The majority of Textiles and Clothing majors accept entry-level positions within the textiles and apparel industry or in related fields including product development, merchandising and marketing, production, testing, quality control, technical services, fashion journalism, and textile design. A background in business prepares many for management- related programs and positions. Some textiles and clothing graduates continue to study toward advanced degrees in a variety of fields including textiles, fiber and polymer science, business administration, teaching, and law.
Apparel Production
Material specification, sourcing evaluation, processing, product development, merchandising, quality control, distribution, customer relations, manufacturer’s representative, showroom representative production manager, dye master/technician.
Examples: Levi Strauss, North Face, Patagonia, Jessica McClintock, Ariat, Guess, BCBG, Burberry
Technical / Management Postions
Textile chemist/ technician, textile and fiber analyst, research and development in government, consumer service and industry, product development, product improvement, textiles conservator, customer evaluation.
Examples: U.S. Custom Laboratory, California Bureau of Home Furnishings, Clorox, Genencor, California State Parks & Recreation - Hearst Castle, Smithsonian Institution, Pottery Barn
Apparel Distribution (wholesale and retail)
Retail management, marketing/advertising, public customer relations, manufacturer’s representative, display/merchandising, (assistant) buyer, division/district manager, store director, recruitment officer, distribution, international marketing and trade.
Examples: Macy's, A & F, Nordstrom, Sears, The Gap, Pottery Barn, Riki, Krazy Mary's