<p>I have a Bachelors in Art History and also in Economics. I have been working for a clothing manufacturer as a sales/marketing assistant for 2 years and want to transition into a merchandising position.</p>
<p>What are the top fashion merchandising schools in New York and California?</p>
<p>I looked into Academy of Arts- San Francisco. Do they have a good program and faculty?</p>
<p>Also, if I were to go back to school, I'm not sure if I should apply for a Masters, Bachelors, Associates, or a certificate program. I feel like it would be a waste if I get another Bachelors or an Associates degree. Please advise.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>What exactly in merchandising do you want to do? </p>
<p>FIT is the best for merchandising, and FIDM in la is the best for merchandising(in general i never recommend FIDM, but they're the only school in LA that offers merchandising majors).</p>
<p>If you want to be a buyer, you don't need to go to fashion school, a lot of department stores have buyer trainee programs, that just require you to have a Bachelor's degree(doesn't matter in what). You should just check out their websites.</p>
<p>If you want to be a visual merchandiser, you should just contact alot of high end designer stores, and offer the store/regional merchandisers your services for free. it's harder to offer your services for free at department stores since they usually have assistants already filling those positions. But places like versace, valentino etc, all usually have 1 person doing all the work, and they always need a helping hand. of course you wont be paid, but you'll get to learn and have a big name on your resume. once you've interened/volunteered for 6 months to a year, you would qualify for paid jobs at other stores/departments stores, more than students coming out of school would. </p>
<p>if you want to do sales, like representing clothing lines, then just intern, or start off as a sales assistant. you dont need the education to get somewhere in merchandising.</p>
<p>you really don't need the education</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your response.</p>
<p>I heard from many different sources I do not need any more education, but i have been actively looking for a job for a year and it has been extremely difficult. I think the next necessary step is to go to school again. </p>
<p>I have considered FIDM, but it seemed more like a business than an institution offering the best eduction. They didn't even look at my background and they were willing to accept me as a student. That is why I have been looking at The Academy of Art- San Francisco, but I'm not sure what their program is like and which program would be best for me.</p>
<p>I am interested in either becoming a buyer or a wholesale merchandiser. I looked into executive development programs, but missed the deadline for macys- east. I don't want to waste any more time waiting for the next time they are accepting applications and wait to "maybe" get accepted. I want to see what my options are now.</p>
<p>I'm always looking to get some experience in the fashion industry. I will definitely contact some visual merchandisers in my area to see if they need any assistance.</p>
<p>Thank you so much!</p>