Hometown: Pennsauken, NJ
Major: Fashion Merchandising
Favorite Class: Applied Concepts in Merchandising
Career Goal: Fashion Director for a major retailer
The TJX Companies, Inc., is the leading off-price apparel and home fashions retailer in the U.S. and worldwide and was ranked 80 in the 2020 Fortune 500. T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods are among the stores TJX operates.
Why did you choose LIM?
Way before I was even thinking about college, I took weekend courses at LIM during high school, as I always wanted to work in fashion. I didn't know if I was going to pursue it because, like many people, I didn't realize fashion was actually a business with many roles. The high school courses were eye-opening to these possibilities, so I only applied to LIM and I got in!
What are some experiences and opportunities you’ve had since coming here?
I worked at New York Fashion Week, and I also worked with designers during Market Week. I’ve also met many industry leaders through the professional panels that LIM and BRAG host.
How did you secure your TJX internship?
I saw the summer product development internship at TJX posted on Handshake—our job and internship search platform. At first, I assumed that since I never worked in product development before, they would not even look at my application. However, to my surprise, I got a response to do a prerecorded interview. I felt super anxious recording myself and coming up with answers, but I sent it in.
I woke up the next day to find I had a second interview. When I spoke with the TJX product managers, I was super relaxed and showed my personality, thinking that if I didn't get the job, I’d completely understand. But that Monday, I got the job and was so excited.
What will you be doing in this internship?
I’ll be working under the direction of product managers and merchants in either apparel or home. In addition to learning about product development calendars and how they function, I will be learning the office price business model, reviewing samples received by vendors and assisting in feedback, and processing design creative based on current market trends.
What advice would you share with new students coming to LIM?
Be open to new experiences. I’ve changed my career goal many times, so don't let being focused on one thing stop you from taking an amazing opportunity that’s not exactly what you saw yourself doing.
When starting out, say yes to any role you can put on your resume and always stay connected with every person you meet in the industry. You never know where you next opportunity will be.