Over winter break I had the incredible opportunity to partake in Miami’s NYC: Fashion & Retail’s BIG Show study program. I chose to apply for this opportunity because I hope to pursue a future in retail and it sounded like an unbelievable experience. I was not wrong.
During this trip, I learned an astonishing amount about fashion and the retail industry within the 12 days I was in New York. As a group we visited, toured and talked with several different companies in the field. This provided the opportunity to engage with professionals and learn more about how their company-operated and differentiated themselves from others. Some of the companies we visited include…
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Fashion Snoops
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Eileen Fisher (Eileen Fisher Renew)
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Somoroff Studio
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Applied DNA Sciences
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Lane Bryant Design Studio
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MM LaFluer
We also did our fair share of touring and museum visiting. Attending the MET, FIT, and MAD museums was an aspect of the trip I enjoyed immensely. These experiences provided a window into the societal impacts on fashion and how fashion’s impact society. The trip leaders also took the time to arrange for us to see the broadway play A Westside Story, giving us time for relaxation and enjoyment. The trip is organized in a way that fully emerges you into the culture and lifestyle of New York. Providing desirable opportunities for you as a student and as a tourist.
Participating in Miami’s NYC: Fashion & Retail’s BIG Show program additionally allowed me to partake in the National Retail Federation’s 2020 Student Program. During this student program I was able to listen to the talks of successful individuals in the retail industry and gain insight to their perspectives and success stories. Some of the speakers that spoke at the NRF student program included…
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Macy’s chairman and CEO, Jeff Gennette
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Starbucks’ SVP and CMO, Emily Chang
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Petsmart’s CEO, J.K. Symancyk
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Levi Strauss & Co.’s, SVP and CCO, Kelly McGinnis
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Sephora’s Senior VP of Merchandising and Color, Alison Hahn
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KIND’s Founder and executive chairman, Daniel Lubetzky
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Former Chair and CEO Saks Inc., Steve Sadove
The NRF student program additionally offered break out sessions where you could hear a panel of employees discuss their experience and that company and how they operate. At the end of each breakout session, there was a Q&A that allowed students to engage with these successful individuals. Some of the companies that hosted breakout sessions were…
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Nordstrom
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Burlington
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Kohl’s
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Petsmart
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Walmart
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Amazon
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Dick’s Sporting Goods
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Home Depot
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Rent The Runway
The NRF student program additionally put together a career fair for their student participants. Students were able to talk and engage with a variety of companies. For some students, this event ended with internship and job offers. Some of the companies and brands that were present at the event included…
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Amazon
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Burlington
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H&M
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Dillard’s
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Macy’s
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Gap Inc.
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Belk
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Dick’s Sporting Goods
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Sephora
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Ross
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Nordstrom
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Walmart
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Wayfair
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L’Brands
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Home Depot
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TJX
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Petsmart
Through the NRF student program, I had the chance to apply for tours and talks of select companies. I was lucky enough to get accepted to Amazon and Ross. At Amazon, I toured their robotics center and learned about the astonishing innovations they are making in the field. During my time at Ross, I was able to participate in mock negotiation sessions with their buyers.
Miami’s NYC: Fashion & Retail’s BIG Show was an incredible opportunity for growth and professional development. I made valuable connections that I will be able to utilize in the future when looking for internship and job positions. In addition to learning a vast amount about the fashion and retail industry, I had a remarkable time touring and getting to know the city of New York. I highly recommend considering this program to any student who has an interest in the fashion or retail industry. I truly enjoyed my time within the program and had an overall eye-opening, beneficial, and unforgettable experience.