When Patricia Feitosa tells someone that she took fashion studies, it isn’t uncommon for them to assume she is a clothing designer. But rather than creating garments and accessories, Feitosa’s skill set revolves around meeting the Canadian clothing industry’s core business needs. It’s an education she received in Centennial College’s Fashion Business and Management program.
"The fashion industry in Canada is thriving," says Feitosa, who graduated in 2019. "There are many opportunities here. Centennial’s program is truly concerned with giving students the real deal of how the market works in practical ways. From field placements to Dragon’s Den-like competitions, we were consistently put in situations where we experienced what to expect in the real world. It doesn’t get more relevant than that."
Why Study Fashion Management?
Centennial’s two-year program covers all business facets of the industry. This includes finance, product development, budgeting, costing, sourcing, marketing, and working with manufacturers for production. The ultimate goal is to prepare students for leadership roles in fashion management jobs in Canada.
"Be prepared for a hands-on program with built-in networking opportunities," says Feitosa. "I remember that, as early as my first semester, the program coordinator took us to a networking event. I was a newcomer to Canada, so experiences like that were great in helping me to understand how things worked here."
Originally from Brazil, where she worked in communications, Feitosa saw Centennial’s program as an opportunity to leverage her previous experience and passion for clothing and style. She says the program’s comprehensive approach caters to learners with diverse aspirations. For example, Centennial’s fashion studies will benefit designers as, in addition to creating garments, they should understand how to run their company. It also caters to those who want to become entrepreneurs as well as anyone transitioning careers, upskilling, or looking to enter the industry for the first time.
"I’ve always loved fashion but I’m not a creative person so I wouldn’t be able to design dresses, but that doesn’t mean I can’t work in the industry," Feitosa says. "If you are willing to be that person to help a designer market themselves; or a journalist who wants to write about fashion; or if you like math and want to be a buyer; these are just some of the careers available."
Fashion Management Jobs in Canada
After spending more than two-and-a-half years at Toronto Fashion Incubator, where she started as a Centennial field placement student, Feitosa now works at e-commerce platform giant Shopify. As a Social Care Specialist, she is responsible for community engagement and giving a voice to Shopify’s social channels. While the position doesn’t directly involve fashion business management, Feitosa says she still uses her Centennial education.
"Shopify is one of the most used platforms by fashion designers, so I give business advice daily," she says. "Someone may, for example, want to launch a clothing line but they have no idea where to start. The business knowledge I share with them comes directly from Centennial."
Since 2021, Feitosa has also been back at the College as a Program Advisory Committee (PAC) member. Feitosa and her fellow PAC members examine Centennial’s fashion business management curriculum to ensure it is current. The opportunity allows her to give back to a program that she says helped to launch her career in Canada.
"The suggestions we offer as a PAC are as specific or as broad as is needed," says Feitosa. "The overall point is to ensure the program remains relevant and continuously strengthen its content. To students entering the program, I would say to be open to all possibilities and take the reins to find your place in this industry."
By: Izabela Shubair