Hometown: Sparta, NJ
Degree: Fashion Marketing
As an undergraduate at Montclair State University, Andrew was drawn to the energy of New York City. Seeking a college to transfer to, he found LIM the perfect place to continue his marketing education with a focus on fashion. Through hands-on experience at Brooks Brothers, in both retail and corporate roles, Andrew has fused his passion for fashion and marketing to lay the groundwork for a successful career.
Tell us about your academic journey and what eventually brought you to LIM.
I started my undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing at Montclair State, but I always knew I wanted to be in NYC. LIM was a perfect transfer school for me, as I was able to continue my education in Marketing, but with a concentration in fashion. Likewise, I appreciated that the school encouraged me to work and be an active member of the industry.
What was the process of transferring to LIM like?
The transfer process was truly seamless. Communicating with the college about my transfer credits, financials, and new academic plan was always easy, making me fully prepared for my first semester.
What’s it like studying fashion and marketing in the heart of New York City?
As a commuter for both class and work/internships, I've always spent my time here hustling to build my knowledge and experience. Whether you are volunteering at New York Fashion Week, interning, or working at a retail store, you're guaranteed to make impactful connections that will influence the next steps in your career. At LIM, your career starts on day one, not after you graduate.
What internship have you completed as an LIM student?
During my first semester at LIM, I began working as a Visual Associate at Brooks Brothers, which I used to fulfill my internship requirement. The following summer, I served as a Visual Merchandising Intern at Brooks Brothers’ headquarters. These experiences allowed me to gain valuable insights into the retail side of visual merchandising, including creating engaging window displays and floor set presentations. At the corporate level, I was exposed to the development stages and the B2B communications involved in merchandising.
For my Senior Co-op, I worked as an Assistant Buyer Intern, where I gained hands-on experience with a high-volume retailer in the off-price sector of the apparel industry. This role helped me develop the skills necessary to become a successful merchant.
What were some of your favorite LIM classes?
Some of my favorite classes at LIM include Fabric for Fashion, Fashion Styling, Marketing Analytics, and Finance. Something I will always love about LIM is that I was able to build a niche skill set and plethora of knowledge across various areas of the industry, while learning key competencies to work in any business environment.
How is LIM helping you work toward your career goals?
My LIM internships in visual merchandising at Brooks Brothers have had me working in both creative and financial/analytical fields, so I am set up to go out and find Visual Merchandiser, Assistant Buyer, or Associate Account Executive roles!