Textile and fashion designing might be some of the underrated subjects that are actually very interesting as well as hold high value when it comes to the current job market.
Conventional engineering and science degrees are not everyone’s cup of tea. It is therefore sometimes hard to look beyond your CSE or EEEs. When we hear the name of Textile Engineering we think of the RMG sector of Bangladesh.
Undoubtedly, there are ample opportunities for a textile graduate to look for employment in domestic companies responsible for the growing economy of Bangladesh. Although starting salaries may not be favourable, the skills and experience gained will inevitably lead to a better paying private package which is hard to come by in any other field.
Studying Fashion Designing can also be of considerable advantage as most of the research and developments for production houses are done abroad, and there is a lack of proficient designers and innovators.
The landscape of fashion is always shifting with different trends being adopted every year, and fast fashion has created an infinite demand for new designs. Therefore, most companies look for talented designers to rehash the trends from the runways of Paris and New York and bring them to Bangladeshi production facilities in order to cater to a western audience.
When it comes to higher education, there are loads of universities with very little cost, which provide Phd opportunities for any young graduate. Countries such as China, Austria, and other European nations gladly accept a moderate IELTS score and provide various scholarships which can also bring you a good opportunity to settle or come back as an established academic in your own country.
There are however some drawbacks. Most universities do not offer subjects such as Textile Engineering and Fashion Design. A few public universities such as Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh University of Textiles (Butex) offer Textile Engineering with specific majoring criterias. Other private universities such as National Institute of Textile Engineering and Research (NITER), Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST) and BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT) are also affordable options.
By analysing the current talent pool, it is clear that Fashion Designing is still an emerging subject not really established compared to Textile Engineering. NITER offers a degree in Fashion Designing paired with Apparel Engineering which can be an advantageous combination considering future prospects. With its various labs and a natural setting, NITER is the destination of choice when it comes to pursuing a degree in Fashion Designing.
Most of these universities also have a strong alumni base when it comes to the industry. As there are fewer number of graduates, the community is tightly knit. Therefore, it will be easier for any student to stay connected with the outside landscape and the job market.
Overall, choosing an unconventional subject may be daunting at first but the benefits cannot be overstated both subjects are highly demandable at home and abroad.