Hometown: Miami Beach, FL
Degree: Fashion Marketing
Abril Valdes set her sights on building a career in fashion marketing and made the move from sunny Miami Beach to bustling New York City to attend LIM College. As a transfer student, she was met with supportive staff dedicated to setting her up for success.
Describe your academic journey before starting at LIM.
Fashion was something I have always wanted to pursue, but I was unsure of how to get into it, since I knew no one in the industry. I was a Presidential Scholar at Miami Dade College, where I was able to network and connect with many talented individuals, in addition to realizing what I wanted to pursue for my bachelor's.
The class I enjoyed the most in my first year of college was Social Media Marketing. It made me realize that for my fashion career, I want to go down the marketing route. Once I researched LIM College's Fashion Marketing program, I was set on spending the next few years in New York City to maximize my fashion experience by interning in the field and learning firsthand from professors who are fashion professionals.
What was it like when you first connected with LIM as a potential transfer student?
When I first came to the school for a transfer student event, everyone was so welcoming and excited for me to attend. They shared useful information, from financial services to transfer credit evaluations. From that day forward, I already felt like LIM was the best choice for me!
What did you study at Miami Dade? Did it help smooth the academic transition to LIM?
I focused on taking a few business and marketing classes. Knowing I was about to transfer to a fashion business school in New York, it really helped me get a head start on certain requirements and allowed me to focus more on my core fashion classes at LIM.
What internships have you completed as an LIM student?
I was a social media intern with Lelet NY, a luxury hair accessory company. It was a great first internship because I was surrounded by an amazing team who taught me the ropes of how marketing a business works, from creating content to e-commerce. I got the chance to be hands-on with social media management, photoshoots, and even get behind-the-scenes content at a fashion show. They asked me to continue through the summer as a social media and e-commerce intern, which I was absolutely thrilled about!
Last fall, I joined the Tanya Taylor team as a PR, influencer marketing, and e-commerce intern. I learned so much about how PR works, collaborations with influencers/stylists, and event planning. Once again, assisting the team in a variety of tasks made me polish my skills and be better equipped for future jobs.
What are your career goals and how is LIM helping you work toward those?
I would love to work in influencer marketing, digital marketing, or brand management after college. With LIM’s classes, I have gained so much knowledge that could help me tackle any challenges I might face in a future job, and I have even been able to build a portfolio to showcase my skills to employers.
What’s it like studying fashion and marketing in the heart of New York City?
Being in this city to study fashion marketing is amazing. You get to experience once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, such as volunteering at NYFW, brand pop-ups, or new exhibitions. All these events and experiences mold you and inspire you for your future projects.
What advice would you offer to other students considering transferring to LIM?
Be ready to put yourself out there and create meaningful connections with your professors. Attend employer meet-and-greets and info sessions the school hosts and do your best to prepare yourself for when it comes to applying for positions! The school has so many resources, such as Career and Internship Services, to help you succeed with applications, interview preparations, and resume reviews. These services are free and easy to utilize, so take advantage of them!