Exterior of Nancy Nicholas Hall in the evening, with lamps and windows glowing.
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Students connect with retail professionals in New York City

Why did 40 students travel to New York City in January? To learn first-hand about the retailing landscape and connect with alumni of Human Ecology’s outstanding program. The Student Retail Association’s trip allowed students to participate in the National Retail Federation’s Student Program and network with Badgers in New York.

The trip grew my confidence in our major and my excitement about careers in the retail industry. It was so helpful to connect with badger alumni from the program and hear about their successes after graduation. I met so many influential figures in the industry that I will continue to learn from as I eventually start my own career. Such a fantastic opportunity.

— Kiran Shenoi, majoring in Consumer Behavior & Marketplace Studies.

A highlight of the trip was students connecting with alumni to hear their stories of how they navigated life after graduation and got to where they are today in their impressive careers.

Jerry O’Brien, Aida Ramanculova, Nancy Murray, Randi Armstrong, and Ava Buechel
Jerry O’Brien (Executive Director of the Kohl’s Center for Retailing), Aida Ramanculova ’20 (Assistant Marketing Manager at L’Oréal), Nancy Murray (Teaching Faculty), Randi Armstrong ’19 (Sustainability Software Specialist at IBM), and Ava Buechel ’19 (Retail Consulting Associate at McMillanDoolittle) at the Badgers in Retailing alumni reception.

It was so wonderful to meet with students and hear how the retail program at SoHE is thriving. It has always been so amazing to see the reach the Wisconsin Retail program has in the industry and the connections that are just around the corner.

— Megan Donovan ’16, Associate Buyer at Macy’s in New York.