What to Expect

Fashion design students focus on anything from jewelry to fabrics to streetwear. You'll be ahead of the game if you've got sewing experience and a feel for the next big fashion craze.

Courses for fashion design students can include the historical evolution of fashion, theory of the profession, hands-on courses in drafting, patternmaking, drawing and sewing. The program calls on both creative vision and practical skills. Business and marketing classes often complement the core fashion design classes.

When Brooke Brandewie started her fashion design degree at the University of Cincinnati, learning computer programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator was the tip of the iceberg.

"I spent a lot of time in the studio, pattern-making, sewing and constructing my garments, which was fun, but also very time-intensive. It took a lot of patience, and also a lot of studying and practicing," says Brandewie.

Misty Greer is a fashion design student. She dreams of owning her own apparel business. Learning from industry professionals, not just teachers, has been invaluable to her.

"You really absorb so much just from listening to them talk about their own experience," says Greer.

Internships are included in most programs so that students can get some hands-on experience in the industry. Brandewie's program requires her to alternate between internships and coursework during the different quarters.

Building a personal portfolio and gaining experience are both must-have accessories for fashion design students.

"The program forces you juggle so many different aspects," says Greer. She has gained experience sewing, drafting, designing creatively, designing technically, writing business plans, planning for marketing and more.

"You need to be able to do it all throughout your time here. It is a lot to handle, and I think to be successful, you should be well-rounded," she says. "It's a lot of hard work, not just high heels and beautiful clothes."

All that hard work means that time management is an important skill for any fashion design student. Remember: a stitch in time saves nine.

"One of the most difficult things about the program is simply learning how to manage the workload and stress. I have taught myself to manage my time and schedule, so now I enjoy all of the work," says Brandewie.

To stay en vogue, prepare to spend two to three hours doing homework for every hour in class.

Sewing machines are usually provided by the school, but many students loosen their purse strings for an industrial sewing machine. This allows more flexible working hours.

"I bought most of the design software we use at school, and I think most of my peers did as well, just because you end up using it so much, and depending on the level and intensity of your work, it's hard to finish everything at school," says Greer.

Fabric will be another expense, but there are some ways to save.

Greer suggests "fabric discounters, donations, recycled fabric from thrift store shopping, or your own closet!"

How to Prepare

High school art classes will help build your drawing skills, and textiles classes are a good idea too.

"You learn everything you need to know about putting together a garment in the first two years of the program, but elementary sewing skills would be an asset. If you could take any classes related to marketing or business, it would be helpful in the long run," says Greer.

Brandewie says that working part time somewhere during school is good networking. She also recommends participating in events and organizations within your school, and outside of your school.

"Definitely become very well-rounded and learn as much as you can from participating in as much as possible, because you never know just what will inspire you next!" she says.