In many circles, fashion design is considered a discipline which demands the same artistic temperament as post-impressionist painting or modernist sculpture. Young designers are asked to assemble scraps of cloth and a medley of colors into an article of clothing which is practical and often provocative. These professionals may understand that a shirt not only can keep someone warm and comfortable, but can also inspire confidence during a night out.

Design graduates today are finding that the most common openings in the design field for young professionals are for intern positions and freelance assignments, Reuters reports. Even those design students who have had their work showcased in the notable collections of New York Fashion Week find that careers in design begin with the smallest steps.

Simon Ungless, director of graduate fashion at the Academy of Art in San Francisco told the news source, "[Employers] are wanting to see how people perform, seeing if it is going to be an investment that they want to make before they throw that contract commitment.

Still, some industry players say that this type of hiring process may benefit graduates by emphasizing professionalism and providing entrepreneurial opportunities to innovative designers.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that employers typically look for graduates with 2-year or 4-year degrees who are familiar with textiles fabrics, ornamentation, and trends. In 2006 the highest concentrations of designers were employed in New York and California.