Home city: Bangalore, India
Program: Fashion Merchandising and Retail Management
Coming from India, Jessy has been surrounded by a diverse and inclusive environment at LIM College. Exploring New York and everything it has to offer, Jessy is now earning her master’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and Retail Management. Through exercising the CPT (Curricular Practical Training) benefit available to F-1 students, she is a Merchandising Intern at Salvatore Ferragamo.
What has your experience at LIM College been like?
Attending LIM as an international student has been enriching and transformative! The college has allowed me to interact with students from various cultural backgrounds, fostering a well-rounded global perspective. The faculty and staff at LIM are highly supportive, providing resources and guidance to help international students navigate academic and personal challenges. Additionally, being in the vibrant city of New York has exposed me to the heart of the fashion industry, offering invaluable networking and internship opportunities.
Please describe your internship at Salvatore Ferragamo.
My internship at Salvatore Ferragamo has been a dream come true! As a Merchandising Intern, I've had the privilege of working closely within a renowned luxury brand. My responsibilities include assisting in the assortment planning process, working on SS 2024 look books, conducting market research, working on competitive price analyses, and analyzing sales data to make informed merchandising decisions. I've also collaborated with cross-functional teams, gaining insights into the entire product lifecycle.
How did your academic experience prepare you for the work you're currently doing?
LIM College has played a pivotal role in preparing me for my internship. The coursework in my Fashion Merchandising and Retail Management program provided a strong foundation in merchandising principles, trend analysis, and retail strategy. Additionally, the practical, hands-on approach to learning at LIM, including case studies, group projects, and industry guest speakers, gave me the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a real-world fashion environment.
Also, LIM’s Career & Internship Services played a pivotal role in helping me secure this internship by offering resume workshops, interview coaching, and connecting me with industry contacts.
Why is taking advantage of the CPT (Curricular Practical Training) benefit for international students important?
OPT (Optional Practical Training) and CPT (Curricular Practical Training) are invaluable benefits for international students studying in the U.S. These benefits are crucial for international students like me because they provide an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting. The practical experience gained not only enhances our skillset but also makes us more competitive in the job market.