| When I grow up I want to be a fashion… Feel | | | | much use to you. Your education should be well |
| free to fill in the blank, but be aware that every | | | | matched to the kind of work you wish to do. |
| yellow brick road does not lead to Oz. Make sure | | | | A quick stint of training as an image stylist may be all |
| the coursework you select will lead you directly that | | | | you need for that exciting job as a personal |
| your mythical pot of gold. Consider these questions | | | | shopper. Alternatively an intense 4-year program |
| you should ask your fashion styling program | | | | may be the best preparation for someone set on |
| coordinator. | | | | designing their own trendsetting fashion line. |
| What am I going to get from the program? | | | | Something in between might be perfect if you're |
| Before you ask how much, ask what you're paying | | | | okay being a hip junior designer for a ritzy corporate |
| for. The most important question is, "What will you | | | | line. |
| receive after all is said and done?" Will it be a | | | | How many students? |
| certificate or a degree? What will the degree be | | | | This is a big issue, and once again, it really can affect |
| in? Will this be useful when you begin looking for | | | | your final goal. Will you be enrolled in huge, lecture |
| the job you really want? | | | | style classes, or small personal sessions? |
| If it's just a certificate, exactly what field is it in? If | | | | The first will require more motivation on your part. |
| you want to style clothing for movies and televisions | | | | There will be less one-on-one interaction with your |
| shows, you don't need training as an image stylist. | | | | professor, and you may not have an opportunity to |
| If you want to do design work, you better believe | | | | ask many questions. You will have to be studious |
| you're going need some hands-on construction | | | | and committed, taking good notes and staying on |
| classes. | | | | top of reading assignments. The bulk of your class |
| This is one instance when jumping ahead and reading | | | | time may be spent listening to lectures and watching |
| the last page of the novel is perfectly fine. Choose | | | | videos and you will be evaluated by a small number |
| 3 or 4 niches of the fashion industry which interest | | | | of exams to determine how well you paid attention. |
| you and make sure you will be offered in-depth | | | | If you don't do well in this kind of environment, a |
| instruction in those areas. | | | | smaller school will be a better choice for you. A |
| How long? | | | | manageable group of interested students who are |
| Ask your fashion styling program coordinator how | | | | able to connect with each other and the professor is |
| long it will take you to complete all required credits. | | | | likely to be more enriching. Chances are you may |
| If the class offerings span more than 2 years, that's | | | | find this type of set-up more socially creative and |
| a big time investment, which could create a serious | | | | fun. |
| financial burden. Most students need to survive on a | | | | Now that you've got those important questions out |
| part time job limiting their earning potential while in | | | | of the way, you're ready to talk price. Your choice |
| school. | | | | of a fashion styling program will determine your |
| Consider this; if your schooling isn't focusing upon | | | | success in the industry of your dreams. So choose |
| your area of interest you may be sacrificing both | | | | wisely! |
| time and money to obtain a degree that won't be of | | | | |