Many University of Delaware students are interested in a career in the world of fashion. To support these students, UD’s Career Services Center, in conjunction with the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies, held the first annual Fashion Meet-Up on March 21 at the Trabant University Center.

Twenty employers representing a wide array of apparel industry executives and companies and almost 250 students were present for an evening of networking and learning.

To kick off the event, an hour-long panel discussion brought a standing-room-only crowd to learn more about the apparel industry and specifically how to better prepare for internships, interviews and job hunting. The panel consisted of Chelsea Allen, a UD alumna who is a buyer for South Moon Under; Kaley Polhill, college recruiter for Ross Stores; Jami Dunbar, vice president for apparel and virtualization at Lighthouse-Under Armour; and Paula Zusi, an alumna who is global operations adviser for Advent International. The moderator was Stacey Charbin, an alumna who is chief marketing officer for Centric Software.

Panelists discussed their career paths, best practices in preparing for interviews, most common mistakes that applicants make and other relevant topics. Students had time at the end to ask questions of the panelists.

A networking session followed with 20 employers from the industry attending. Companies such as Nike, Under Armour, Lilly Pulitzer, The Children’s Place, South Moon Under and URBN (Urban Outfitters) represented major brands that hire across all areas of fashion. Employers from retail were represented including Nordstrom, Ross Stores, Target, Burlington Stores and Kohl’s Corporation. Blooming Boutique (with 10 stores in Delaware) discussed entrepreneurial opportunities and potential internships with interested students.

Students had the chance to meet with representatives from areas of the industry that included everything from start-ups like Cass and Crew to television giant QVC. Wholesale companies Castlewood Apparel and Delta Galil provided students with insights into this industry segment, while FashInvest, Fair Labor Association, EDITED and Michel Marie PR stepped in to furnish students with an overview of private equity, social responsibility oversight, data analysis and public relations career paths.

One student commented, “It was an easy way to meet people in the industry. All employers were extremely helpful and willing to speak with the students. They were knowledgeable and gave good advice.”