Seeking to advance the career he'd begun in fashion retail, without having an employment gap in his resume, Joey researched flexible master's programs with a focus on his current field and landed on LIM as the perfect fit. Through his Fashion Merchandising and Retail Management MPS program, he's upskilling in multiple facets of his professional work and leveraging LIM's network to create valuable new industry experiences and secure internship opportunities.
What made you choose LIM College to pursue your master’s?
I decided I wanted to pursue a graduate program after having started my career in fashion retail. I really wanted an education that would empower me to pursue professional opportunities while attending my courses, so there wouldn't be a big break in my resume. A one-year program was also ideal.
As I was looking at different options, from general MBA programs to schools that specialize in fashion education, LIM stood out immediately. This was the perfect program for those specifically interested in the business side of the fashion industry who are ambitious career seekers.
What has your academic experience been like? What are you learning?
My courses teach a good mix of hard and soft skills. Proficiency in retail math and data analytics is a must in the merchandising field, so my courses in Merchandising Metrics, Advanced Spreadsheet Modeling, and Technology in Fashion Merchandising have been among my favorites. Fashion Retail Management and Fashion Merchandising offer experience in public speaking, presentations, and collaboration, while offering insight on the most important skills, the terminology, and the day-to-day life of a fashion merchandising professional.
More than anything, I am enjoying the hands-on industry experiences in and out of the classroom. I have gotten to work on projects for the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, visit showrooms, and meet industry professionals. LIM’s courses encourage you to take what you're learning and apply it in real time while also building your network.
Are there specific ways in which these networking opportunities are helping you advance your career?
Through my Fashion Merchandising course in my first semester, I had the opportunity to visit an apparel and home goods showroom. I was able to leverage this experience into an internship during my second semester. Through LIM’s strong industry network, I've also secured a paid merchandise planning internship at ROSS Stores this summer.
What's it like studying the fashion business in New York City?
New York is where fashion happens. Having hands-on experiences in this city has helped me better understand the direction I want my career to go. You have the opportunity to visit showrooms, attend networking events, and volunteer in fashion events that you can’t get anywhere else. Not only has the in-person experience helped me progress in my career, but it’s also incredibly fun to study fashion in the fashion capital!
Anything else you'd like to add?
Coming from a brick and mortar retail background, finding work wholesale and corporate was challenging prior to coming to LIM. But this school's strong reputation, courses, and industry network has given me an autonomy over my career that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. In such a competitive job market, furthering your education with LIM’s Marcuse School of Graduate Studies will set you apart from the pack!