The number of students globally enrolled in higher education doubled between the years of 2000 and 2014. However, despite the spike in enrollment, many potential students still wonder if pursuing a degree is worth it. For those wondering whether or not they should study fashion in college, there are some key things to take into consideration. From the extraordinary benefits to a few disadvantages, here’s what you should know.
Why many people reconsider going to fashion school
Perhaps one of the biggest reasons that many people reconsider going to college for fashion is the cost involved. Whether planning to attend college in India or abroad, doing so can be a major financial undertaking when it comes to tuition, books and materials. If this is a concern, you may value the experience given by an internship over years of studying at college and a degree. The fact that going to school for fashion involves a lot of studying, time and commitment can also be a reason that makes many potential students reconsider.
Another reason why many may not wish to attend is because a number of big names in fashion didn’t go to school either — for instance, Coco Chanel left school at the age of 18 — which makes many hopeful designers believe that you don’t need an education in the field to be successful. However, despite everything, such reasons for not going to fashion school need to be thought over carefully.
For example, there are resources for financial help when planning to go to school — such as scholarships and loans. Additionally, it’s necessary to take into consideration that although many have made it big in the industry without an education in the field, there are several benefits to getting an education that one must first examine.
The benefits of a higher education
Obtaining a higher education in any field is a great way to take a step in the right direction for any career, though doing so in fashion can bring a myriad of additional benefits. For those who wish to start their own fashion company, for example, an education geared specifically towards fashion and business can teach you important and relevant things about the industry. For instance, it can educate you on major issues such as how many children around the world are dangerously and illegally working as child laborers for the benefit of fashion companies.
A valuable education can teach you how fashion companies can help by ethically sourcing their materials and labor. Not only that, but it can also provide you with the necessary building blocks for whichever career path within the industry you’re interested in, as well as widening your opportunity for more job options. Additionally, due to the fact that the fashion industry is known to be competitive — especially when it comes to career paths like fashion design, having the backbone of a well-rounded and specialized education in the field can be a major plus.
Making a decision
When it comes to actually making a decision, taking the pros and cons into consideration by writing them out along with your personal goals can help in making the best decision for you. For instance, if you want to enter a competitive job market like fashion design, or you wish to start your own clothing company, then going through the financial challenges of applying to scholarships and a loan to pay for school could be well worth it in the end. However, if your desired career path in the industry doesn’t require a fashion degree, then perhaps an internship or job experience may be all you need to succeed.
Going to college for a degree in fashion can be a wonderful experience that can bring a number of benefits. However, there are reasons that many people reconsider enrolling, such as the financial costs or the time commitment involved. With that in mind, it’s important to take both the pros and cons into careful consideration when making a decision in order to make the right one for you.
