Coursework

FASH 430 Apparel Brand Management and Marketing

• This class is described as "Explore a variety of topics including: determining advertising objectives, media planning including media characteristics, media-market measurements and media purchasing; selecting campaign themes and developing creative strategy for traditional and electronic markets; controlling advertising expenditures; the impact of regulations as well as social and economic effects of advertising." This class has taught me concepts about the most effective way to advertise, what not to do when advertising, how to reach an exact target market, what are the best outlets for advertising and so on. Not only will this help me if I decide to pursue a job within advertising with my minor, but advertising and marketing are also extremely important skill sets that are needed within working for a fashion brand as well. The idea to advertise new products in the best manner for each specific brand is critical and I feel I have a better grasp on that idea after taking this course.

FIN 200 Fundamentals of Finance

• Provides non-business majors with an overview of the role of finance within a business organization. Topics include financial statement analysis, time value of money, capital budgeting, valuation and the cost of capital.

FASH 433 Product Development and Management

• The product development process as applied in the apparel industry. Focuses on all phases of apparel product development for a targeted market from conceptualization through execution of sample garments for mass production. Other topics include business planning, marketing, market research, distribution, and the product development calendar. Evaluates how product development activities support sustainability. Further develops skills in apparel industry technologies. Industry collaboration and field work are required.

FASH 218 Introduction to Fashion Business

• The class is described as "An overview of the fashion business by examining the fundamental concepts and strategies related to merchandising and retailing of fashion and apparel products. Current practices and trends in the fashion industry are examined." Learning the ins and outs of what a successful company/brand does, how the business side of fashion operates, and what is expected of brands within the industry really intrigues me. The lessons I learned within that class, like the 8 brand principles for example, are lessons that I will take with me through the rest of my career. I cannot say anything  negative about this class or what it has to offer. It gives freshmen, like myself at one point, a real grasp of what they are going be diving into within the next few years.

FASH420 Assortment Planning, Sourcing, and Buying

• I consider this class to be one of the most hands on classes that has prepared me and has given me a sneak peak into the world of buying within the the fashion industry. The class is based around the concept that you, yourself are a buyer for a sub-classification of a segment of a department store. From this, it is up to you to help forecast trends, create sales and assortment plans, and come up with what will benefit the department store the most. My group for this class was given the sector of Mens Contemporary and I was given the woven and knit category. By having this opportunity, I got to take a deeper dive into the menswear sector. I gained a lot of a valuable new information because prior I only focused on womenswear trends and forecasts. The way that we had to brainstorm and create our own plans made me feel like I was working in the real fashion industry and made me excited for what is to come. This class has helped me understand what will be expected of me in the future when I enter into a buying role. It also opened my eyes to the idea that I would not opposed to working in the menswear world maybe one day as well.