National Retail Federation
NRF Foundation
Student Program
2019/2020
Every January, the National Retail Federation hosts a Student Conference in New York City that gives college students a unique opportunity to launch their future in the retail industry. Industry executives in marketing, entrepreneurship, supply chain, technology and more share their success stories and what they have learned in their years in the industry. Along with guest speakers, students also take part in the Executive Mentor Experience, an opportunity to engage directly with leaders and executives from some of the most exciting brands in the world. Students also attend a career fair at the end of the trip to network with the companies present. Many students leave the conference with secured internships and jobs. NRF at USC attends every year in order to offer students professional development and opportunities within the industry. Along with the conference, NRF at USC has also visited the corporate offices of Cupio Blush and Uniqlo to get a behind the scenes look into the industry. Check out our trip highlights below.
Featured Industry speakers
DANIEL LUBETZKY
Founder & Executive Chairman, KIND
Daniel Lubetzky, Founder and Executive Chairman of KIND Snacks, spoke about his entrepreneurial journey to build a not-only-for-profit business. Plus, how he decided on the name "KIND."
EMILY REED
SVP & Chief Marketing Officer, Starbucks
Emily Chang discussed how leading a purposeful life of “yes” can pave the way to a meaningful personal and professional life.
JANE BLAIN GIBERTSON
President & CEO, Blain's Farm & Fleet
Jane Blain Gilbertson shared her perspectives of growing her 65 year old family business into a professionally managed organization that still feels like a family business.
KELLY MCGINNIS
SVP & Chief Communications Officer, Levi Strauss & Co.
Kelly McGinnis shared how the iconic brand stays true to its values while constantly innovating to ensure future success.
JEFF GENNETTE
Chairman and CEO, Macy's Inc.
Jeff Gennette spoke on his journey from merchant trainee to CEO, and how careers in retail have evolved to keep up with its dynamic change.
ALISON HAHN
SVP Merchandising, Sephora
Alison Hahn discussed the company’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation (Color iQ beauty service and Clean at Sephora,) and what makes the beauty industry beautiful.
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Member Testimonies
Lauren Copeland
"The NRF conference is one of the highlights of my college career. I always leave feeling so inspired and ready to work toward my dream of being a corporate retail buyer."
Nina Ehrlich
“I would recommend the NRF conference to any Junior or Senior. It was a great place to network and overall learn more about the industry we all want to work in once day. The speakers were relatable and the career fair was so helpful with networking. It was such a fun experience and it also made me fall in love with New York even more"
Sydney Boyer
“Going to the NRF conference the last two years has been an amazing experience. I’ve gotten to hear from inspiring speakers and really learn on a broader spoke about what’s happening in the retail industry. What I’ve gained most from the experience was the ability to network with industry professionals and build a network that has helped me secure an internship.”
Bailey Campbell
"Being a NRF member and getting to go to the NRF Conference has been such a great experience. The conference was super fun and very educational. I loved getting to hear from all the amazing speakers and being able to personally ask them questions afterwards. It has been a great way to meet so many new people in the retail industry. It has allowed me to take what I learn in my classes to the next level. I can’t wait to go back next year!"
Lauren Fussell
"The NRF Student Program was a remarkable experience! I got employed by the Home Depot headquarters from the networking I did while I was there. I owe it all to the NRF conference!"
Sydney Bernhardt
"NRF has taught me that networking is everything. The connections I have made at the conference each year has taught me the power of hard work, perseverance, and never giving up on your dreams.”
Kira Ogwal
"The NRF conference is an overall amazing experience and I always recommend it because it is such a great opportunity to learn and grow within the retail industry. It’s so inspiring to be able to speak with and receive insight and advice from top executives from well known companies in a personal setting. The fact that it’s hosted in New York is also a plus because we are able to form connections through exploring the city. Some of my favorite memories are sightseeing and trying new restaurants because everyone was able to get to know more about each other."
Valentina Giraldo
"I was able to go to the NRF conference because of the NRF/USC scholarship I received. It was an amazing experience where I got to network and learn from very successful people in the retailing industry. The career fair at the end of the 3 days was a great opportunity as well because I got the chance to talk to some of the people that spoke during the conference. Hearing stories about how some got started and how they got to where they are today was absolutely inspiring."
Uniqlo
. . .
NRF at USC received a private behind the scenes tour of Uniqlo Headquarters in NYC while in town for the conference. Members heard from industry professionals at Uniqlo about sustainability, marketing, and e-commerce and were able to ask questions about their personal career development. They also toured the SOHO Uniqlo store after the site visit.
Cupio Blush
. . .
NRF at USC received a private behind the scenes tour of Cupio Blush Headquarters while in NYC. UofSC retailing alumna Sara Wingate Bako, now vice president at Cupio and Cupio Blush guided the tour. Members were able to see the process of how a buying office operates and the ends and outs of a buyer's typical day. Members were also able to stop in to a buying meeting with a buyer and a client. Cupio Blush is sold at Belk and other bigger retailers.
