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Apparel Merchandising
& Design
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Career Opportunities

The dual track MCC Apparel Merchandising & Design program is designed to prepare students for above entry-level positions in a retail operation or staff design positions.

We encourage students to complete their Bachelor’s to allow more rapid advancement in the following fashion related careers:

Track 1 Merchandising
  • Retail Buyer
  • Store Manager
  • Assistant buyer Operation/HR Manager
  • Promotions/PR Manager
  • Sales Representative
  • Personal Shopper
  • Trend Forecaster
  • Fashion Journalist
  • Advertising
  • Distribution Manager
Track 2 Fashion Design
  • Fashion Designer
  • Product Developer
  • Textile Designer
  • CAD Designer
  • Visual Merchandiser
  • Production Manager
  • Stylist
  • Pattern Maker
  • Fabric Specialist
  • Tailor
  • Alterations

And the list goes on . . .


A successful Merchant or Designer needs:

  • Written and verbal communication skills
  • Enjoy working with a wide variety of people
  • Tenacity and drive to overcome obstacles
  • Willingness to assume responsibility
  • Meeting challenges with creativity and problem solving
  • Have an entrepreneurial spirit and the courage to be innovative
  • Have flexibility and enthusiasm
  • Have a “can-do” attitude!

Employment Outlook

There has never been a better time to join the fashion industry—Baby Boomers are retiring and there are not enough Gen X-ers to take their place. Those graduating in the next 10 years will be poised to take on more responsibility at an earlier age just to keep pace with the fashion industry’s growth. Clothing and textile manufacturing has moved beyond our boarders, but retailing and design will remain very much an American resource. And we are a nation of consumers!

Retailing is an industry where job experience is critical. Advancement opportunities are based on:

  • the experience you have relative to job needs
  • the strength of your work habits as observed by supervisors

Students are encouraged to work in a retail operation, on a part-time basis, while completing their formal education. Our Merchandising and Design Internships give you college credit while providing the work experience necessary.

There is a great need in Arizona and in our nation for retail and manufacturing management executives. A Bachelor’s degree is key for top executives and MCC works to advise and transfer students to major universities, both in-state and nationally.

Check out these career and employment links:

Please contact Apparel Merchandising & Design for comments or corrections email phone: 480-461-7140