Stephanie Harrison

FIDM Bachelor of Science degree student Stephanie Harrison originally heard about FIDM through a family friend. “I was always interested in business as well as the fashion industry and I thought that this would be the perfect place to come to,” she remembers. “I think I’m really a business person who loves fashion, so [FIDM’s A.A. program in] Merchandise Marketing really appealed to me in that sense.”

While getting her A.A. degree at FIDM, Stephanie had the opportunity to do two internships: one in the buying department of BCBG, and the other doing public relations for famed design duo Dolce & Gabbana. She soon found that she had a knack for PR. Also, being out in the working world showed her where she wanted to go in the fashion industry, and when she heard about FIDM’s new Bachelor of Science program, she knew that continuing her studies at FIDM could help her get to that place. “What influenced me was the fact that I’ve worked throughout my A.A. and I still wanted to learn more before I start a career,” she says. She knew first-hand that FIDM’s hands-on, learner-centered approach was an effective way to acquire knowledge. “I chose FIDM because I really enjoyed the program I experienced while receiving my A.A.,” says Stephanie. “It’s really about the faculty!” She cites the relationships she formed with other students and with the instructors as primary reasons for continuing at FIDM.

While she earns her B.S. degree, Stephanie’s current job in public relations acts as a “living lab” for her schoolwork. In keeping with FIDM’s emphasis on real-world experience, she is employed by a boutique PR firm that represents smaller fashion lines, up-and-coming products, and Dallas Fashion Week. “I see myself continuing with public relations, whether it’s with a small agency like I’m working with now or for a larger, more well-established designer. PR is about forming relationships with people and marketing to the public,” she points out, “and a business degree can teach you the skills and give you the knowledge to help you. You’re working with people, you’re working with clients, and you have to manage those people.” Eventually, Stephanie would like to become an entrepreneur and run her own women’s contemporary company featuring clothing, shoes, and accessories. She feels that FIDM’s Bachelor of Science program will prepare her with the skills necessary to handle a wide variety of demanding businesses.

Meanwhile, reveals Stephanie, “The thing I like best [about FIDM’s Business Management program] is the courses, because they involve issues that I’m interested in such as ethics, management concepts, and social psychology. My teachers have been teaching me a lot through their experiences and I feel that when I complete this program I could be a very well-rounded manager.” And as a manager and entrepreneur with FIDM in her corner, Stephanie is definitely headed for success!