Career Center FAQ

The Career Center is here to help

Here, employers as well as FIDM Alumni and Students can find the answers to frequently asked questions about Career Center services. If you need additional clarification, please do not hesitate to contact the Career Center at careercenter@fidm.com.

FAQs from Employers
FAQs from Alumni
FAQ from Students

Does the Career Center charge fees for their services?

The Career Center services for employers are absolutely free. We will accept your company’s posting as long as the job requirements are within the industries we serve: Fashion Design, Merchandise Marketing, Merchandise Product Development, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Jewelry Design, Footwear Design, Textiles, Visual Merchandising, Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing, and Apparel Industry Management & Marketing.

Can I place a job order for an intern, dresser or a volunteer?

Yes, you can place a job order for an intern, dresser or volunteer by posting your job order online. All interns are pre-screened by their Career Advisor and must qualify based on their major.

How long will it take for my job order to be approved, and when can I expect to be contacted by a candidate?

It usually takes 1-2 days for job orders to be approved. Once your job order is approved, you will receive a confirmation email from the Career Center Technical Support Department. Once your job order has been posted on our website, candidates will contact you directly.

Can I visit FIDM to interview students?

Yes, all employers are welcome to come on campus to interview students or alumni. Contact the Career Center (careercenter@fidm.com) to schedule a specific time and day for any of our four campuses.

Do you have job fairs? When and how often?

Yes, we have two job fairs a year for new students. We host a Summer Job Fair in July and a Fall Job Fair in October. For a complete list of Career Center Events click here: http://fidm.edu/resources/career-center/employer-events/

Do you have candidates who are experienced alumni in the industry?

Yes, we have nearly 47,000 experienced alumni. Our graduates have the most relevant, specialized, professional education and hands-on training within the Fashion, Interiors, Textiles, Graphic Design, and Entertainment Industries. Our alumni work for high-profile companies such as Guess?,Bebe, Levi Strauss & Company, Gymboree, Roxy/Quiksilver, PETCO, and BCBG, just to name a few.

Do you have alumni in any other part of the U.S. or world?

Yes, we have alumni living throughout the United States and abroad. We have over 35 Alumni Associations worldwide, which include: New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Arizona, Illinois, Washington, D.C., Mexico, China, England, India, and South Korea.

How do I know what pay scale or range to use for my positions?

Please email the Career Center (careercenter@fidm.com), to get salary information for the position title on your job posting.
After I graduate, can I still use the FIDM Career Center?

Absolutely, Career Center services are available to our graduates free of charge as long as they remain in the industry. On each campus, Career Advisors can help whenever grads want to change jobs, make industry contacts, update their résumés, or build their case when negotiating for a raise or a promotion. We're always ready with up-to-date information on industry news and job and networking opportunities. You can also log on to our alumni job search site to search for leads: https://myfidm.fidm.edu/

Why should I utilize the Career Center?

We maintain a database of over 19,000 employers nationwide. These employers post their open positions with us, free of charge. We reach out to our network of industry partners quarterly to ensure FIDM remains top of mind.

How do FIDM’s relationships with the industry benefit me?

Because of our long-standing relationships, many firms come to FIDM first when it comes time for recruiting. The Career Center networks throughout the retail, design, and entertainment communities. We consistently make new contacts for FIDM students and graduates.

Where can I find job leads and career search tools?

In 2009, over 17,000 jobs orders were posted on the alumni job search site. In addition, we provide links, which connect you directly with over 120 company job sites on the FIDM Portal: https://myfidm.fidm.edu. The FIDM Portal job-listing site is an excellent starting point for you, but by no means should this be your only resource in your job search.

What is the Alumni Association?

The Alumni Association is an active group that facilitates career growth through networking events, discussion panels, and newsletters. This international FIDM network is nearly 47,000 graduates strong and growing. FIDM Alumni share a common educational experience and a current industry perspective.
What is the FIDM Career Center?

From the first day you register for class, the Career Center is here for you. Our full-time department works to find industry-related internships and part-time positions to assist you once you are enrolled in your major. We strongly believe that what you learn in the classroom, along with the experience you gain working alongside professionals in their field, enhances your career growth. Obtaining résumé-building skills, while attending classes, is a very important part of an education at FIDM. The Career Center becomes an integral part of each student's professional life.

How does the FIDM Career Center prepare me for the workforce?

That’s why we’re here. A Career Advisor meets with students throughout their time at FIDM, to discuss career paths, skill assessment and review their résumé and portfolios. We give our students job search tips and help prepare them for interviews, one-on-one and in-group seminars. The jobs come here too. Local and national companies visit FIDM campuses to recruit students, year-round and during job fairs and on-campus recruitment.

Do you recommend that students work while they’re going to school?

Definitely. We strongly believe that what students learn in the classroom and on the job feed off each other. Obtaining resume-building skills while studying is a very important part of an education at FIDM. Students get more out of their education when they apply the lessons working alongside professionals in their field. We assist our students in finding part-time positions while they are enrolled. Throughout the year, we offer on-campus recruitment, industry events, and job fairs. Some part-time jobs found through our Career Center even lead to a student’s first career position after graduation.

Do you offer internships?

Yes, internships are available for academic credit to students who meet certain criteria. Industry-related internships give students valuable information about careers and help to build up their résumés. Beyond internships, part-time jobs are readily available for our students.

After I graduate, can I still use the FIDM Career Center?

Absolutely. Career Center services are available to our graduates free of charge as long as they remain in the industry. On each campus, Career Advisors can help whenever grads want to change jobs, make industry contacts, update their résumés, or build their case when negotiating for a raise or a promotion. We're always ready with up-to-date information on industry news and job and networking opportunities.

What is the Alumni Association?

The Alumni Association is an active group of FIDM Graduates that facilitates career growth through networking events, discussion panels, and newsletters. The international FIDM network is nearly 47,000 strong and growing. FIDM Alumni share a common educational experience and industry perspective.