My name is Morgan Peterson and I am from Raleigh, North Carolina. I am currently a rising senior at North Carolina State University majoring in Fashion and Textile Management with a concentration in Brand Management and Marketing. It took me a very long time to finally figure out what I am truly passionate about. Once I found my passion for the fashion industry, I dove into it head first.
I went to a small private high school in Raleigh, NC. I worked really hard for my grades and I had an amazing and supportive group of friends throughout those four years. When it came time to apply to college I had a hard time deciding what I wanted to study and what I wanted to do with my life. I was completely torn between studying psychology and going into occupational therapy for children, or studying fashion business. In the summer of 2016, I applied to 10 universities all over the United States. I ended up being denied from my first choice. I was crushed. I finally heard back from NC State. I was feeling so disappointed about my situation, but as soon as I opened my acceptance letter I knew I wanted to go there. To this day it is one of the best decisions I have ever made.
The truth is there’s no “bad” college. Your “dream school” might not actually be what you think. You can make any college your “dream school” by pursuing new opportunities and stepping out of your comfort zone. Through being denied from my first choice and navigating what I wanted to study in college, I have learned that everything happens for a reason. You just have to trust the process.
The summer after my sophomore year is when I really dove into the fashion industry. I first participated in a trip to the Pacific Northwest to go on fashion industry and company visits. I decided to go because I knew it would be a great opportunity for me to grow professionally. The trip was amazing and it helped me learn more about the industry as well as what direction I wanted to go in. We visited companies like Nike, Adidas and REI.
Later that summer, I did a study abroad to Paris for five weeks with Meredith College to study international retailing and French fashion at the Paris American Academy. We also had the opportunity to dress multiple fashion shows at Paris Fashion Week. That summer helped me solidify that I am very interested in working in the luxury side of the fashion industry.
After that summer, I felt very prepared for my next opportunity in fashion. I worked hard to maintain the high GPA I needed to apply to study abroad in London, England the Spring semester of my junior year. I will never forget how happy I was when I received my acceptance letter from the London College of Fashion. This Spring 2020 I had the most amazing time studying Fashion Business in London. I took courses in Public Relations, Fashion Entrepreneurship, and Social Media and Online Communication. I even dressed shows at London Fashion Week. But once COVID-19 became more of a problem in London, I was forced to leave early and go home. It was so hard to leave but I knew I had to make the most of it.
Once I finally returned home to Raleigh, I knew I had to figure out an internship for the summer. I spoke with my academic advisor and talked to my parents. I decided to get creative and email tons of people I found on Instagram. I emailed brands, PR firms and marketing firms. I emailed probably 50 people. When I contacted them, I expressed what I thought I could bring to the table and that I would love to help their company during COVID-19. By explaining my strengths and where I could help, I was able to differentiate myself from other people looking for internships. Many phone calls and Zoom interviews later, here I am with four fantastic internships. Because I took control of my situation and saw opportunity, I was able to secure four internships that I really love.
MY ADVICE TO YOU:
Here's the bottom line. Learn your craft. Learn about the thought leaders of your industry, the game changers, the ones who failed but then won. Learn as much as you can! I became obsessed with learning about the fashion industry. I wanted to know everything!
Use your time in quarantine wisely. The Business of Fashion has excellent courses they offer online. I have taken Digital Marketing and Fashion Styling. I am currently taking the class called Build Your Dream Career. I have really enjoyed it so far and I highly recommend it to anyone regardless of what they’re interested in studying.
Find your passion and dive in head-first. Say yes to every opportunity and go the extra mile in everything you do. At times it might feel exhausting but don't give up. Opportunities create experiences and experiences make you who you are.
Best of Luck,
Morgan
IG: @morgspeterson
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