is no over head and the money is pretty fantastic. I suggest freelancing whenever possible to make ends meet!

12-09-2008	56
DS/W MCS windowshopping Join Date: Sep 2008 Gender: femme Posts: 1	Ugh. Here comes my first post/ bitter rant! I graduated almost 2 years ago with a BA in Merchandising Management. I loved fashion, had a knack for marketing/ visuals and thought it would provide more flexibility and chances to make a decent income than going straight for design. Had I known what the job market is like after graduation, I probably would have either called it quits after an Associates or not have gone to school at all. So many employers want a 4 year degree and 3-5 years experience...and pay you 30K/yr tops. Its so disheartening the way we are encouraged to attend college, rack up debt without too much thought because when we graduate we're supposed to get a well paying job that will take care of all of our worries. Such BS! Recently, I looked into visual merchandising at Forever 21 and Urban/ Anthropologie and was FLOORED that F21 was only paying $9/hr! I never got a straight salary out of Urban, but I found some info on the internet that wasn't much more promising than F21. I mean, these are big companies that are heavily reliant on image and eye catching displays, yet their compensation is awful! I work PT marketing for a wholesale jewelry rep and get to work from home, and I also freelance style. Working for yourself is extremely hard (marketing and getting your name out there) but there is no over head and the money is pretty fantastic. I suggest freelancing whenever possible to make ends meet!