STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS LIZ CASEY | GRADUATE STUDENT | TEXTILES & APPAREL ENTREPRENEURSHIP What is your favorite thing about the JMC program so far? My favorite thing about this program, at both the undergraduate and the graduate levels, is how broad and diverse the teaching faculty is. It has truly been an honor to be taught by educators with such a variety of interests and specialties. With that, there have been so many incredible hands-on opportunities with these professors. From 3D printing accessories, to digitally printing our own designs, and testing textiles in a lab are all experiences that I have valued greatly. What are your career goals? One of my career goals has come to fruition this semester. I interned with Disney Theme Park Merchandise in 2019 and ended in March of 2020. While I was with the company, I was planting networking seeds that began to flower just a few weeks ago. At the end of October, my former leader from Disney reached out about a remote position on her team. At the beginning of November, I began working remotely as a merchandise coordinator for the women’s apparel and accessories department. It is right where I want to be and I am elated! What have you enjoyed most this past fall? This fall has been my first semester in the master’s program with the JMC. I have enjoyed the small class size immensely. I love having a small class where I can get to know the people in my cohort, as well as the instructing professor. Discussions, presentations, and lectures are so engaging and the participation is wonderful and aligns well with my learning style.
One of the most valuable things I have learned in my time in the college of entrepreneurship is that being an entrepreneur does not always mean starting your own business. What was the most valuable piece of knowledge you’ve learned from your experience in the Entrepreneurial program? One of the most valuable things I have learned in my time in the college of entrepreneurship is that being an entrepreneur does not always mean starting your own business. I was once speaking with a professor and I mentioned that I felt like the title of ‘entrepreneur’ on my resume might misrepresent my career and professional goals. She told me that the creativity, actions, and innovation of someone with an entrepreneurial background can be applied in a myriad of ways like in a small, family-owned business or a massive corporation. This has stuck with me, and I fully intend to apply that advice wherever I go. Who or what has influenced you to pursue entrepreneurship in your specific industry? I don’t know what led me to the school of entrepreneurship, but I do know that I spent my whole life growing up in and around small retail businesses. Growing up and working in small, local businesses has given me an inside look into entrepreneurship and how it can bolster the community. I also recall being very young and being enthralled with fabrics and clothing. Once I found out that I could get a degree in textiles and apparel, I was hooked. I chose to further my education with the JMC because I wanted to know more about textiles and apparel entrepreneurship and I know that this will help point me in the right direction for my future, whatever that may be. What advice would you give to a student that is thinking about pursuing a degree in entrepreneurship? At first, I didn’t think that the College of Entrepreneurship was for me, but once I got the opportunity to think about what entrepreneurship means to me, everything fell into place. My advice would be to keep an open mind. Entrepreneurship means something different to every single person, and once you find out what it means to you, the possibilities are vast and unique. INNOLENEWS | 06
