Being a fashion buyer is one of the most sought after careers in fashion. Behind the glamorous image of a buyer who is travelling the world to select the latest pieces off fashion week runways is a job that requires a combination of skill sets to be successful.
Buying and merchandising jobs put you at the heart of a company and give you the power to directly influence trends and boost profit.
As a buyer or merchandiser you can expect high levels of responsibility and occasional travel, which could be international, to attend trade fairs, watch fashion shows and visit suppliers.
What qualifications do I need?
It’s possible to enter buying and merchandising jobs without a degree, but in a competitive industry, where the number of applications outweighs the number of vacancies, many employers prefer graduates.
If you are considering a career in fashion buying, Dublin Design Institute have been breaking barriers in design education for almost 30 years; pioneering flexible study modes, widening access for mature learners and collaborating with practicing professionals to develop and deliver cutting edge, contemporary design courses.
They provide a wide range of part time and full-time courses, online and in-class, across the Fashion Buying, Fashion Design, Graphic Design and Interior Design disciplines.
Sounds like a fun job!
There are lots of courses available to get a qualification in fashion buying. Here are a few that we recommend:
Trend Forecasting Workshop – (in class) This course is ideal for those looking for insight into the future of the fashion industry, from the point of view of buying, styling, and writing. A 10 hour course in the future of fashion……from what we will wear to when we will wear it…and how we will buy it.
1 Year BTEC Higher National Certificate in Fashion Buying This internationally recognised 1 year course will give you the creative and commercial skill-set required to succeed in today’s competitive buying environment. The course will allow you to combine creative flair with essential buying skills so that you will be well placed to work within the fashion buying office in a range of organisations including high street chains and owner/manager boutiques.
10 Week Associate Certificate in Fashion Buying This comprehensive 10-week course has been developed by experienced fashion industry professionals to help you develop the expertise needed to work in a Buying office. The aim is to give you an insight into the commercially focused role of a fashion buyer, from trend analysis through to range building for an established brand.
