Job opportunities are excellent in consumer relations, advertising, marketing, market research, sales, publicity, and merchandising analysis. The Department of Consumer Science also hosts a career fair each fall, drawing more than 60 employers to campus.

The optional concentration in Apparel Design and Technology provides the opportunity for creative expression and critical thinking in all aspects of apparel design including pattern making, draping, fashion illustration, computer applications and creative design. Students learn the creative process from conception to finished products using technical apparel industry standards and industrial machines and software. 

Supplement your plan of study by applying to attend a program abroad or the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City during your junior year. These courses may be applied to degree requirements at Purdue and the FIT program leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree in either Fashion Business Management or Fashion Design upon satisfactory completion. Students also gain real-world experience through a required retail internship or field experience, have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad at locations such as the London College of Fashion or Hong Kong Polytechnic Institute, and participate in the National Retail Federation or YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund case study competitions.

Careers in Retail Management

• Buyer
• Corporate Recruiter
• Human Resources Manager
• Marketing Director
• Merchandiser
• Sales Manager
• Sales Promotion Specialist
• Store Manager
• Stylist
• Supply Chain Manager
• Visual Merchandiser