Category Archives: Unconventional Minds

Interviewing your Interviewer

Hi everyone,

I’ve written a lot about internships here, and I thought today I would talk about something I think is really important. When applying for jobs and internships, it can feel like you have to take whatever is offered to you. Reality is, whenever you are being interviewed for a position, you are also in essence interviewing them as well. If you are hired, you will be spending a significant amount of time working for and in the offices of the company and people who interview you. It’s important to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision on whether or not to take a position.

Just because you interview for a job does not mean you have to take it. I would not recommend taking an interview for a position you have no intention of accepting, but sometimes the only way to know if you would not want to work for a company is going through the entire process. Do not feel like you are “wasting their time” if you decline an offer after reviewing everything. Truthfully, taking something you are not actually interested in is a disservice not only to you, but to the company as the likelihood you leave or dislike the work is very high. If you do take a position that is less than desirable to you, at least you will go in knowing the choice you have made and make the best of it.

So what does it mean to interview the company too? I would take into consideration the things that matter most to you. Do you want room to grow? Ask what opportunities might be available to you after 6 months or a year. Do you want to be out of work in time for class? Ask when people typically pack up for the day. I always ask “why do you like working for xyz company?” and “how long have you worked here?” It shows the company culture – and it can show a lot about what people think of it! I also ask what a typical day looks like – is it email heavy? Full of meetings? Depends on the season? It helps get a gauge on what to expect. Depending on the job function it can be good to also ask what you might be responsible for.

Additionally, it can help to gather information online too. Google the company, look at Glassdoor reviews, see what they post on LinkedIn. Something I personally find really important is liking the products I work on for the company. Especially in Product Development, what you work on can greatly impact what you do. Also, I enjoy working on things I’d want to wear. More fun that way!

Asking lots of questions along all steps of the process can help you best decide whether a position is a match for you or not. Go in with an open mind, but know your deal breakers and ideals!

What do you ask during job interviews?

Sam

Becoming a Part Time Student

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

 

FIT Career Fair

Hi Everyone!

Career and Internships fair in full swing!

This week FIT had its biannual Career Fair, hosted by our Career and Internships Services!  This was my first time going but I was surprised by how many employers were there, and by the amount of students as well.  It was totally worth going to, and I wish I had printed more resume copies to take with!
I found that while booths like Micheal Kors and Saks 5th Avenue got long lines, it was a great chance to talk to companies that are more “behind the scenes” in the industry.  I enjoyed speaking to Haddad Brands, Centric and Li and Fung, all companies that produce products for major brands like Nike and LEVI’s.  The list of attending companies gets sent out ahead of time, so it is a great chance to look up companies you might not have heard of before.
FIT gives a great education, but opportunities like this are what makes attending here really worth it!  Getting to speak to HR recruiters for your field is a great chance to hear about opportunities and internships you might not have otherwise.
What companies would you like to meet at our career fair?
Sam

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

Welcome 1st Year Students!

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