Shortly after graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Fashion Merchandising, Leo was approached with an opportunity to join Christian Dior’s Corporate Trainee program. Two years later, he was promoted to Retail Analyst. Reflecting on his time at LIM, Leo credits his internships with putting his career on the fast track.
What’s happening in your career right now?
Lots! I recently celebrated my 2-year anniversary with Christian Dior Couture. I was recently promoted to Retail Analyst, East Region. I handle sales analysis, monthly business forecasting, and yearly target planning. I use data analysis to identify opportunities that will sustain and accelerate our brand's development and success. (Editor's note: In 2021, Leo was promoted again. This time to Business Development Manager.)
What made you choose LIM College?
I wanted to be in the fashion industry, but I knew I didn’t want to be a designer. I wanted to run a business, so naturally LIM was the best option for me. I loved that LIM required students to complete internships.
What internships did you do?
I did my retail internship as a Luxury Men’s Associate at Macy’s Herald Square. My corporate internship was at Marie Claire magazine, where I worked with the Creative Director and the Tech Editor. Finally, my Senior Co-op internship was at Salvatore Ferragamo in their Men’s Merchandising Department.
How did your LIM internships and courses work together to prepare you for your career?
My LIM courses helped me build a foundation of key industry skills that helped me exceed expectations in my internships. Being able to intern with influential fashion companies gave me the industry expertise I needed to hit the ground running in my career after graduation.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
My work is very numerical and requires a lot of focus. To reboot, I love spending free time outdoors. Travel is a passion of mine, so I always layer in vacation time throughout the year.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in your field?
Leverage internships to network and strengthen your resume. As an intern, you can discover what you like and what you don’t like. And to make yourself indispensable in a job, you need to become an expert and offer solutions to problems.