Author Archives: Samantha

Becoming a Part Time Student

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Hi everyone,

It’s my last week of being a full time college student!  My last semester, Spring 2020, I will be only taking 2 classes at FIT.  I’m really excited to have more time in my schedule to work, and start a full time job hopefully.

During my last few years at FIT I had tried to stack classes and knock out as much as possible, and as I looked at my upcoming classes needed for senior year I realized I could be part time my last semester.  Full time is 12+ credits, typically 4 or so classes, and part time is 11 and a half credits a semester and below.  Instead of paying a lump sum for a semester, part time students pay per credit taken.  Next semester I have two classes, which are 6 credits total.  I had done a lot of classes ahead so if I needed to make anything up to graduate on time I could, but the side benefit of paying less this last semester is pretty sweet.

This option isn’t for everyone (some scholarships and aid require you to be full time), but for me it worked out perfectly and I am excited for the flexibility it brings.  If I get hired at a company I am able to work full time.  It will be nice to cushion the transition from college to working after graduation.  And who needs free time anyways?

At the end of the day, I think it’s always important to be looking for ways to help yourself!  Wether it is taking extra classes, spacing out classes, getting tough subjects for you out of the way, or taking a semester off, see how you can make your college experience the best for YOU.

Sam

 

Internship Class at FIT

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Hi everyone!

Ever wonder what it is like taking the internship class at FIT? I have done it twice (once in my Associates degree and once in Bachelors), and will share a bit about it below!

Why take the internship class?
In New York State, work must be compensated. This means that you either need to be paid or receive credit in exchange for the work you do at an internship.

Receiving pay at an internship might take some advancement in your career or academics (they are more competitive) which leaves interning for credit as the usual starting place for some students. My first official internship was unpaid, which meant I had to take the FIT internship class to receive school credit while I did it. I had to work my part time job on the side, so it wasn’t ideal, but having it on my resume really did help me land future paid positions so I think it was a worthy tradeoff.

How do you get the internship?
Once registering for the class, you will meet with your internship counselor. This person will help you find a position and fill out the appropriate paperwork, but at the end of the day you will do all the legwork of applying, interviewing and co-ordinating. This is all part of the learning process too in my opinion, as it is pretty similar to what it’s like when you apply for a job outside of school. I’m a big fan of the FIT database of internships though, as it narrows down the field to companies looking to hire YOU!

What do you learn?
As you are required to spend 121 cumulative hours (this does vary depending on the exact internship class) on the “job site,” the actual class itself only meets 6 times over the semester as a touch base and career development opportunity. This means you spend about 10 hours a week (roughly a day and a half, but some people do more) at the office you intern in, and every third week or so you have the class.

In those 6 class meetings, you go over things like office etiquette, interviewing tips, resume workshops and sometimes have guest speakers. The instructor also has your back at your internship – if anything goes wrong, FIT can step in and help make things right. However this is rare and more insurance that you have a good experience than anything else.

Is it worth it?
Well, if your degree requires it, yes! And even if it doesn’t, taking the class can help you better determine what you are interested in while you are still in school, so after graduation you have a better picture of what you really want to do. Working for “free” can be tough sometimes, but it also forced me to try and get the most out of it possible. I asked lots of questions, did lots of snooping, and got a better idea of what actually happens in an office. Also, earning 3 credits while working was a fun change from instead sitting a classroom three hours a week for a semester.

Overall, the internship class at FIT was a good way to get my foot in the industry door, and gave me more confidence to search on my own. After interning my 4th semester (Sophomore year), I got an offer to intern at Guess in LA. I credit a lot of that to having the chance to add to my resume and improve my communication skills with the internship class. You never know what will lead to your next move!

Where do you want to intern?
Sam

Applying for Graduation

Hi everyone!

This week I applied for graduation from FIT! It has flown by, and also felt like a long time coming. It took only a minute on the online MyFIT portal to apply, which is strange after spending nearly four years working away at my degree.

My best friend from high school and I at Admitted Students Day in 2016!

I am excited to graduate in the spring, and look forward to closing out my final two classes. When I graduated high school, I would have never guessed the path my education and career would take. Little me would be so proud! From volunteering at a New York Fashion Week show to interning for a luxury brand, I would have never thought I’d get to experience these things.

It’s funny how after working fashion shows and being in the luxury environment, I’ve definitely felt more pulled toward a more “apparel” and less “fashion” focus. It’s something I didn’t know when I was in high school, and is a good reminder to keep an open mind. When I started at FIT I thought I would become a buyer one day, but I’ve really enjoyed the path I am on to be on the producing side of things.

I have enjoyed the last three and a half years, and am definitely ready to wrap up my last half, as bittersweet as it may be!

Sam

Interviews, First Days & Events – What to Wear?

Hi everyone,

So you have a job interview, an event to dress up for, or even your first day at a new position! What to wear for these occasions can be just as stressful as actually going, so here are some tips for what to wear.

Fit the Brand/Event Energy
Going for an interview at LEVIs? Wear your jeans! Applying for retail? Dress the store style. Professional conference? Dress up. Even with more casual things like jeans, you can dress them up with black boots and a nice blouse. Do some research about the company or event so as to better dress the occasion. Sometimes if you can find photos from an event you can get a better idea of the dress code, or lack thereof.

Have Professional Pieces
There is really no one size fits all uniform, especially in fashion, but there are some things you have have in your closet that can make for a quick outfit for interviews that might pop up unexpectedly. I like having black boots, slacks, a blouse and a simple cardigan that I can grab for any weather, whenever. I would advise against buying something new for an interview, as you don’t know how it might fit and look. I have done this, and ended up fighting with a blouse for an entire event since I didn’t know how it would fit me.

Iron!
Or if you’re like me and hate to iron, try hanging the shirt in the bathroom while you shower. The heat will help release wrinkles. I’d advise against ordering a brand new shirt and waiting to take it out of the shipping plastic – those folding lines are hard to get out!

Be Comfortable.
While it’s great to put your best foot forward, if you aren’t used to wearing heels, it might not be the time to practice! Wearing flats or shoes with a heel you feel comfortable in can help when you might have first day jitters. You shouldn’t have to worry about tripping in brand new shoes. Also, stay true to yourself. Wear clothes that represent you in the best way possible.

Those are my tips for dressing for events, interviews and first-days! Remember that you feeling comfortable with the clothes you are wearing will make the biggest difference.

What do you wear to interviews? Comment below!
Sam

What do the Dorms at FIT Look Like?

Hi everyone!

This is a popular question – what do to the dorms at FIT look like?  FIT offers three “freshman” (for your first year attending FIT, whether or not it is your first year of college does not matter) dorms and one “upper classman” dorms (where you can live after the first year on 27th st).

When I dormed, my favorite part was definitely the distance from class!  FIT is essentially one city block, and the freedom to get out of bed 10 minutes before class and make it there with 5 to spare is pretty sweet.  Since classes are on the north side of 27th, and the freshman dorms on the south side, it takes moments to cross the street to get to school.  For sophomores and beyond, Kaufman Hall is located on 31st, right next to the new Hudson Yards mall and developments.  It is about a 12 minute walk but there is also a shuttle service for rainy days or for when you just need a lift.

You can learn more about FIT’s dorms here, on our website!

As for what the dorms look like inside, you can see one on a campus tour but the best way to really peek inside is on YouTube!  Many FIT students vlog about their student life, and show off how they decorated their dorms. Their videos are a lot easier to relate to than a staged room.  I would recommend researching on the FIT website which of the three halls might be best for you, and then searching youtube with the dorm hall name, and “dorm tour”.  For example, “FIT Nagler Hall dorm tour” will turn up loads of videos on how students before you made their dorm room home.

Which of our three entering students dorms are you interested in?  Let me know below!

Sam