In the chaos of New York City rush hour, one very busy woman races through the bustling streets on her commute home from the Marc Jacobs office. As she eventually sat down on a bench to answer some of my burning questions, I thought about the many students who shared my curiosity but, like me, do not always have the resources to answer them.

For a lot of us, it is that time of year when we are searching for more and preparing for what’s to come. Whether you are a sophomore deciding on a study abroad destination, a junior hunting for summer internships, or even a senior searching for jobs after graduation. We all share a similar struggle. 

Considering how guarded the fashion industry is, unfortunately, we do not always have the connections to offer us the insight we crave. But thankfully, we do have Katelyn Nguyen. 

Nguyen is a 2024 merchandising and marketing graduate of the Kent State School of Fashion. Soon after crossing the stage, she moved to New York City and went on to work in production at Marc Jacobs. The fast-paced and ever-changing fashion industry allows for no one day to ever be the same for Nguyen. She spends some of her time talking to vendors, working with different cross-functional teams such as product development, design and merchandising, along with her many other responsibilities. She plays a vital role in the process, as production is often the last stage before the famous Marc Jacobs bags and accessories are released to the public. She oversees the whole process, getting the products from point A to Z. Although she loves her current position, Nguyen did not always know working in production was an option. 

At times, our fashion curriculum can be a little black and white, but with the freedom to explore different avenues post-grad, Nguyen found herself drawn to the triumphs and challenges of working in logistical problem-solving. 

As a student, the fear of falling into a field we don’t love riddles too many of us. There is so much to explore within the fashion industry, and so many jobs to do, how could we possibly pick one path at 18? 

Nguyen suggests looking into different fashion roles as a student and capitalizing on resources. Merchandising and design are such broad terms, and it is important to take it upon yourself to explore the many different fashion roles you can pursue. 

“If students took time to explore what they could potentially be interested in and … learn more about that … then take that knowledge and apply to an internship under that role,” said Nguyen. It will alleviate that feeling … post-grad where you’re so desperate for a job but you don’t want to settle.”

Preparation settles anxiety that plagues our minds and, at times, causes unwanted thoughts of doubt. A few things Nguyen did to prepare for the big transition from college in Kent to building a career in New York was doing her study away in the city. 

New York City is often yet understandably over-romanticized, but being honest with oneself and seeing how much you can truly handle will help you in the long run. Nguyen is also a massive advocate for utilizing campus networking events. She trusts that they will help you put yourself out there and help you learn what you want for yourself. When people are constantly asking you what roles and paths you want to take, it forces you to confront your interests and aspirations for the future. 

“My senior year, I went to every single networking event possible; it didn’t matter what it was about,” said Nguyen. “Connections are so important. You never know who knows who.” 

The truth is, picking a career, moving cities and making big transitions are never easy, but our future is ours to decide, and that is such a liberating realization. Nguyen admits the city is hectic and in constant motion, but she seems to appreciate what it provides her with: a reminder that “I’m young and I need to keep living.” As college students, we must remember to enjoy the present while we nurture our future.