Having earned her BBA in Fashion Merchandising from LIM in 2008, Kristina Chu DeJesus now works as Associate Director of Product Development for Anne Klein Footwear. Here, she talks about the academic learnings and industry experiences that were part of her college journey, and which led her to where she is today in her career.
Home City: Great Neck, NY
Program: Fashion Merchandising, BBA
Current Position: Associate Director of Product Development, Anne Klein Footwear
How did you decide on LIM College for your bachelor’s degree?
I chose LIM because I knew I wanted more than just a degree; I wanted a clear path into the fashion industry, and LIM is where creative minds learn how to turn their passion into a career. Choosing LIM was about setting myself up for the future I had always dreamed of.
What was your academic experience at LIM like?
From day one, it felt like I had stepped into a professional studies program, not just a school. Every project, every internship, every conversation was building towards something. The professors were industry pros with firsthand knowledge, sharing real experiences that brought the fashion business to the classroom. Classes were more than lectures—they were hands-on training for what I could see myself doing in the industry.
Can you say specifically how LIM helped prepare you for your current profession?
LIM paved the way for my professional journey by providing a strong foundation in both the business and creative aspects of fashion. The coursework was deliberately designed to provide students with skills they needed to succeed, from business strategies to problem-solving skills. Beyond the classroom, the hands on experience, and internships I gained at LIM gave me the confidence to navigate my career.
What internships did you complete?
Many! Throughout my studies, I had the opportunity to intern with Chanel, Chloé, the Cynthia O’Connor & Company showroom, Laurel Denise, and Corinne McCormack. Each experience offered unique insights into different facets of the industry. For my Senior Co-op, I interned at Chanel as a RTW sales intern, which greatly deepened my understanding of luxury retail, client relationships, and brand strategy.
Each internship not only shaped my career aspirations but also set me up for a bright and confident future.
Please tell us about your current job role with Anne Klein Footwear. What does it entail?
As Associate Director of Product Development, I work closely with cross-functional teams, international factories and key retail partners to turn creative concepts into finished products that meet our brand’s standards. My job features a mix of creativity, strategy, and problem solving, with a focus on four key areas:
- Project Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration: I keep development timelines on track, align teams, and problem solve to keep things moving smoothly.
- Design Operations: I manage the design calendar, communicate daily with factories, source materials and oversee showroom samples.
- Sales & Customer Engagement: I work closely with retailers to fulfill special requests, confirm materials and coordinate style-out samples to ensure we deliver exactly what customers want.
- Production Management: I ensure our production specs are accurate, approve bulk materials, and source cost-effective alternatives without compromising quality.
What advice would you give to someone who wants a career in your field one day and is considering LIM for their college education?
LIM provides you with professional skills you need to achieve your dream career. Be sure to immerse yourself in every opportunity to learn, grow and connect!
As for the footwear industry, creativity, innovation, and networking are key. Never stop learning, and always be open to new ideas and methods. It is important to evolve with the needs of the customer, as that’s what will keep you relevant and successful. Hard work and determination will set you apart, but always remember to find joy in the process.