In college, the third most-asked question (at least for me) you are asked is, "What is your major?" It's a very easy question to answer, but sometimes it's hearing the other person's response that is the hard part. I am currently a double-major in business administration and fashion merchandising. A lot of the time when I say "Fashion Merchandising" as one of my majors I hear this, "Oh," usually in a disappointed tone.
Obviously, I made this choice and nobody else made this for me, and I did not go into this choice without much research (yeah, tell that to the twenty-fave page research project I'm working on concerning careers in the fashion industry).
Please don't tear me down over my major, and I won't tear you down for yours.
To those who say, "Oh," here is what I have to say to you:
1. Please do not assume you know everything about my area of study (esp. if you are not in it).
Fashion literally changes every season. It's nearly impossible to know everything. Fashion has to take into account literally all aspects of life, from how the economy is doing, environmental factors, weather, politics, events, etc. Life is so unpredictable, which means knowing everything about fashion is not as easy as one might think.
2. It's not just about polka-dots and stripes.
People always tease me about my fashion classes being easy. HA, I wish I could take something like "History of Polka Dots," but instead I'm in Survey of Chemistry, Principles of Microeconomics, Management Information Systems and that's just the beginning. We have to take lots and lots of business classes and it's not all just fluff.
3. Stop asking me to go shopping with you.
I cannot tell you how many times I have said I was a fashion merchandising major and then immediately heard, "Oh well you must have great taste in clothes! Please go shopping with me sometime." I would love to, but first let me finish a twenty-five-page research project, design business cards, create a thirty-page portfolio of all the work I have done, finish studying for five tests and then I will gladly go shopping with you!
4. No, I am not going to become a designer.
Designers are great and talented people. There are way more jobs than just design. Trust me, please...
5. Please stop acting superior to me.
Yes, I know my major does not require as much math, biology, organic chemistry, or physics as others, but please do not act superior to me. My major has projects due constantly and smaller assignments due weekly. I believe every major has its hardships, I think we can all agree on that. I also just remind people who act like this that I am a double-major and my graduation cap will say, "Hotter by two degrees."
6. It is not the easy way out.
No, I did not take the easy way out by going into Fashion Merchandising (because adding a second major makes life easier, right). I have my hardships, tests, lack of sleep, and the constant search for more caffeine, just like everyone else.
7. Yes, I know how hard it is to get in this industry, and please do not remind me.
I obviously understand the fashion industry is hard to get into. I mean, the bags under my eyes prove it. Networking with alumni, being in more extracurricular activities than you can count, getting at least six emails a day from job search sites about internships, job openings, workshops, and conferences are just a few of the things I personally do in order to get into the industry. Yes, I know it won't be a cake walk like most people think, but in the end it's what I am good at and it's what makes me happy.
So next time, you "Oh" kind of people meet a Fashion Merchandising major, please do not tear them down. Are your physics classes going well? Great, I am so happy for you, I really am. We fashion majors are already probably stressed, sleep deprived and in need of a little encouragement. Plus, if anyone is looking to switch their major, just know Fashion Merchandising is not an easy way out.
