Students and alumni gathered to enjoy an informative yet inspiring event about how to develop a fashion brand and get started in the industry.
Students joined in the Grand Salon and the panelists at the event. The speakers, who were CSUN alumni provided assistance and information about the industry.
Representatives from Guess? Inc. and True Religion spoke about their personal experience and the best tips they had to use in the industry.
The event was created for students who are interested in styling, designing and merchandising. Students with majors outside of fashion attended to get insight on the business aspect of the field.
Senior apparel design and merchandising major Naikea Ward said it’s important that the fashion companies practice sustainability.
“Sustainability is more than just a trend. I think it’s something that were going to have to go towards,” Ward said. “As you know, California is in a drought and we have to find ways to conserve and conserve. I was interested to know what they had to say about that.”
The panelists shared important tools and knowledge about different ways to expand personal connections. They said that networking is an essential key to be successful in any field.
Merchandise Planner of True Religion and Consumer Affairs and Apparel Merchandising Professor, Richard Cheng, said that social media is one way to find jobs and internships. He specifically mentioned the social media site LinkedIn, one of the best ways to connect with the right people and possibly expanding your title and resume.
“When it comes to LinkedIn, it is your chance to market yourself [and] what you can offer,” Cheng said.
He explained the importance of another beneficial site called Glassdoor. This job website where people can submit their resume and see the different paying rates in their field of interest.
“When your on Glassdoor, for example, you can tell the employers what range of experience you have and what salary levels your expecting,” Cheng said. “I would recommend everyone, before you go on any job interviews, go on Glassdoor and figure out exactly what the pay is. Maybe that pay level is not what you’re looking for.”
Angela Melero, senior editor of L’Oreal’s Makeup.com, told students how important it is to show your individuality in your work.
“I think with our generation, there’s this common sentiment that you have to fake it until you make it and have this over confidence, almost cocky attitude to get your foot in the door and have people take you seriously,” Melero said. “And I think for me, yes is it important to be confident, but I also feel it is important to be humble and to admit that you’ve got a lot to learn.”
Members of the CSUN Alumni Association hosted the student event. The Alumni Association provides students with mentorship and information on how to get students connected in their field after college.
