Many students will encounter someone who is an education, business or nursing major. However, some are more uncommon, like apparel merchandising.

For students with a passion for fashion, this major might be the right fit.

Students’ courses vary depending on what they would like to do with the major, such as business management courses, and makeup and clothing courses. For sophomore apparel merchandising major, Kelsey Stiegman, this major is the perfect fit.

“People think I’m stupid or shallow for my major, when really I have a talent that a lot of people don’t have. That is why I’m in this major, not because I am too dumb for anything else,” Stiegman said.  

The stereotypes that come with a major in fashion and cosmetics often makes these students highly misunderstood. The reality is that those in this major are quite the entrepreneurs.

The Apparel Merchandising Design Association (AMDA) is a program where students in this major get together and create volunteer and internship opportunities.

The organization meets twice a month and they also do fun things like tie-dye shirts, and other crafts together. Guest speakers also come and explain where the major has taken them and how to get there as well.

Keely Hunt, sophomore apparel merchandising major, has been a member of AMDA.

“We join AMDA because there are a lot of connections and by volunteering we can get involved with programs that are great for our résumés,” Hunt said.   

Many graduates in the field take on roles such as being buyers for major department stores such as Nordstrom, work for fashion magazines or even open their own clothing stores. Whatever their plan is, these students are always on the move.

Some students are currently working for major department stores now, and others are planning on studying abroad. Kelly Alexander, sophomore apparel merchandising major, has big plans this summer.

“I have the opportunity to travel because fashion is so universal,” Alexander said.

She plans on traveling to Florence, London, Rome and Paris this summer with the AMDA department.

Stiegman has similar plans to go to Florence this summer, and hopes by next summer to get an internship in Florida or New York.

Aside from working and internships, these students also perform activities on their own to show off their creativity. Some have Pinterest and Instagram accounts to show their ideas, and Stiegman has also taken it upon herself to keep a fashion journal in her spare time.

Although these students have this major in common, their minors vary depending on what they plan to pursue which could be anything from English to business administration.

One of the best ways students are getting their designs out there is through the AMDA fashion show.

This fashion show takes place in the spring, and is their biggest event of the year. 

There are usually around 20 models in total. The fashion show is for student designers to show off their work and put their collection in the public eye.

“The fashion show is the highlight of the year for people in AMDA,” said Hunt.

The AMDA fashion show takes place on April 6, 2013 in the Brown Ballroom. Tickets will be $20 per person and are available at Braden Box Office in the Bone Student Center.

Everyone is welcome to see the models strut their stuff and designers want ISU to see what they have got.

It is also a great way for other students to understand what this major is all about, and shake off the stereotypes.

The apparel merchandising major is not just for a job, it is a passion.

Those in this major know that this is what is right for them. These students are constantly finding new opportunities and bringing new ideas to the table.

If fashion is something that students want to be involved in, this might be the major for them.

AMDA is also an opportunity for students who all share an interest in design and style.

“Fashion is, without a doubt, my calling,” Stiegman said.