rewrite

watch this video.https://www.kibin.com/resources/how-to-accept-reject-track-changes-on-windowsthe paper was already edited i just need the changes to be made asap by 6/7/13 11am     The Senior Portfolio consists of five parts. Each section must be substantive. It is anticipated that a comprehensive Senior Portfolio incorporating all five parts will require the student to write a   No charts are graphs in this paper after 41 pagesplease do not be repeat pages or contents every page must be different   1. Part 1 requires you to conduct an External Analysis of the industry you are presently working in or hope to build a career in. The result of this exercise must be a comprehensive review of the Opportunities and Threats facing this industry.The industry is fashion merchandising, Career is Fashion Buyer for Macys 2. Part 2 must include a comprehensive discussion of your desired career path. This discussion must assess why you believe this career path will result in successful outcomes and should relate to the information about the industry that you identified in Part 1 of the Senior Portfolio. 3. In Part 3, you must discuss in some detail the courses taken in your major field of study at Berkeley College. You should explain what exactly it was about each one of these major courses that you feel impacted upon your ability to reach personal and vocational goals. Was the class effective at addressing YOUR needs? If yes, what about it was helpful? If not, was it something about the structure of the class or your readiness at the time you took it that created the shortfall? all classes were helpful Mention how im a transfer student so must of the classes i took at Nassau community college. So i will be mentioning other classes FAS260 Fashion ForecastingProvides an overview and analysis of current color, fiber, and fashion trends, as well as their impact upon sales forecasting. Students will research, analyze, and develop fashion forecasts related to specific seasons in the apparel industry.( did a project a forecasting project on tribal prints it was very involved) you can make the stuff up but mention the project we did the whole semester). I felt good about this class because I had a portfolio of work i did that i could show to employers sport medicine- the best class ive taken. my group had to set up and event.  we chose  to do an art gallery event on haiti. The event was held in the ny city in an office space beautiful venue. I chose to be the leader of the group( make up what i learned about the struggles of setting up and event) I had to found a photographer a space and figure out how I would entertain the people.I had speaker(who was actually there during the recover time) who spoke about the earthquake in haiti. And the photographer made a video since he couldn’t be there.( make stuff up with the info i give you). The class was not what i excited. it was more like a job then a class. This opened my mind to event planning and being creative      ACC110 Fundamentals of Accounting for ManagersCovers basic financial accounting elements, definitions, and statements. Students learn how to read and understand financial statements and how to use them in making financial business decisions. ACC113 Managerial AccountingAn introduction to the use of accounting information for management planning, control in budget preparation, and the evaluation of cost behavior. Students learn how to prepare and interpret cash flow statements and make managerial decisions based on financial statement analyses.      4. In Part 4, you are asked to define what “success” means to you. Look into the future. Are there further preparation/studies/experiences you will need to be able to achieve “success”? 5. Part 5 is a detailed career plan. This plan should be based on the discussion developed during the earlier parts to the Senior Portfolio and provide both action steps and a time-table which you propose to follow in order to achieve your goals.   

42

Senior Portfolio Project

Fashion Marketing Management

Varda Sauveur

Berkeley College

1

.

External Analysis of the Industry

1.1 Fashion Merchandising Industry

Fashion merchandising unites the elegance of various fashion designs through the filter of a creative business sense. The industry is responsible for driving the direction of exclusive designer boutiques and runway shows and lays a strong foundation
for marketing and fashion (Bailey, 1993).

Every season, fashion designers present their new collections, which slowly make their way from the runway to store racks all over the world. It is the task of a fashion merchandiser to buy and promote a range of products, from clothing to cosmetics. It is their

duty to select the best looks and latest trends and try to mix and match the colors, silhouettes, and sizes in order to provide customers with desirable products within a given price range.

Fashion merchandising is the site of important decision-making, such as what clothes to buy and sell in a niche market and how to arrange a window display in a way that will attract the attention of passers-by (Bailey, 1993). It is the heart of the business side of fashion.

Merchandising requires predicting which clothes can be sold and whether to buy them or make them. Fashion merchandising is also known as fashion marketing, as the two have similar goals, including the sale of the product. It may me more true to say that they are separate entities that work together in order to increase the potential of clothes and promote different brands in the market
(Bailey, 1993).

A career in fashion merchandising
combines fashion skills and analytical thinking. Merchandising management is where fashion meets business. It may be behind the scenes, but it is where the action is.
Fashion merchandising is an exciting field for those who enjoy travel and like to work with many people. It is a fast-paced fashion industry that demands analytical, social, and mathematical skills.

According to the salary.com, fashion merchandising can earn between $40,384- $124,728 each year. Professionals agree that it is a field in which experience and talent can easily command a high salary
(Bailey, & Eicher, 1992).

Salary can be dependent on location. For example, salaries of fashion merchandisers located in a fashion Mecca such as New York City or Milan will earn far more than those residing in suburban towns or small rural areas
.

There are different marketing strategies adopted by fashion merchandisers:

1. Goals: Establishing realistic goals and analyzing the market in order to maximize the effectiveness of marketing efforts.

2. Networking: One of the most inexpensive ways of marketing products in the fashion industry is through word of mouth. Through this strategy, a company develops personal relationships with customers and shares
positive experiences of the brands
they promote (Barnes, & Lea-Greenwood, 2006).

3. Fashion Blogs: It is true that most people recommend brands to their friends or relatives, but usually people also research brands on the internet in order to get more information. In such cases, fashion blogs are the best option for accessing reviews and discussion.

4. Fashion Showcases: Hosting small gatherings of from 30 to 50 people in order to debut a line or boutique can be a great introduction to key players and is easy to publicize
(Barnes, & Lea-Greenwood, 2006). Editors, bloggers, buyers, and high profile clients can all issue invitations and spread the word. Showcases are associated with great creative prospects.

The structure of the international fashion industry includes major players that are situated in the U.S. and European markets along with their subsidiaries or partners in markets all over the world. The global fashion industry can be easily divided into two parts, domestic players and multinational players, though through the increase in globalization, there are many companies now entering the international fashion industry (Bailey, & Eicher, 1992). The established markets are the United Kingdom, France, Italy, the U.S., and others, including a growing market in the United Arab Emirates.

The main elements of the international fashion industry are footwear, styling, and hair styling, which account for over $2 trillion in profit throughout the world. According to current estimates, global Islamic fashion business is valued at more than $96 billion or Dh352.6 billion.

The Muslim population all over the world is over 1 billion people (Bailey, & Eicher, 1992), and the present Arab population is quite modern in comparison to previous generations
. The younger generation in Arab countries is very fond of wearing modern attire and clothes. Even while talking about the traditional way of dressing
, the country
has inaugurated an entirely new era of Arabic fashion. This is easily evidenced through the success of Arabic Fashion Week and the launch of different kinds of Arabic attire by most of the big and popular brands all over the world (Bailey, & Eicher, 1992).

1.1.1 Opportunities

Internal and international politics can influence fashion, as in the case of repealed trade embargoes making new sources of the raw materials accessible, like thread, fabric, or green resources such as sustainable natural fabric fiber.

For example, for many years China was considered a most inaccessible country in the context of labor, supply or export sales, due to inter-governmental tensions along with fundamental attitudes toward commerce. But in the recent times, China has started loosening commercial restrictions and has started becoming an open source of labor, import/export, and material commercial transactions (British Fashion Council, 2013
).

Technological advancement also creates opportunity when the technology is used in increasing the speed of production and distribution or increasing scale.

Other elements of opportunity are:

· Increases in new mass markets abroad: Rapid increase in key emerging markets like India, China, Russia, Mexico, Turkey, and Brazil have also led to a sharp increase in the external demands for most designers and retailers in the last 10 years. Given strong growth prospects in more developed countries, it is expected that the sales growth will most likely increase exports (British Fashion Council, 2013).

· Increasing significance of online sales: Online penetration rates have increased exponentially in the last few decades, and online retailing has become increasingly important and is considered a source of growth in most industries.

· According to a recent study conducted by the Verdict, online sales of footwear and clothing will most likely to increase in the next four years in comparison to other sectors
(British Fashion Council, 2013).

· Sterling depreciation
: According to anecdotal evidence, the major boost to retailers in 2009, and specifically the increased sales in flagship London stores, was caused by tourists in search of the bargains. Fluctuations in currency can be viewed as a threat as well as an opportunity, as there are many retailers affected by the increasing strength of the US dollar (Birtwistle, & Freathey, 1998).
The exchange rate movement must be supported by local manufacturers. Meanwhile,

· the new West End Group plans to continue their investment in Oxford Street along with the nearby areas.

There are various other factors that can shape the industry in less predictable ways.
India, China and various other emerging economies of the world can change the international patterns of trade, exercising an increasing cultural influence. Consumer interest can rise and fall depending on the level of disposable income as well as attitudes towards environmental factors such as

the shortage of the resources, climate change, and sustainability
. These attitudes can be influenced by government policies in trade, economics, poverty, environment and international issues.

1.1.2 Threats

Politics and economies are usually considered threat sources for fashion brands. Trade embargoes and political unrest in the areas supplying raw material, along with downturns in the economy, might lead to restrictions in access to raw materials, exposure of the brand, recognition of the name, and distribution and purchasing by the consumers (Birtwistle, & Freathey, 1998).

1. Stagnating economy: Although the threat of the international financial crisis has passed, there is lingering concern
over the extended spell of weakness in the economy. A high employment rate along with the growth of real income are the ideal conditions for encouraging high-spending consumers (Birtwistle, & Freathey, 1998).

2. Ecology and sustainability: International consensus increasingly supports a move toward green, sustainable production. Retailers must weigh the societal cost against the benefits of reducing their own costs.

3. Emerging markets as design hubs: Recent rapid growth of emerging markets has increased global demand and has the potential to cultivate rival design hubs. In the last four years, fashion events have been held in an increasing variety of places, like South Africa, India, Singapore, UAE, and China. Not only will these markets be future rivals for the UK market
, but they will be able to use high salaries to attract workers
as they develop into bases for domestic manufacturing (Birtwistle, & Freathey, 1998).

4. Alternative fashion weeks: There has been a recent and rapid increase in expenditure for Fashion Week as various locales compete with the traditional leaders of the markets, such as Paris, New York, Milan, and London. Among the different fashion capitals, London is considered the most vulnerable due to the increased presence of small businesses alongside international brands.

5. Increased pressure in public funding: The impending sharp cuts to university funding are worrisome

for the future labor market (Birtwistle, & Freathey, 1998). Retailers are also concerned about the impending risk in VAT
decreasing their consumer base. Meanwhile,

6. the abolition of the LDA has led to uncertainty of its
support of the London Fashion Industry, which is greatly financed by the Greater London Authority (Birtwistle, Siddhiqui, & Fiorito, 2003).

7. Finally, there is concern over government cuts to initiatives and trade fairs such as the Tradeshow Access Program,
which is quite important in promoting designs and manufacturing in foreign countries.

8. Pressure due to inflation in supply chain: The fundamentals of supply and demand for commodities like cotton imply that the prices of cotton might go high (Birtwistle, Siddhiqui, & Fiorito, 2003).
Meanwhile,

9. China has been trying to increase the value of its labor and to move toward domestic consumption. Inflation in the retail prices of clothing and footwear increased up to 6% in the year 2012, which was highest priced level, although this is linked with the increase in VAT.

1.2 Career: Fashion Buyer for Macys

Fashion Buyer Job Description

Fashion buyers are expected to combine their love of fashion with the application of excellent business skills. Fashion buyers should be flexible and detail-oriented, able to maintain a fast pace and travel regularly in order to learn about the latest fashions or visit clothing suppliers to investigate recent trends (Connecting with Every Customer Macy’s Inc, 2013).

Students intending to pursue careers as fashion buyers should specialize in particular types of merchandise. At larger retail outlets, they may be given the responsibility of buying for a category as narrow as women’s dresses, as larger retailers offer a broad range of products and separate them into more specialized departments. At smaller retail outlets, buyers are expected to work with a broader range of merchandise, such as women’s casual wear, which covers skirts, pants, shirts, and jackets (Connecting with Every Customer Macy’s Inc 2013).

Fashion buyers working with small retailers are likely to buy name-brand products, while a buyer for a larger company may have the opportunity to work in the design and development of their products.

Assistant buyers are senior buyers with a basic knowledge of retail. They play a small role in merchandise selection
, and are generally responsible for orders and shipments, record-keeping, customer service for those exchanging or returning merchandise, and supervision of sales personnel.

Responsibilities of Fashion Buyers

Analyzing: The main task of the fashion buyer is to analyze sale and pricing information and formulate a merchandise purchase profile. This profile includes the evaluation of sales
reports
and inventory (D’Aveni, 2010). It is the responsibility of the fashion buyer to review the pricing information from various suppliers in order to negotiate the best price.

Purchasing: It is the responsibility of the buyer to select clothing and fashion accessories to meet the demand of the coming season. It is the duty of the fashion buyer to conduct regular meetings with fashion designers, manufacturers, and others in the industry in order to study current trends. It is the task of the fashion buyer
to attend fashion shows and review clothing samples before making buying decisions (D’Aveni, 2010).

Merchandising: Fashion buyers must collaborate with other departments
in order to coordinate the display of the store and various other marketing activities.

Macy’s Companies

Macy’s, also known as Macy & Co., is a chain of department
stores that is owned by the American multinational corporation Macy’s Incorporation. As of the year 2013, there are 798 Macy’s stores operating in the United States (D’Aveni, 2010).

Company headquarters
are located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Macy’s is the top contender in its niche. Its main competitors are: Neiman Marcus, Lord& Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom.

The fastest growing fashion company, Macy’s continues to strive for record sales and to broaden its workforce. The company also offers entrepreneurial opportunities through its web of business, sharing in the support and stability of the best retailer brands. The company aims to build a creative and tech-savvy business capable of substantial growth (D’Aveni, 2010).

A fashion buyer at Macy’s must participate in the planning, development, and selection of merchandise necessary to achieve the company’s broad objectives. The fashion buyer is responsible for generating the seasonal merchandise plan and for developing strategies for growth, as well as for developing the class plans and strategic long range vendor
.

Required Skills

1. 5-7 years of experience in merchandising

2. Proficiency in Word and Excel

3. Bachelor’s degree or comparable work experience

4. Strong business analytical skills

5. Experience with fast-paced trends and e-commerce business

6. Excellent communication, problem solving, and organizational skills (Benett, 2013).

There are a wide range of job opportunities in fashion merchandising in New York City. This course
provides an opportunity for students to learn real world skills, and includes visiting showrooms, buying offices, and specialty shops all over the city (Benett, 2013).

Internships and capstone classes provide firsthand experience as well as networking opportunities. These programs offer an education in product development, fashion marketing, fashion management, and planning.

Fashion Buyer Salary

The average fashion buyer salary is between $25,840- $38,760, but department store buyers have an earning potential of around $100,000
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012).

A degree in textiles and apparel management can be a great stepping stone in the rewarding career of fashion buyer, and
starting positions earn salaries of between $21,000 and $32,000, which can increase with experience (Benett, 2013).

2. Selected career path: Fashion buyer

2.1 Reasons for selecting this career path

I have always loved fashion as hobby and am interested in making a career in a field in which I know I can be successful. I have opted to become a fashion buyer because I want to be a part of determining which trends become fashionable and popular (Benett, 2013), and fashion buyers are responsible for selecting the clothing that goes into boutiques and departmen
t stores. Fashion buyer
s can also avail themselves of the opportunity to network in the fashion merchandising industry, and this has been shown to helps them in moving toward better roles in the same company or better positions somewhere else (Salary Surveys: Fashion Buying & Merchandising – 30 September 2011, 2013). I enjoy the prospect of creativity,

stability, and the opportunity to own my own business. The fashion industry generates more than $172 billion all over the world in terms of revenue each year, and even employees cover more than $4.64 million per year (Benett, 2013). With room for creat

ivity, business sense, design, and technological skill, fashion is a growth industry and can provide great career opportunities (Benett, 2013). I am interested in advancing in this field, with the particular aim of earning a management position
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012).

I believe in beginning my career with an education in order to develop creative skills and a sense of aesthetics. I also value computer literacy, considering the wealth of information online. I have earned a degree in fashion merchandise and completed course work in fashion design and business. Most companies currently require a B.A. in the fashion merchandising field. It is also useful to have completed an internship for a design company, as I did (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012).

I have researched the responsibilities of a fashion buyer and am prepared to meet them. Fashion buyers must have a deep understanding of trends and the needs and desires of their target customers. Buyers must make purchases up to two years in advance, and therefore must understand the past, present and future of fashion trends. It is expected
that fashion buyers to be good at budgeting and planning inventory (Lawson, 2013).

The job of a fashion buyer includes interacting with vendors and sales representative
s and attending trade shows (Lawson, 2013) to view

designer collections six months ahead of the season so as to place orders for merchandise. It is the responsibility of the buyer to manage the budget and to ensure that the store or department holds enough merchandise, and that this merchandise should reflect the store and the tastes of its clients.

There are three different routes for becoming a fashion buyer. The first is working in a specialized department in a large chain store (Lawson, 2013). The second is to work with a broader range of products in a small boutique. The third is to start one’s own business or boutique (Lawson, 2013).

Most people start
from the bottom and have to pay their dues. It is a very demanding industry and building a career
in fashion requires long working hours and tedious work (Lawson, 2013). Those who make the effort have a passion for the industry and a real burning desire to succeed.

2.2 What will be its


outcome?

Fashion buyers have the benefit of working in a field that encourages long careers.
It is a job that requires year-round attention and continual change as the fashions and seasons progress. There are many fashion stores that try to promote their fashion buyers
.

(Hines, 2001).

2.3 Career path related to fashion merchandising industry

Fashion merchandising is considered a critical function in the fashion business. Fashion merchandising determines a company’s direction, range, offerings, look, and lines every season (Hines, 2001).

The study of fashion merchandising and the interpretation of the forecasts and related trends are used in deciding the use of textures, colors, silhouettes, textures, accessories, and embellishments.

Fashion merchandising is responsible for developing products and taking a company into new realms. A fashion merchandising career
involves interaction with buyers, coordinating with them for promoting the offerings of the company (Hines, 2001). Fashion merchandisers work with manufacturers, distributors, and purchasing managers in making their decisions for store management, product development, event planning, and fashion promotion (Hines, 2001).

Merchandisers work with designers and product developers
to conceptualize designs and cost to ensure profitability, planning 4-6 products lines every year and one for each market
. The role of the merchandiser is quite significant in keeping everyone on schedule and aware of the end goals of the company (Hines, & Bruce, 2001).

The success of a company depends on the competence and insight of its merchandising. Fashion merchandisers focus on exploring the trends of the market, along with cost of production and sales numbers (The Apparel Industry’s New Reality, 2013).

Fashion merchandisers uses
these numbers to calculate how much material they have to purchase and how much variety to produce
. Fashion merchandisers who are working on the retail side, meanwhile, are also responsible for determining consumer trends and manufacture for the upcoming fashion season, and supervising visual displays (Hines, 2001).

2.3 Fashion Merchandising as career path

To pursue a career in fashion merchandising, it is recommended
that one earn a degree in fashion merchandising from an a
ccredited school. Such a program will include courses
in fashion buying, marketing, advertising, retail management, history of fashion, textiles, and ethnic dress.

It is expected that students will learn how to manufacturer, promote, buy, and sell merchandise. It is also important for students to gain professional experience by participating in internship programs (Hines, & Bruce, 2001).

Students who are interested in management or other large-scale positions must generally pursue a Master’s degree in retail management or fashion merchandising. Students with formal education have the best chance of advancing in their careers, especially if they pursue the greater opportunities in Los Angeles and New York.

Certain personality traits are expected in this field: creativity, resourcefulness, versatility and flexibility, as well as strong management skills (Hines, & Bruce, 2001).

Salary levels vary according to geographic location, type of employment, and the educational level of the student.

In 2009, there were 116,900 wholesale buyers in United States, and the average annual salary
ranged from $36,800 to $65,870. There were 65,080 newly appointed purchasing managers whose annual salary range was between $69,100- $118,740 (Hines, & Bruce, 2001).

The average income of promotional and advertising managers was $83,300 in the year 2009. As per data collected from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in clothing accessories along with merchandise stores is most likely to increase by 17% in the years 2010-2020, a standard rate of growth (Hines, & Bruce, 2001).

There are different kinds of opportunities available for fashion merchandisers, who can pursue careers as stylists, buyers, sales associates, assistant merchandisers, associate merchandisers, merchandisers, merchandiser managers, and merchandiser directors.

3. Discussion of courses taken to major in this field of study

3.1 Impact on reaching personal and vocational goals

There are many courses included in a degree in fashion marketing:

1. Fashion Merchandising: The aim of this module is to comprehend the fundamentals of the fashion merchandising industry for the purpose of buying, selling, and managing in both the export and domestic retail sector. Student develop the knowledge to handle raw materials and to

2. understand the environment, supplier/buyer relationships, and the relevance of forecasting in the industry, (Hines, & Bruce, 2001).

3. Retail Management: Apparel marketing management courses are designed for understanding the basic principles and concepts of the apparel business. The module includes an education in marketing processes and consumer behavior.

4. Operations Management: The aim of this course is to formulate strategies for managing the long-term objectives of an organization. Project management teaches the implementation of strategies and knowledge, and an understanding of financial viability.

5. Managerial Accounting: Managerial accounting is a foundational class for non-accounting business majors. Managerial accounting also covers financial accounting from the perspective of a user
(Hines, & Bruce, 2001).

6. Four
examples of financial statements are covered, along with ethical issues and accounting reporting issues. Managerial accounting also focuses on generating accounting data for the purpose of internal business decision-making.

7. Fashion Forecasting: Fashion forecasting teaches analysis of past consumer buying patterns and present cultural influences. Fashion forecasting is key in working with designers, merchandisers, and product developers to develop fashion lines. This course cultivates the skills needed to

8. conduct research, record observations, and identify target market areas (Hines, & Bruce, 2001).

Degree programs and vocational certification programs help students meet personal and vocational goals, as they provide a strong foundation in the field of fashion merchandising and improve student chances when seeking employment, transferring out of
the baccalaureate
institution, or career advancement (Guercini, 2001). The focus on

business is also helpful in developing cooperative industry partnerships and sustained community (Guercini, 2001).

Effectiveness of classes in addressing career requirements

While taking classes at Nassau Community college, I got the chance to learn outside the classroom and to become involved with businesses in the community. We all were assigned month-long retail and fashion merchandising projects in which we had to evaluate the interior setup of a store along with the store signage and visual elements (Forza, & Vinelli, 1996).

We were responsible for selecting, purchasing and installing new fixtures, designing and ordering signage and realigning the business in the company
. We conducted the tasks of moving and merchandising. I was also given the responsibility of allotting the budget for each task and for maintaining the receipts.

In doing this project, we were able to gain up-to-date experience in the business (Forza, & Vinelli, 1996).

It was a learning experience in the field of fashion marketing, and it taught me how to communicate with store staff and initiated me in the experiences of teamwork and pleasing clients. Classroom and field work are very useful, enhancing the learning experience and preparing students to face the real challenges of the job.

I also took the fashion forecasting course, through which I learned about current fashion trends, colors, fiber and their impact on the sales forecasting. (Forza, & Vinelli, 1996). When I transferred to

Berkeley College, I took the fashion forecasting course there as well,
as I was interested in the process of observation associated with short term and long term planning as well as the skills and techniques for working in fashion and creative areas as a trend specialist or as a trend forecaster (Deshon, & Schlachter, 2013). Fashion forecasting requires a lot of learning, as it combines different theories related to changes in fashion, the organizing and analyzing of that information, and the synthesizing of the data in the forecasting and strategic decision-making (Deshon, & Schlachter, 2013). The theoretical methods and practical applications take time to master, but are worth the effort.

In the present economic climate, trend forecasting has a great deal of influence on trends and is considered vital for competitive businesses.

3.2 Analysis of fashion forecast related to particular seasons in the apparel industry

Every season, fashion merchandising and design departments all over the world wait to discover the fashion trends of the coming season. They rely on data provided by polling
agencies to create their new lines. Fashion seasons change with the arrival

of spring, summer, fall and winter. The apparel industry anticipates earthy tones in the fall season, pastels and flowers in early spring, jewel tones during the holidays, and a refreshing white in summer (Dhanapal, & Anita, 2013).

Manufacturers cover some of the standard colors while conducting their planning six months prior to the selling season. Targeting delivery
takes place in four or five seasonal lines per year and provides customers with fresh merchandise every season.

Through fashion and trend forecasting, we can easily predict the behavior, mood, and buying habits of most of the consumers in a given season (Dhanapal, & Anita, 2013).

Fashion forecasting trends are not based on the age, location, income, mood, culture or occasion of the consumer, but rather depend entirely on the fashion cycle.

My experience conducting an event

I took on the project of forecasting tribal prints. I created a portfolio in order to present my work to sports medicine personnel because tribal prints are highly popular in the medical field (Dhanapal, & Anita, 2013).

In order to present my work, I held an event in a beautiful art gallery in the New York City. I used the lessons I had learned in my classes to select the guest list
, entertainment, and photographer.

I interacted with the leaders
on different aspects of fashion and tried to communicate the research backing up my work. It was an educational experience and provided me with the chance to present my work and learn from the ideas of other people.

4. Significance of Success

Knowing oneself is life’s most challenging and significant task. It is important to analyze one’s positive and negative points, personality, and the nature of one’s success, happiness and personal fulfillment.

For me success means the achievement of my personal goals along with the ability to earn money and satisfaction.

I want to become a fashion buyer in order to earn fame and money, improve my communication skills and become more confident and presentable.

I will have to work long hours under pressure, but will be able to become influential in the field I care about.

I will get the opportunity to formulate business strategies and explore the buying process (Dhanapal, & Anita, 2013).

I believe that after completing my degree in fashion marketing, I will be prepared to participate in the manufacture, promotion, buying, and selling of merchandise. This course will help me attain a high level of success in my career and will help me gain professional experience in fashion merchandising (Bruce, Daly, & Towers, 2004).

Many people pursue this career because they wish to promote their sense of style (Bruce, Daly, & Towers, 2004). My reasons, however, are simply that I enjoy fashion as a hobby and am confident that can make an enjoyable, successful career in the industry

.

Fashion merchandising is an interdisciplinary field of study on the cusp of change
. It provides students with the ability to identify the many roles clothing plays in our lives — social, psychological, cultural or economical.

It is a major requires you to have enthusiasm, motivation, attention to detail and the desire to live in a fast-paced world. Careers in fashion merchandising are rewarding and exciting. The variety of opportunities in the industry attracts graduates with many different interests, goals and abilities (Bruce, & Daly, 2006).

Fashion is always in demand and so are our graduates, who have been employed as market representatives and product development specialists for companies such as Dillard’s, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Brown Shoe Company, Nordstrom and The Limited, as well as smaller boutiques and specialty stores.

I believe that a Fashion Merchandising/Marketing and Management degree exposes students to diverse career opportunities. Students work with industry professionals as well as students from different disciplines on collaborative industry projects for companies like QVC, Maidenform, Cotton Inc., Toys R Us and Target. Curricular focus is on the entire fashion value chain: fiber/yarn/fabric and material development, sourcing & production, merchandising, branding and marketing (Bruce, & Daly, 2006).

5. Career plan

A career plan must be based in skills as well as interests
, and can help guide students towards the necessary training for their intended paths. Having a plan to follow makes it possible to set and achieve specific goals.

As part of my career plan, I would like to make a resume, which will enumerate my qualifications and experience to their best advantage and help me begin my career as a fashion buyer at Macy’s or another popular store.

I will take note of what kind of work my personality is suited for. I believe that the personality of a fashion buyer must be imaginative, creative, perceptive and objective (Doyle, Moore, & Morgan, 2006).

Buyers need to be self-assured, persuasive and prepared to take risks. They also have to negotiate and make sound decisions. They must have sound judgment and be good planners and organizers (Christopher, Lowson, & Peck, 2004).

My interpersonal skills are excellent, and I communicate well both verbally and in writing. I also have excellent decision-making skills both from senior and junior positions. I am independent and determined, able to make good decisions that are based on accurate information. I can manage deadlines stress, financial obligations that may be recurring, employee relations, and respond well to unexpected problems. I am a quick learner and am always up-to-date in regard to technology and fashion trends. I am qualified and skilled at planning strategies for growing a business; I can track account receivables and work in marketing, with a degree
in accounting and two years of experience in this field.

I have considered working with a popular clothing retail company in order to gain experience, after which I will investigate self-employment opportunities with the intention of someday starting my own retail store.

I have made it a step in my career plan to attend fashion shows and trade shows in order to learn from the experiences of manufacturers and implement their successful ideas
in my own career (Djelic, & Ainamo, 1999).

My short term career goals are to invest in my education, attending part-time classes while establishing myself as a business professional. As an extension of this, I plan to gain experience in different parts of the hierarchy of a large company and gradually increase my profile and responsibility
.

My final goal for my immediate future is to become financially secure, earning enough to live comfortably and well.

My long-term goals include achieving as high a position as possible in the industry. At at this point, I intend to open my own business. I may also turn to a related career such as consultancy once I have gained experience and expertise.

Early retirement is another long-term goal. I plan on advancing in the shortest possible timeframe using advanced technologies
.

In six years’ time, I expect to have secured a firm financial foundation from my savings. In seven years I will have gained experience to take on a managerial or even Chief Executive Officer (CEO) post. In eight years I plan on having my own company, followed by two years of planning for retirement.

Reference List

Bailey, T. (1993). Organizational innovation in the apparel industry. Industrial Relations, 32(1), pp. 30–48.

Bailey, T., & Eicher, T. (1992). The North America Free Trade Agreement and the US apparel industry. Retrieved from UK: SAGE.

Barnes, L., & Lea-Greenwood, G. (2006). Fast fashioning the supply chain: Shaping the research agenda. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 10(3), pp. 259–271.

Birtwistle, G., & Freathey, P. (1998). More than just a name above the shop: A comparison of the branding strategies of two uk fashion retailers. International Journal of Retail and Distribution Management, 26(8), pp. 318–323.

Birtwistle, G., Siddhiqui, N., & Fiorito, S. S. (2003). Quick response: Perceptions of UK fashion retailers. International Journal of Retail and Distribution Management, 31(2), pp. 118–128.

Benett, K. (2013). Fashion buyer careers. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/info_8008304_fashion-buyer-careers.html

British Fashion Council. (2013). The value of the UK fashion industry. Retrieved from http://www.fashion-manufacturing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/BFC-The-Value-of-The-Fashion-Industry

Bruce, M., Daly, L., & Towers, N. (2004). Lean or agile: A solution of supply chain management in the textiles and clothing industry? International Journal of Operations and Production Management, 24(2), pp. 151–170.

Bruce, G., & Daly, L. (2006). Buyer behavior for fast fashion. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 10(3), pp. 329–44.

Christopher, M., Lowson, R., & Peck, H. (2004). Creating agile supply chains in the fashion industry. International Journal of Retail and Distribution Management, 32(8), pp. 367–376.

Connecting with every customer macy’s Inc. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.macysinc.com/Assets/docs/for-investors/annual-report/2013_fact_book

D’Aveni, R. (2010). Fashion conscious: Lessons in commoditization from the fashion industry. Retrieved from http://www.iveybusinessjournal.com/topics/strategy/fashion-conscious-lessons-in-commoditization-from-the-fashion-industry#.UaVjxdK7Ku9

Deshon, R. A., & Schlachter, K. J. (2013). Fashion forecasting and trend resources. Retrieved from http://www.libraries.uc.edu/libraries/daap/resources/researchguides/design/forecasting.html

Dhanapal, P., & Anita, S. (2013). Fashion Forecasting. Retrieved from http://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/free-fashion-industry-article/fashion-forecasting/fashion-forecasting1.asp

Djelic, M., & Ainamo, A. (1999). The co-evolution of new organizational forms in the fashion industry: A historical and comparative study of France, Italy, and the United States. Organizational Science, 10(5), pp. 622–637.

Doyle, S.A., Moore, C.M, & Morgan, L. (2006). Supplier management in fast moving fashion retailing. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 10(3), pp. 272–281.

Fashion merchandising: Where fashion meets business. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.theartcareerproject.com/fashion-merchandising-where-fashion-meets-business/248/

Forza, C., & Vinelli, A. (1996). An analytical scheme for the change of the apparel design process towards quick response. International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, 8(4), 28–43.

Guercini, S. (2001). Relation between branding and growth of the firm in new quick fashion formulas: Analysis of an Italian case. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 5(1), 69–79.

Hines, T. (2001). Globalization: An introduction to fashion markets and fashion marketing. Oxford: Elsevier Butterworth-Heineman.

Hines, T., & Bruce, M. (2006). Fashion Marketing-Contemporary Issues. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Lawson, K. (2013). Hot fashion careers: How to become a fashion buyer. Retrieved from http://teenfashion.about.com/od/fashionscoop/a/Hot-Fashion-Careers-How-To-Become-A-Fashion-Buyer.htm

Singh, D. (2013). Pink is out but blue is in… Understanding fashion & trend forecasting. Retrieved from http://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/9/836/pink-is-out-but-blue-is-in-understanding-fashion-trend-forecasting1.asp

Salary surveys: Fashion buying & merchandising – 30 September 2011. (2013). Retrieved of from http://www.theappointment.co.uk/careers-centre/salary-surveys/fashion-buying-merchandising

The apparel industry’s new reality. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.checkpointsystems.com/~/media/Files/White-Papers-and-Studies/TheApparelIndustrysNewReality_CKPWhitePaper.ashx

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2012). Fashion. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/spotlight/2012/fashion/

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