By the time I graduated high school, I was ready and excited to make the move across the country to attend Syracuse University. Having been so consumed with my training as a competitive figure skater up until my senior year of high school, I did not have the opportunity or time to really explore my academic aspirations as many of my classmates had. So, when time came to apply for college and choose a major, I was a bit lost. At the time, all I knew was that I wanted to find something that I could feel as passionate about as ice skating. I actually ended up choosing the Whitman School completely randomly when submitting my application, and it worked out perfectly.
After taking my first introduction to business class, I knew I had chosen the right school. But, I still didn’t know what exactly it was that I wanted to do within business. The first two years at Whitman, I went to as many career fairs and networking events as possible to speak with recruiters from all different industries and fields to see what would be the best fit for me. After taking my first supply chain and marketing classes during my sophomore year, I immediately decided on those two majors. I felt that supply chain would put my analytical mind to work, while marketing would help me express my creative side—making a perfect combination.
I chose to use supply chain and marketing to actually pursue a future in the fashion retail industry after speaking to recruiters from companies like Macy’s, Kohls and TJX Companies. Then, upon completing a summer internship for inventory management with Lucky Brand Jeans in Los Angeles, I was positive that this was the path I wanted to take. It was exciting to me that I could actually apply the concepts that I was learning in my supply chain and marketing classes to the work I was doing for Lucky Brand.
It wasn’t until the summer before my senior year while interning for Macy’s Inc. that I realized I wanted to combine my passion for retail and sustainability—or that it was even an option. Last summer, I worked on a project that would help Macy’s expand its sustainability initiatives and presented a full business plan on a potential environmentally sustainable clothing line. Throughout this process, I discovered that sustainability in the fashion apparel industry is a segment that is largely overlooked, though I strongly believe it deserves much more attention. I am very excited to continue my career here at Macy’s, and I am constantly exploring more opportunities to work in sustainability in the fashion retail industry.
When I first started at Syracuse University, I was unsure if I made the right decision. Now, looking back, I know I made the perfect decision as it led me to where I am now.
- Remembrance Scholar: Kenny Buckner - October 4, 2018
- Alumni of the Week: Alexandria Lee ’15 - October 9, 2015