Potential careers in fashion or retail
merchandising can include retail sales worker, supervisor, visual
merchandiser, management trainee or stylist. Several schools offer fully
online certificate programs, as well as associate and bachelor's
degrees.
Online Fashion and Retail Merchandising Certificate Program Overview
The flexible certificate program is usually composed of 6-8 classes.
The certificate can typically be earned in about one year, but students
take classes as their schedules permit, which may extend the amount of
time necessary for completion.
Program Requirements
A high school diploma or GED is usually required for acceptance into
the certificate program. Online course delivery requires students to
have access to a computer with Internet access.
Descriptions of Popular Courses
Certificate courses cover entry-level career skills.
Discussing the role of the retail industry in social, economic and
global contexts, the class focuses on recognition of the critical
business tools needed by retailers to survive in today's markets.
Emphasis is placed on the responsibilities of retail personnel.
Customer Service Course
The class concentrates on theories of and techniques to promote
customer satisfaction and loyalty. Case studies examine companies known
for excellent customer service. Customer complaints, ethics and problem
resolution strategies are discussed.
Career Statistics
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expected employment to remain
strong for retail salespersons. Median hourly wages, including
commissions, were $9.86 in May 2008. Without a college degree,
advancement is expected to be limited (
www.bls.gov).
Continuing Education
Completion of the certificate program prepares students for
entry-level careers in the retail or fashion industries. Those who wish
to advance their careers may pursue a bachelor's degree in fashion or
retail merchandising or related major.
Online Fashion and Retail Merchandising Associate Degree Overview
Students can earn their Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in about
18-24 months of full-time online study. Classes are designed to be
flexible, allowing the student to continue to work while going to
school.
Program Requirements
A high school diploma or GED is required for acceptance into the
associate program. Because classes are taught online, a computer with
Internet access is required.
Descriptions of Popular Courses
An associate degree typically includes general education courses in
communications and math which supplement the business and marketing
major requirements
Retail Merchandise Management Course
Students learn theories and concepts of selling retail merchandise.
Economic and financial topics, such as profit planning, supply and
demand, buying plans and budgeting the operating costs of retail
facilities are discussed. A study of types of retail spaces, including
their layouts, organizational patterns and location choices is also
included in the course.
Marketing Course
This course focuses on marketing as it relates to the U.S. economy,
and relates general marketing principles to the retail industry.
Students will learn the importance of appropriately promoting, pricing,
planning and distributing retail goods and services.
Career Statistics
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, high turnover and
growth of retail industries should permit employment to remain strong
for retail salespersons, with about 4.5 million jobs held in 2008.
Larger businesses typically prefer to hire college graduates for
management trainees (
www.bls.gov).
Continuing Education
Completion of the associate degree prepares graduates for an
entry-level position in the retail or fashion industry; some employers
may consider the graduate for a management trainee. Higher-level
positions may require a bachelor's degree in fashion or retail
merchandising or related major.
Online Fashion and Retail Merchandising Bachelor Degree Overview
Several types of bachelor's degrees are offered, including the
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Arts in Business
Administration (B.A.B.A.) with concentration in retail management.
Students with no prior college education generally require at least 3-4
years studying full-time to earn their degree.
Program Requirements
A high school diploma or GED is a prerequisite to enroll in the
program; some schools may require a minimum high school grade point
average. Technical requirements are generally limited to a computer
with Internet access for accessing coursework online
Descriptions of Popular Courses
At the bachelor's degree level, fashion and retail marketing courses
focus on management and personnel rather than customer service. General
education courses include many of the same required math and English
classes as the associate degree.
In-Store Visual Strategy Course
The course provides insight into the psychology of visual displays,
including multiple strategies and techniques retailers commonly use to
appeal to customers. Students examine types of visual displays and learn
how they impact the customer, as well as the overall retail
environment.
Retail Leadership Course
Often included as a capstone course in the curriculum, the class
applies knowledge and skills in multiple aspects of retail environment
management. Addressing topics and issues in customer service,
merchandising, human resources, visual merchandising and other related
skills and duties - and examining how all relate to one other - is the
end goal of this course.
Career Statistics
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment growth for
supervisors of retail sales workers to be slower than average. The
median annual wages of supervisors of retail sales workers were $35,310,
including commissions, in May 2008. Advancement opportunities include
the potential to be promoted into public relations, advertising,
marketing and sales management, as well as purchasing agents, buyers or
purchasing managers (
www.bls.gov).
No comments:
Post a Comment