Department of International Trade and Marketing (ITM)

                                                                                                                                          ITM's 10th Anniversary Video

ABOUT ITM

What degree does ITM offer?

The Department of International Trade for The Fashion Industries (ITM) offers a two-year Bachelor of Science in International Trade and Marketing degree. Currently, ITM does not have a lower division program, thus all incoming students join it with an earned Associate degree or a minimum of 60 credits. ITM also attracts students who have earned Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees.

What is ITM's mission?

ITM prepares students for entry-level managerial positions in international operations of fashion and related businesses, including import/export, legal and finance documentation, customs compliance, trade policies, management, marketing, sourcing, logistics, and international business ethics. Upon graduation students will be able to:
• Understand U.S. businesses’ need to expand internationally and the challenges of operating in ever changing international environments
• Know at least six areas of international business operations, their challenges and opportunities, and career opportunities
• Think critically and creatively
• Work effectively in multicultural teams and demonstrate a strong sense of professional, social, and ethical responsibility
• Communicate effectively in written, oral, and visual communication, using the most up-to-date technologies.

What is ITM's philosophy?

Our department’s philosophy is to provide a professional, industry-ready education with a global perspective, complemented by a solid liberal arts program. This philosophy is inspired by FIT’s mission of preparing “students for professional excellence in design, fashion and business by providing the premier educational experience that fosters creativity, career focus and global perspective.”

What does ITM teach?

ITM courses have been developed, and are continuously updated, to meet the evolving needs and standards of fashion companies conducting international business operations. Through continuous monitoring of current business practices, and with the feedback from advisory board members, internship sponsors, mentors, professional associations, students-contest sponsors, employers, and alumni, the department has developed eight teaching fields which, together, mirror the activities of a U.S. fashion firm conducting international transactions. ITM’s eight teaching fields are:

Who are the ITM faculty?

ITM faculty are experts in their fields and have strong connections with industry. They have at least ten years of professional experience in executive positions, have done business in many countries, and actively participate in international business and educational conferences including France, Thailand, Brazil, Bolivia, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Israel, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, Iceland, Hungary, Hong Kong, Nepal, Jordan, South Korea, China, Monaco, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Canada, and Guatemala.

ITM faculty are active members of professional organizations that serve their professions and industries, such as the Cotton Board, United States Association of Importers of Textile and Apparel, Continuing Education Association of New York, the Organization of Women in International Trade, Fashion Group International, Women’s Forum International as well as Custom Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association.

Where do ITM graduates work?

 In a recent survey, ITM graduates were found working as import/export managers, international buyers, policy analysts, currencies experts, marketing managers, editors in international publications, production management coordination, managing branches of international retail chains, university professors, etc. Their salaries range, depending on employment length and seniority, between $40,000 and $130,000. One-hundred percent of the surveyed graduates feel that ITM is an effective program and that it gave them a global perspective. See samples of ITM graduates' salaries.