October 07, 2015

Experts from the retail industry will serve as panelists in a series of discussions on Friday, October 23 exploring successful career paths in retail and merchandising. Speakers include consultants, sales account and product development managers, store owners and talent acquisition, from such companies as Macy’s, Kenneth Cole, Target, Burlington, 9-West, Neiman Marcus, Gap, Dansko and others. The panels will unfold in three sessions between 11:00am and 4:00pm in the URBN Annex Screening Room (3401 Filbert Street). Click here to RSVP for the event, which is being presented by the Design & Merchandising (D&M) program.

The 11:00am panel, “Corporate Careers in Retail & Merchandising,” will include Molly Styles, owner of the shop Almost Heaven; Bianca Wouch-Wilker, a sales account and product development manager at Mundi Westport for Kenneth Cole Reaction handbags; and Derrick Pouliet, recruiter for TJX Companies. The session will be moderated by D&M professor Kristen Ainscoe.

The second session, “Chatting about a Successful Career: What’s Next?” will take place at 1:15pm. D&M professor Dr. Joe Hancock will be in discussion with Derek Jenkins, an executive retail and business consultant who previously served as Senior Vice President of operations for all of Target’s 1,600 stores.

At 2:15pm Drexel alumni will speak about their careers, including Burlington Stores recruiter Donna Norton, and Diana Wechsler, an assistant buyer for branded, moderate and active girls’ shoes. The discussion will be led by Drexel alum Kristin LaRosa, a recruiter for Burlington Stores.

For more information about the event, please contact Dr. Joe Hancock at jhh33@drexel.edu.