FALL
2020
R E T A I L
RMI
M A N A G E M E N T
I N S T I T U T E
SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY
FALL 2020 ISSUE VI
Our Mission The mission of the Retail Management Institute at Santa Clara University is to: Provide a platform for deep collaboration between leading academics and industry innovators to generate shared knowledge Prepare Retail Studies students for success in the new world of technology driven retail
Contents 03 An Editor's Note 04 A Farewell from Cynthia Gamage 05 Thank you, Cynthia! 11 RMI Updates from Adele O'Neill 12 RSSA x E&J Gallo Winery 18 MKTG 168 Speaker Series 25 Levi's Internship Program 27 Virtual Recruitment
Editor's Note
Hi everyone! My name is Brooke Eldridge, and I am an editor for this magazine. This is just my first year as a part of the magazine committee, but I have been in RMI since my first quarter of freshman year. Before SCU, I lived in Kansas City, Missouri, since I was three years old. Though the midwest is home, the west coast has always been a big part of my life because my entire family lives in California and Arizona. As I’m studying Retail Studies alongside marketing and studio art, I am passionate about the creative translation of businesses into cohesive brands. Thus, I think the best word to describe me is “storyteller.” I ultimately strive to work in the creative aspects of marketing or branding. From copywriting, to design, to any form of presentations, my passion for storytelling takes a lot of forms! RMI has definitely encouraged me to hone in on each of my interests, and it has allowed me opportunities to learn more about brand development in the retail space. Since learning from a number of different companies like Gap, Target, or Gallo through opportunities within RMI, I’ve realized that I really value how businesses navigate their ethics. Within the retail space, this means being grounded in company values at every stage of the business process. My entrepreneurial mom was definitely the one who taught me to prioritize a company’s ethics. Before I even started business school, I understood that the best businesses are successful because of (not in spite of) being conscious of their impact. Along with writing and design, I’m super interested in the fashion and beauty industries, and I hope to work in them to kickstart my professional career. However, these two industries are some of the most damaging to our planet in terms of both environmental impact and human rights violations in the workplace. I think sustainability’s new trendiness is really going to serve the beauty and fashion industries well. More so now than ever before, people are calling out their favorite brands and demanding they do better. As a future industry leader, I intend to only add to retail’s recent trend towards sustainability and just overall ethicality. I want to be proud of my industry, and I strive to continue what my predecessors have worked so hard to reach. As for now, I’m searching for summer 2021 digital marketing internships within apparel or beauty. I am so excited to see what’s next for me, and I know RMI will be with me every step of the way.
Brooke Eldridge Editor, Retail Management Institute Magazine
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A Farewell from Cynthia Gamage Dear RMI Alums and current RMI students: I am writing today to let you all know that after 38 years with RMI I decided to retire which was official on October 15, 2020. I often wondered what this would feel like and there is really only one thing that comes to mind...that I had the best career a person could hope for and this is because of all of you. That is the first thing that always resonates for me when I think of my time in RMI. It is all of you, each of you, that made my career so wonderful. It was when we first met in the interviews, the time we spent creating great adventures with trips to New York or trips to San Francisco or speaker series; photos of all of you; community outreach projects and really...just getting to know you. I have been so lucky to have made friends with several of you over the years. I had been even luckier to receive pictures, notes and updates from alums with you sharing your lives as they progressed, including your kids! In my eyes you are all the warmth, kindness and success that I saw when we first met. So - thank you, thank you so very much for enriching my life. My new email address is simple! cynthiagamage@gmail.com God Bless, Cynthia 4
Thank you, Cynthia! Love, RMI Thank you so much for your dedication to RMI Cynthia! The minor and student association wouldn't be what it is today without you. You will be greatly missed! - Natalie Elliot '21 Thank you so much for always being a welcoming and positive presence in the RMI community! I will miss seeing you in the office and at events! You will be missed! - Katelyn Johnson '23 Thank you so much for everything you have done for RMI!! You will definitely be sincerely missed and I wish you all the best!! - Jesse Ding '23
You are an inspiration! Thank you for your kindness and dedication. - Celeste Clink '23
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I wanted to personally thank you for all your time, hard work, and determination to help students succeed through RMI. I’ve loved getting to know you better through my experience and I wish you nothing but the best in your future! Thank you! - Kelsey Parker '22 Hi Cynthia! I just wanted to give my appreciation for all you have done for the Retail Studies program at Santa Clara University. I knew the RSSA was for me when you interviewed me because you made me feel at ease and excited about the program. I had the best time in New York City with you my Sophomore year! I will miss seeing your contagious smile whenever I visit the RMI Office in Leavey. This program won't be the same without you, but we are grateful for the positive impact you have made on this community. I hope you enjoy retirement! - Olivia Mannion '21
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Cynthia - thank you for everything you have done for the RMI program! I've told countless people about all of the events, speakers, and company tours we get to participate in, and I've encouraged every new or prospective SCU student I've talked with to apply to the program. RMI has been one of the best parts of my Santa Clara experience!! - Claire Edwards '21 Thank you for everything you have done for us over the years, whether it be informing us about new opportunities through email, or organizing guest speakers for us. You dedicated so much to each of us, and I hope you truly enjoy retirement. - Andrew Gileo '21 Thank you so much for everything you did for RMI! Your commitment to each and every individual in the program was inspiring, and I hope to stay in touch! - Sophie Scher '21 Thank you for being such a fantastic Associate Director and for making students' experiences in the RMI Program so wonderful! RMI has been a highlight of my time at SCU and I appreciate everything you did throughout the years to build RMI into a the program it is today. You will be missed by everyone :) - Katarina Draskovic '21
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Hi Cynthia! Thank you for everything you have done for RMI! Although I have only met you once through the initial interview, I felt your passion towards helping students discover and pursue their interests in retail. Leaving that interview, I was even more excited to be a part of this community. I also took your advice to get a job over the summer in retail as I haven't had prior experience. I was very inspired to apply to various companies and have now been working as a brand representative for Hollister Co. for 6 months now. I have been starting to immerse myself in the retail industry, and I am beyond excited to see what my future in RMI looks like. You are such a positive role model, and I am so thankful that us students can continue to look up to you. I wish you the best moving forward! - Chaylene Tran '23
Thank you so much for all you’ve done for RMI Thank you Cynthia for all your dedication and hard work, we'll never forget you! - Isabelle Sung '22 over the past few years! You’ve really made a difference in all the lives of the kids who are apart of the organization and I’m so grateful i had the chance to meet with you when interviewing for the minor (you were the first face I could associate with RMI!). I hope all the best for you in the future! - Chloe Schechter '22 Thank you so much for all that you have done for the RMI program we will miss you! - Gretchen Reinert '21
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Cynthia, thank you so much for being welcoming when I first became interested in the club!! You kindness and sincerity will always be remembered :) - Alex Park '23 Cynthia, thank you so much for all of your hard work and dedication to the students of RMI. It truly means the world and we can't thank you enough! - Addy Camisa '21 Thank you so much for being the first person to welcome me into RMI, Cynthia! Your infectious smile and clear passion for both retail and mentoring your students is evident in every aspect of your work. We are all so lucky to have worked with you! -Brooke Eldridge '23
Thanks for being so welcoming when I first came into the office for my first interview to join RMI. Your kindness made me so much less nervous for my interview. Your emails always guided us & helped us keep up with the many demands of student life. - Sofia Lippmann '21
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Thank you for everything you have done for all of us RMI students over the years, Cynthia! This program wouldn’t be what it is today without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you! -Kate Knight '21 Cynthia - I would not be where I am today without your guidance, passion, and connections. Thank you for all you have done for RMI throughout the years. Cheers to the next chapter! - Lyssa Urrutia '20 Thank you Cynthia for all that you have done for RMI! I was so blessed to be in RMI and to have worked alongside you in the past year! The amount of passion you have for this program and its students is so amazing to watch and it would not be where it is today without you. Cheers to you as you enter a new chapter of your life and know that we all appreciate you so much! - Anelly Allmen '20
Thank you Cynthia for everything you have done for the students of RMI. Your continuous support and encouragement inspires students from the moment they meet you. Your endless work has made RMI what it is today and had propelled students into their dream careers in retail. Congratulations on your retirement! - Natalie Wilder '21
Cynthia - Thank you so much for all you have done to help me in my career. You have helped me grow so much, and given me and all RMI students so many opportunities. And thank you for supporting my work with the RMI Magazine. Happy Retirement! - Joycelyn George '21
Cynthia - I can’t thank you enough for everything that you have provided me throughout my experience in RMI. From my initial acceptance to headquarter visits, networking opportunities and more, it has been such an honor to be a part of this program. RMI wouldn’t have been possible without you and you will be so missed at SCU. - Meghan Nuti '21 Cynthia, thank you for your constant support and kindness towards all of us. RMI will never be the same without you. We hope we can do you proud with all that we've learned here! -Eugene Choi '21 10
Fall Quarter Recap As we have completed another quarter of school virtually, building community has been a key focus of the Retail Studies Student Association. Our RSSA President shares a summary about how RSSA has been connecting students in the RMI program. Our typical events and programs certainly looked different this quarter while being on Zoom, yet we also faced more opportunities with this circumstance as well. E&J Gallo Winery collaborated with us on a three-part career development series focusing on Career Planning Virtually, Company Culture, and Strategic Merchandising. In addition, we collaborated with both Target and Levi’s to host panel discussions about their internship opportunities. We’ve learned many tips and tricks on virtual event planning along the way, leading me to believe that winter quarter will bring even more advanced ways to bring retail experiences to RSSA. Moving forward, we’re excited to be planning our first ever Career Development Month during the month of January. Though it is still in the works, the month will include mentoring, a “Prep Camp” for juniors, general recruiting guides and tips, and exclusive internship pop-ins for juniors. With the current job market in mind, we’re working on providing everything we can to help our students exceed and reach their career goals. In addition to career development month, we’re excited to launch events with guest speakers such Lisa Bougie, the former CMO of Stitch Fix. Undoubtedly, the upcoming winter quarter is rich with opportunities for our students to continue to learn and grow.
I’m so proud to say that our Retail Studies Student Association had an incredibly successful quarter despite the many challenges that come with virtual learning. Our RSSA executive board faced these setbacks with creativity and collaboration, allowing for new ideas to be implemented in our program. I’m especially excited to share that we admitted a record number of students this quarter, reaching a new milestone with 60 students from the Class of 2022. Our Recruiting Chair and Committee surpassed their goal by about 20%, thanks to their tireless efforts to reach students in new ways. I’m thrilled to watch our community grow as students share their passions for retail and its growing innovation.
Adele O'Neill Adele O'Neill, RSSA President
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RSSA X E&J Gallo Winery Professional Development Series E&J Gallo Winery hosted a virtual career development series, led by Nicole Bouvia, Sales Recruiting Manager at Gallo Sales Company, for the Retail Studies Students. Over a course of three evenings, Bouvia discussed: 1. How to job search in this new digital age 2. Finding the right company culture fit 3. Strategic Merchandising
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Night 1: Selling Yourself & Career Planning Virtually by Addy Camisa Although we may be tuning into online for classes and all things school for the meantime, RMI continues to collaborate with inspiring companies for insightful events. This quarter, Gallo Winery visited our RMI students over Zoom to talk about selling yourself virtually and career planning during this unusual time. Gallo, the largest family-operated winery in the world, was the perfect organization to speak on these issues because of their online operations and amazing company culture. Not only was Gallo named a Glassdoor Best Place to Work four years in a row, they also were a Glassdoor Best Place to Interview in 2017. So, they know the ins and outs of a stand-out interview. Speakers Nicole Bouvia and Tess Caras ‘18, an RMI alum, emphasized that although networking is pretty much all online currently, it truly is not that different than usual. That being said, it is still important to be on top of your resume, Linkedin, and social media presence. Gallo reiterated the importance of keeping social media presentable, keeping your Linkedin up to date and keeping your resume focused. In order to stand out in online interviews, Gallo advised to prepare for the typical questions, research the company and recruiter before starting the interview, prepare a minimum of three questions,
know your strengths and weaknesses to discuss them and have specific examples in mind to display success, leadership and other strengths. By following this advice, you display to the prospective employer that you put effort into the process and are not just going through the motions. Gallo states that if this is your dream job, the
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extra effort will be well worth it. When presenting examples of your success, leadership, or an instance that taught you something, they suggest using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Moreover, all stories you tell to the interviewer should have a beginning, middle and end to give the full picture. Gallo explains that this method is great for behavioral questions in interviews.
Nicole Bouvia Sales Recruiting Manager at Gallo Sales Company
Selling yourself in online interviews is also largely about presentation. When possible, it is beneficial to look at the cameras, not the screen. Like any important opportunity, you should dress for the part and put in the practice to prepare. Especially now when we are likely living with roommates or other students, Gallo reiterates the importance of preparing your background and informing roommates of the interview to make sure there are no interruptions or distractions. We are so grateful to Gallo Winery for coming to speak with us about selling ourselves and career planning virtually. Moving forward and adapting to new hiring practices, we will be sure to use these valuable tips and tricks to put our best selves forward.
Tess Caras Northern California Field Training Manager at Gallo Sales Company *currently a District Manager
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Night 2: Company Culture In the second event of the E&J Gallo Winery series, Nicole Bouvia taught attendees tools to seek out jobs and internships with company cultures that fit their specific priorities.
“It's one thing to ask about culture, but asking specifically about what collaboration is like on a team basis is a great thing to ask.” Bouvia continued on to explain that a company’s community and the collaboration within that community can be telling of its company culture. A great way to get a sense of what their community is like is to ask about what kinds of things they implement to promote diversity. For example, many companies have particular identity based groups for employees to join and discuss inclusion.
by Brooke Eldridge “Everyone’s culture and environment that they see themselves in is different and particular to them.” First things first, Bouvia said that people need to decide what kind of company culture would suit their personality and ideal lifestyle best. For example, she would recommend the Gallo sales internship for people that want fast paced, unconventional experiences in sales. A company’s pace, she explained, is one of the most important things to consider and then ask a recruiter or interviewer about. Where you end up environmentally does matter. You have to ensure you ask the right questions.” The best way to ensure a company has a culture that suits what a prospective employee is looking for is to just ask the recruiter. Bouvia said that a great way to get a feel of a company’s culture is asking how the company started out or even how the recruiter got involved with them. Asking whether they are fully integrated or if they outsource a lot can also be very telling of their culture. A fully integrated company may have more opportunities within the company and a smaller turnover rate compared to companies that outsource a lot. 15
E&J Gallo Winery supports employee research groups, ERGs, within their workplace. Bouvia explained that students should look for companies that have ERGs because they promote community. “[Mission statements] really showcase what drives a company. You want a big mission statement, mission statements are the heart and core of a company.” A company’s mission statement can generally be found on their website, and it usually exhibits their core values. Thus, mission statements are good tells of what a company’s culture is like. Gallo, for example, lived out their mission statement through their reaction to COVID-19. Bouvia explained that Gallo donated to charities and started a line of hand sanitizer. How a company reacts to crises is also telling of their core values. “[Good company culture is to] hire great people and then invest in them, listen to them, and create a culture and an environment for them to thrive.” Bouvia suggests interviewees should ask at least three or four questions about company culture when talking to a recruiter. She said she has never interviewed someone who asked too many questions, so her advice is to have many prepared before an interview. Furthermore, Glassdoor, Forbes and a company’s website are great places to start researching company culture. A company's culture defines their identity. Thank you, Nicole for sharing what is important to look out for when learning about a prospective job or internship. 16
Night 3: Strategic Merchandising to a Changing Retail World by Joycelyn George The final night of E&J Gallo Winery’s Professional Development Series, hosted by Nicole Bouvia, was focused on Strategic Merchandising in today’s world. Bouvia shared a lot about the importance of the omnichannel shopping experience. From social media to online research, the digital shopping experience is very important to introducing a product to a customer and then getting it in their hands. On average, a customer will view a product seven times before actually purchasing it! Physical trips to stores are now very much digitally influenced.
mobile proximity target advertising, reward offers, and virtual tasting programs to attract new customers. E&J Gallo Winery also makes sure that the in-store experience and advertising matches that of what customers have seen digitally. As discussed above, it’s all about reaching the customer and retaining them by making sure that their shopping experience is seamless. And finally, the buying phase ties it all together. After having offered the customer all the information they need in the previous two phases, this phase is all about offering other experiences or further Q&A to seal the deal.
The Living Stage - This is the stage where the customer sees an advertisement. The goal is to just get the product on their radar, so in the event that they need the product, they will already have your brand in mind. The Looking Stage - Here, the customer is actively searching for the product. Brands need to be able to get their product from the radar to the customer’s list of considerations. The Buying Stage - Just as it sounds, this stage is all about making sure that your brand’s product gets selected and into the customer’s home.
In the current age of information, it is increasingly important to make sure that through each phase, your brand stands out while staying consistent. Influencers, social media advertising, proximity marketing, geotargeting, packaging, and in-store experiences are just some of the many ways to help build brand awareness and maintain that brand image.
In the Living phase, social media is one of the top ways to get to the customer. Subtle cues and information makes sure that your brand gets in the back of the customer’s mind. In the Looking phase, it’s all about getting more involved in the customer’s life. At E&J Gallo Winery, in terms of digital engagement, they have used geotagging,
Thank you Nicole, and the E&J Gallo Winery team for hosting such an insightful series for our RMI students! 17
Art and Science are Better Together Marketing 168 Speaker Series During the fall quarter, Professor Wei Shi's Marketing 168 class (The Arts and Science of Merchandising), welcomed a few guest speakers to lead discussions about the importance of art and science in retail.
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Making the Most of Online Shifts Google Senior Analytical Lead Ellen Slack visited RMI to speak to the senior seminar about the company's datadriven merchandising and how these insights can prove invaluable to companies. by Addy Camisa More and more businesses are shifting their focus to the online sphere as COVID-19 continues brick and mortar closure. Because of this adaptation, utilizing online tools has never been more important for brands. We as an RMI senior class learned about Google’s unique skill set as a resource for businesses when Ellen Slack visited our Advanced Retail Seminar this quarter. Slack, a Senior Analytical Lead at Google, spoke with us about data-driven merchandising and the valuable insight they offer their customers. Having worked at brands such as ModCloth, Gap Inc. and Sephora before her time at Google, Slack brings to the table a variety of industry perspectives from both tech and retail corners. merchandising comes in. Google acts as a unique asset to companies because their search data can help companies determine what categories to assort, which brands to carry and which SKUs to purchase. And although companies may be able to conduct their own research with commonly used data sources such
As a Senior Analytical Lead, Slack collaborates with large retail clients on their ad spend at Google; specifically, she focuses on insights and analytical research. According to Slack, “With changes in technology, now anyone can be on the pulse of fashion.” This is where data driven 19
as focus groups, historic sales data or site metrics and reviews, Google has a unique data set that many merchandisers do not know they can access if their company has a relationship with Google.
Google searches and paid advertisements are real time indicators of consumer demand. Invaluable information can be distilled from components such as the search term, a product listing advertisement photo or a text ad.
According to Slack, Google searches and paid advertisements are real time indicators of consumer demand. Invaluable information can be distilled from components such as the search term, a product listing advertisement photo or a text ad. Moreover, Slack has noticed a correlation between search demand and unit sales, demonstrating how Google can find the pulse of demand. When looking within specific categories, Slack explained that this analysis can identify rising trends and how people shop. For brands utilizing Google as a tool, this can mean further insight on what aesthetic, price, material or trends that consumers are looking for. On a broader scale, Slack demonstrated to our class how Google data can show how your
category performance compares to an anonymized competitor set. Given complete company privacy for one’s company and that of the competitors, this analysis can reveal market share or identify assortment expansion opportunities. After hearing about the resources that Google can offer to companies, it is apparent that they are an invaluable resource, especially during this shift to ecommerce. Slack recommended that to fully take advantage of the company’s relationship with Google and access this plethora of insight, one should make sure to get in contact with your Google representative. Slack’s class visit brought a fresh perspective. We are extremely grateful for her time and input here at the Retail Management Institute. Thank you, Ellen! 20
Nordstrom CMO on Growth During the Pandemic On November 5, Teri Bariquit lead a discussion about how arts and science go hand-in-hand at Nordstrom, and some of the immediate and long term changes and plans of COVID-19. by Joycelyn George The Advanced Retail Studies Seminar class had the pleasure of welcoming guest lecturer, Teri Bariquit, Chief Merchandising Officer - to speak on some of Nordstrom’s operations. Bariquit has been with Nordstrom for 34 years and formerly served as the Executive VP of Merchandise Planning and Inventory. In her visit, Bariquit led an insightful discussion walking us through Nordstrom’s approach to the pandemic and the application of data science in business operations. Bariquit broke down Nordstrom’s priorities: Win Digitally: Nordstrom incorporates an augmented digital experience, as well as provides an omnichannel experience for their customers. Digitally, Nordstrom is accessible on desktop and mobile channels, offers an in-store shopping experience, and has curbside and instore pickup options. 21
In addition, they are also looking at expanding other areas: how to engage with the young customer; how to keep the bargainista satisfied through Nordstrom Rack; how to keep the designer and luxury lines relevant even with the lack of travel; how to grow diversity and inclusion by making more business partnerships with blackowned businesses.
Customers have and will always be the core of the brand.
Due to reasons such as their top tier customer service and product quality, Nordstrom is one of the most revered retailers, especially among RMI students. The pandemic has been an opportunity for growth for many retailers, and Nordstrom has taken on the challenge. So, we’ll definitely be keeping an eye out to see how Nordstrom continues to adapt to the constant and abrupt changes of current times.
Win the Service: Nordstrom’s goal is to provide superior customer service, such as offering a very generous returns policy and providing support through every part of the shopping experience.
Thank you, Teri, for joining our class!
Win the Product & Selection: Nordstrom’s goal here is to be able to offer a variety of products that will meet the unique needs of each individual shopper at whichever life stage they are in. Win as a Platform: Nordstrom ensures an excellent and seamless operations process across all of their brands to make sure that the product meets all your needs. Bariquit describes how Nordstrom's goal is “to make customers feel good and look their best.” Customers have and will always be the core of the brand. In response to COVID-19 , Nordstrom, like many other retailers, has swiftly adapted to this new normal by going fully digital and solving customer needs. Nordstrom also faced a unique obstacle with the pandemic keeping everyone at home. Bariquit explained how the formal work dress category has been especially hard hit in terms of sales during the pandemic. To solve the changed lifestyle needs of their customers, Nordstrom has expanded their lines for categories like activewear, comfy shoes, and home decor. 22
The Curated Customer Experience RMI Alum Lisa Bougie visited our Senior Seminar this fall to delve into the marriage of art and science found in Stitch Fix's recommendation systems, which fused together the strengths of data and the human touch. by Addy Camisa This fall, the seniors of RMI were fortunate enough to welcome insightful speakers to our Advanced Retail Seminar. Lisa Bougie ‘91, an RMI alum herself, visited our class to speak to us about her time at Stitch Fix, Recommendation Systems and her inspiring career path. Bougie states that SCU’s Retail Management Institute opened her eyes to possibility; post graduation, she knew that she wanted to combine business analytics and fashion in her career. Bougie continued on to work at industry-leading brands such as The Gap, Patagonia, Nike and Stitch Fix. Making the move from Nike to Stitch Fix, Bougie was excited to be a part of building the future of retail with a brand that was disrupting the norms of the industry. The service requires no commitment when joining and the customer chooses how often they want new items, as well as which items they keep. Their industry-disrupting business model has proven alluring to consumers, bringing in millions of clients.
Stitch Fix takes a fresh approach to the shopping experience, streamlining the time it takes for customers to find clothes or accessories they love. Customers take a detailed style quiz to determine their tastes and can sign up for curated packages every couple weeks or months. 23
Bougie explained that in order to create such a personalized experience, Stitch Fix utilizes algorithms at every step of the business. Their use of algorithms represents a unique value to Stitch Fix clients: giving time back to clients to do what they love. As seen in Stitch Fix website’s elaborate Algorithm Tour, advanced algorithms are deeply embedded in the company’s core. With that deeply integrated use of data, paired with human touch, Stitch Fix fosters a mutually beneficial business model for the company and their clients.
“Transforming the way people find what they love,” perfectly represents Stitch Fix's business model.
Source: Stitchfix.com
The brand’s vision statement, “Transforming the way people find what they love,” perfectly represents their business model. Although a large portion of their recommendation system comes from the use of technology and algorithms, human touch is just as integral in their success. According to Bougie, to be relevant today, retailers must find a way to connect with consumers on a personal level. To achieve this, Stitch Fix pairs each client with a human stylist that will tailor the client’s pieces precisely to them for a personalized ecommerce experience. By utilizing human stylists, every package of five items is curated by real professionals, but aided by machines. Though Stitch Fix’s business model is not the cheapest or fastest, they create meaningful impact for their clients as a provider of convenience, discovery and confidence. With a clear vision and a unique business model setting them apart, Stitch Fix continues to make a lasting impact on the retail industry. Here at RMI, we are so grateful to have welcomed Bougie to our seminar to learn more about Stitch Fix and the marriage of art and science in fashion.
Source: Stitchfix.com 24
Levi's Summer Internship Program Levi Strauss & Co. joined RMI to present their 2021 summer internship program. The program, spanning 10 weeks, includes a housing stipend, is paid, and may include an offer to return full-time post graduation. by Brooke Eldridge Levi Strauss & Co, headquartered in San Francisco, is a retailer that includes Levi's, Dockers, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co., and Denizen brands. Known for their signature denim, the company works in wholesale, eCommerce, outlet, and their own and operated stores. Focused on genuine activism, voting rights, and sustainability, the company values profits through principals. Belinda Stahlecker, the diversity and university recruiter for Levis, joined RMI to present about the Levi Strauss & Co. summer internship program. The 10 week
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Belinda Stahlecker
Carrie Chow '20
Omar Luna '19
Pedro Da Silva '19
Head of Diversity & University Recruiting
Product Development Assistant
Merchandising Assistant
Associate Planner (e-commerce)
*currently the Senior Manager & Lead, Global Talent Acquisition, Data & AI
internship program starts in June and goes until August. The functions they’re hiring into this summer include data science, design, human resources, inventory management, operations, marketing, merchandising, and product development.
aspects of the program includes a project that all interns work on throughout the 10 weeks. In a group of five to seven interns, the interns work on real life problems that have an impact on the business. Each project focuses on a specific department, with the intention to expose interns to learn those skills as well as skills from multiple other departments. To further encourage this, interns sometimes work within a different department than their internship. At the conclusion of the project, the interns’ work is displayed at the Intern Expo where all employees and the Global Leadership Team have a chance to see their finished products.
To talk more about the internship program, Stahlecker brought three Santa Clara and Levi's summer internship program alumni to form a panel and answer questions about the program. The first employee on the panel was Carrie Chow, who now works as a product development assistant for Levi’s. Next was Omar Herrera Luna, and he works in the top department as a merchandising assistant. Finally, Pedro Da Silva was the last person on the panel. Da Silva works in men’s top/ outerwear as a financial planner for levis.com.
The application process is open to juniors and seniors and consists of a written application and an interview. Applications are still being accepted, but as they have already begun interviews, Stahlecker encourages those interested to apply as soon as possible.
Together, Stahlecker, Chow, Herrera Luna, and Da Silva explained the internship program, answering RMI members’ questions throughout the presentation. One of the key
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RSSA's Virtual
Recruitment by Brooke Eldridge The RSSA Recruiting Committee exceeded their goal by receiving 39 applications in fall of 2020. Head of recruitment, Eugene Choi '21, attributes the committee’s success to their focus on building intentional relationships with prospective applicants despite the virtual setting. “This year, we really prioritized making sure that we really strongly communicate what our program is digitally and went the extra mile to connect with the class of 2024,” Choi said.
Eugene Choi '21, RSSA Recruitment Chair
Along with pushing out a digital interest forum and hosting the quarterly Meet the Minor event, the recruiting committee focused heavily on classroom visits so students could connect faces with the program.
success exceeded his expectations, and he commended his committee members for their fluid transition into the virtual quarter. “The recruiting committee this year consists of a lot of unique and diverse individuals from all different grades,” Choi said, “It was a pleasure to kind of see them take on their roles and share their unique experiences to bring something to the team that no one else really could.”
“We personally reached out to a lot of professors,” Choi said. “And thankfully, many of them were generous enough to let us visit their classroom. We let them know that we're a resource and that they can ask us questions and then provided them with next steps to apply and get involved with the program.”
Choi and his dynamic team were able to curate a truly unique group of new members. To Choi, the growth of RMI reflects the nature of the retail industry.
Once the deadline passed, Choi and Adele O’Neill '21, RSSA President, reviewed the 39 applications, and they were excited to see so many well rounded applicants with a clear passion for retail. As Cynthia Gamage retired during recruitment, Choi and O’Neill stepped up to fill her place. “We tried to look at more than GPA and really looked at their passion and interest in a career in retail as well as leadership potential,” Choi said.
“We've been recruiting from different majors, different schools, different grades and different interests,” Choi said. “And it's really exciting to see the growth of the organization over the two years since I've been in the program. I'm looking forward to the next two years and seeing how much the retail industry and the retail program at Santa Clara is going to continue to grow and innovate.”
Choi explained that fall quarter’s recruitment 27
Meet the Editors
Joycelyn George
Addy Camisa
Brooke Eldridge
Editor in Chief
Assistant Editor in Chief
Editor
I have been with RMI since the beginning of my freshman year (fall 2017)! I have always been interested in working at a high fashion brand, and after learning about the RMI program, I knew that this program was the starting point for my career goals.
I joined RMI at the end of my sophomore year in 2019, which is a decision I am so glad to have made. I chose to join RMI because of the program's passionate and kind students and faculty. I also was eager to get involved in the invaluable events put on throughout the year.
I joined RMI my first quarter of freshman year— before I had declared any major, minor, or pathway at SCU. I ultimately seek a career in branding within the fashion or beauty industries; having all encompassing retail management training is thus a pivotal part of my college education.
My favorite part about fall quarter was the E&J Gallo Winery series. Nicole Bouvia was so engaging and passionate about the topics. She helped me become more confident about my career journey. Fun fact: One of my dream jobs would be to be a part of a public relations team for a high fashion brand.
My favorite part about fall quarter is seeing all the wonderful new students become a part of SCU and RMI! Fun fact: My dream job would be to lead Marketing campaigns for a clean beauty brand.
My favorite part of fall quarter was definitely learning the ropes of the RSSA Magazine. I have really enjoyed writing and designing with the team. Fun fact: My dream job is to be the creative director for a media agency within the fashion/ beauty spaces.
A special thanks to Cindy Cooper for her support throughout each publication! 28
Retail Management Institute Advisory Board
Faculty & Staff
Barry J. Feld, Chairman
Kirthi Kalyanam, Ph.D., Executive Director, Retail
Kirthi Kalyanam Ph.D.
Management Institute
RMI Executive Director
Gail Kirby, Ph.D., Marketing Professor Wei Shi Ph.D., Marketing Professor
Kamelia Aryafar, Google
Cindy Cooper, Projects & Programs Manager
Kent Anderson, Gear UP Consulting Kris Bazán ’92, ’99 MBA, Apple Mark Brashear ‘83, Consulting and Serving on Board of Directors'
Retail Studies Student Association
Soumik Chatterjee, Petco
Executive Board
Michelle DeMartini-Wlazlo, JCPenney Ken Duane, Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. Tom Fanoe ‘68, Thomas Fanoe Consulting
Adele O'Neill, President
Barry Gilbert, WineVIP
Olivia Mannion, Corporate Liaison
Gautam Gupta, M13 Ventures, Co-Founder
Isabelle Sung, Philanthropy Chair
NatureBox
Philanthropy Board: Sophie Cichanowicz,
Mark Lavelle, Magento, an Adobe company
Natalie Elliot, Jaya Kapoor
Jim Miller, Wayfair
Eugene Choi, Recruiting Chair
Matt Murphy ‘02, Montage Ventures
Recruiting Committee: Christine Coleman,
Mike Osorio ‘84, Tori Richard Ltd.
Maya Denzel, Andrew Gileo, Laura
Gisel Ruiz ‘92, former Wal-Mart
Korngiebel, Riely McCullough, Alex Park
Michael Schriver, Louis Vuitton
Mentoring Chairs: Madeline Wong, Kate
John Strain ‘90, Old Navy
Knight
Chantel Waterbury ‘97, INSPR
Sophie Scher, Marketing Director Anna Becker, Social Media Director Joycelyn George, RMI Magazine Editor
Emeritus
Editors: Addy Camisa & Brooke Eldridge
David Folkman
Chloe Schecter, Social Events Director
Ellen Magnin Newman
Special Projects and Events Committee: Alexa
Philip Schlein
Bolnick, Emily Chao, Carly Cieciura, Camryn
Joseph Tomaselli
Yuen
29
R E T A I L
RMI
M A N A G E M E N T
I N S T I T U T E
Santa Clara University 500 El Camino Real, Lucas Hall Suite 111 Santa Clara, CA 95053-0399
Stay Connected www.scu.edu/rmi @retailmanagementinstitute @retailsantaclarau @retailscu @rmi_santaclarau Retail Management Institute SCU