Tommy Hilfiger did it. So did Vera Wang. But becoming a designer takes more than just an eye for fashion.

Drive, determination and versatility are essential to break into this industry, according to Dr. Connie Ulasewicz, assistant professor of the Apparel Design and Merchandising department at SF State.

“There is no one best way,” said Ulasewicz, who has been in the business for 29 years. “But you must learn a lot of skills.”

While drawing, sketching and creating textiles remain the basis of this trade, relying on these skills may only take you so far.

A background in economics to capture the business side, sociology to find out what people like and communications to enhance people skills are a few examples of how well-rounded a student who wants to go into the fashion and merchandising business must be, said Ulasewicz.

The advantage of acquiring many skills is so you can apply them to the many different facets of apparel design and merchandising. This in turn will help provide students with different lenses for looking at the fashion industry.

Dr. Ulasewicz emphasizes the importance of a college degree. The Syracuse University alumna values her bachelor’s degree in textiles and education.

“If I didn’t have my education then I wouldn’t be here,” she said. “You need it all. If you want to love what you’re doing, you have to be versatile.”

A manager-in-training at the retail store, Club Monaco, and SF State student plans to use her degree to her advantage.

“I’m hoping that with my degree, I will be awarded,” said Minh Tran, 23, an apparel design and merchandising senior. “I will stand out from the rest.”

Although the preparation in courses offered such as an internship class, textiles laboratory and fashion merchandising and buying may sharpen one’s skills, students must prepare for the hardships and realities of this business.

“Being a ‘designer’ doesn’t mean you’ll have your name on it,” Ulasewicz said. “That’s the biggest disappointment students have to deal with. To those who don’t anticipate it, face challenges.”

Dr. Ulasewicz experienced this firsthand at her first job in the industry at Esprit, a worldwide clothing brand.

“There was an understanding that it was my name under Esprit’s name,” she said. “You have to be a team player.”

Communicating – verbally, in writing and sketching – and learning to work with other people is another tip that Ulasewicz stresses.

One of her senior apparel design and merchandising students agrees.

“Many of our classes require group activities and assignments,” said Melissa van Velthuysen, 24, a style consultant for Metropark. “Learning to deal with different personalities and schedules has made me more patient and understanding toward work (in this industry).”

A different issue students must deal with is how fast paced the job and the lifestyle career is.

“There’s a lot of pressure and you need to stay current,” said Ulasewicz. “You need to grasp the concept of working hard, long hours. It’s always evolving.”

Duygu Ergenekon, 25, already feels the pressure of creating original merchandise.

“It’s very competitive,” the apparel and design student said. “You have to be good and creative, so that you can stand out.”

She recommends students find internships, small manufacturers, read newspapers and check Craigslist constantly for new fads, trends, ideas and jobs so that they can gain more experience.

“The internship class gives me opportunities to work for different companies,” said van Velthuysen. “Internships will benefit my career and help me learn different parts of the industry. Also I can show potential employers how diverse, flexible and able I am.”

Ulasewicz is the owner of the company, GarmentoSpeak, which can help students turn their design ideas into profit. It provides consulting in developing a line, manufacturing trends and service to start up turnaround companies nationally and internationally.

“I work with many people there, so I can hook students up,” said Ulasewicz. “It’s a very realistic process.”

But a ‘hook up’ doesn’t guarantee money. That is just another obstacle students may face when they are hired.

“Salaries are going to be low,” Ulasewicz said. “But if you’re good and you want it, then you will be OK.”

She remains optimistic for the students who will be completing the program at SF State, yet reminds students that it’s a small industry.

“It’s a challenge, but worth the fight,” said Ulasewicz. “Don’t close doors without opening a window.”

For more information on GarmentoSpeak, visit www.GarmentoSpeak.com