Part Time Jobs

Hi everyone!

Now that you’ve settled into school some, you might be considering getting a part time job! I’m a big advocate for working , whether it be a side hustle or folding clothes at the local retail shops. Not only can you learn a few skills, but seemingly small jobs can lead to big things!

Freshman year when I started at FIT I applied to work for Madewell as a sales associate. I ended up working there for a little over a year, and met some really cool people, some of whom I still keep in touch with today! The hours worked around my class schedule, and it was walking distance from my dorm. Earning money was a big help in NYC, where everything costs so much compared to living at home in the suburbs. But more than that, it helped serve as another educational experience and resume builder- all while getting paid.

Understanding retail has really helped in my schoolwork and internships- I am wary of feathers (they always seem to fall off in the stock room) and I got to see which styles got consistently passed up due to fit issues. Little things like these have helped a lot when working on development of garments.

More than that, I had the pleasure of interning at Madewell corporate offices this summer. My year spent at the store definitely gave me a leg up in the applications process, and was incredibly useful working on the production and development as I already had some product knowledge.

As one of my internship class professors at FIT told me, the opposite of networking is not working! If you have the time, I would really recommend a part-time job. FIT has services for students to find internships and jobs – out Career and Internship Services office is available to current students and alumni!

Where do you want to work? Let me know!
Sam

“What do you want to do after school?”

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After sitting through my first week of classes this year, the professors always seem to ask us “what do you want to do after school?” While this question also exists outside of the classroom, I think it’s especially important in school. Trying to decide what to do with your career and life can be incredibly challenging – and chances are you won’t figure it out for a long time. I know I change my mind all the time. But I think one of the best things you can do for yourself – and for your professors – is to have an answer for when they ask you what you want to do.

FIT professors are really passionate about helping you find your place in the industry, and part of that is them knowing what you’re interested in. They might have connections and know of internships that could give you insight into what you’re wanting to learn more about. When you answer this question, you aren’t signing a contract – you’re free to change your mind. The important thing is to stay curious and stay working towards a goal, even if that goal shifts.

I have been in class with essentially the same people for 3 years straight. And nearly every semester, they have to answer the question “what do you want to do after FIT?” I cannot think of a single student who has kept the same answer since freshman year. I know my answer has changed. College is a chance to learn about your strengths and weaknesses, about the industry you want to work in, about the work you might have to do. There’s nothing special about being stagnant in your aspirations – adapting and changing is part of growth!

So have an answer for the question – even if you’re unsure it’s really what you want to do. You can change your mind at any time.

What do you want to do after FIT? Leave a comment below!
Sam

Dorm Essentials

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Welcome FIT newcomers! Wether it’s your first year of school, or you’re transferring in, we’re happy you’re here! Hopefully you’re feeling more settled in, but if not here are some of my favorite dorm essentials you might not have thought of that helped make my first year at FIT so much better.

Reusable grocery bag

My personal favorite- the $1 Trader Joe’s plastic reusable bag- is incredibly versatile! Use it for laundry, use it for groceries, use it to carry plants, use it for moving. What’s nice about it is that it’s big enough to fit quite a bit, and easy to carry over your shoulder. There are many options other than the TJs one- but I like that it’s easy to wipe down in the sink. Even if a tote bag is organic cotton, the amount of water used to make it negates a lot of the benefits. Also, for messy tasks like taking home plants from the market, canvas totes have a tendency to stain. That’s why I’m a big fan of using and reusing a sturdy plastic tote shopping bag!

A personal light

When it comes to dorming it’s likely you’ll have a roommate or two – and everyone has different schedules. Having a small personal light can help for when your roomie needs some rest but you need to see. I personally suggest every night turning off the overheard lights before bed and you and your roommate having a non-intrusive personal light to read or do homework by. That way when one wants to call it a night, they can flip off their light without inconveniencing the other.

A fan for white noise

It depends on your roommates preference, but if they don’t mind a bit of white noise a fan can really help at night. Dorm rooms are small and every little noise can bother each other. Fans help drown out the little things that might inhibit sleep, and the airflow is always a good thing!

Simple cleaning supplies

Yes, it can be hard to keep things clean – but I have found that having cleaning supplies I like makes the job tolerable. I love the way my all-purpose cleaner smells, and it makes cleaning a lot more relaxing. Giving your space a quick wipe down every week keeps any mess from becoming a Mess. By using products you like and find fun it doesn’t feel like as much of a chore.

Bedding from home

This might not be possible – say if you have a queen at home your sheets won’t fit a twin xl – but bringing your pillow from home and your personal sheets or comforter does help ease the transition to a new space. While it’s tempting to buy a whole new room set in the back to school frenzy, that little bit of home can be pretty comforting.

Those are my top essentials – have any others? Let me know in the comments!

Sam

Welcome 1st Year Students!

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Hi everyone!

Welcome back – or if it’s your first year at FIT, welcome! I know it is a big transition going from high school to college, so I have a few (FIT specific) tips!

Make friends in your major

Of course don’t limit yourself to your major, but having a few people whom you can talk to about classes, homework and major related things has been probably the most important thing I’ve done. Especially in small majors (my program, Production Management, has 50 student a year roughly) knowing the people you’ll be spending the next 2 to 4 years with helps! It’s also a key part of networking. These classmates are your peers now, and also after you graduate- you might be working with them some day. Even just knowing peoples names and being friendly can help you and them out a lot.

Take a walk

You’re in NYC! If you didn’t grow up here, and even if you did, there is so much to see and do! Check out Hudson Yards, check out the floral district, check out Madison Square Park. Walk the Highline, stroll Chelsea Piers. There’s so much to see in a 15 block radius.

Poke around campus

It took me way too long to find the student lounge at school- I wish I had walked around the halls more and seen what areas for students there are. Sometimes it’s hard to know what happens in buildings where your classes aren’t. There is even a bridge between the library and the main classrooms on campus. Don’t be like me and find all the good spots your last year! Enjoy them all 4.

Looking forward

Think you might want to be an RA? Now is a great time to start the process! Talk to your RA and find out what steps you’d need to take – there are some long lead time requirements so it is important to understand them if you think this is something you’d want to do. The process starts earlier than you’d think, so start exploring the option now if you’re interested!

Enjoy your first year at FIT, and don’t be afraid to invest in yourself. Make time to study, make friends at your pace, and enjoy what the city has to offer. There is no “right” way to be an FIT student – we’re all unconventional students following our uncommon goals!

See you around campus,

Sam

Commuting to School

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Hello Everyone,

Just ten days until Orientation week at FIT!

I will be directing this post to all my fellow classmates that are new to commuting……Yes you! To those who come from all 5 boroughs of New York City. Why? Well, I myself commuted from Queens since the very first semester, and, understand all of what one might go through when trying to get to school. So, for those of you who are new to commuting here are some tips:

Leave from your starting point 10-15 minutes earlier than needed. Don’t always trust your GPS! It is a very useful tool; however, it may not be accurate all the time.
Have a backup route that you can also count on.
Take an express train if possible.
Be at the station a few minutes earlier than what train schedule shows.
Be aware of your surrounding!
Avoid busy and touristic stations, try transferring before or even after.

Let me tell you, the NYC subway is all about finding tricks for a better commute. These are just a few tricks that can be useful to make sure you aren’t running late for class. It is also very important to stay safe! Most of the time I love jamming to my favorite tunes and forget to be watchful of what’s going on around me, but this shouldn’t be, especially if it’s late at night.

What are some of your tips for commuting?

– Maria