Design Students Embark on Field Tour in New York City

Students in the Department of Design (DOD) at Texas Tech University have the unique opportunity to attend  field tours in locations across the globe. Students in Interior Design, Apparel Design Manufacturing (ADM), and a few from the Retail Management program attended a field tour to New York City over their spring break, during which they had the opportunity to explore leading design brand headquarters and historical sites of inspiration.

The purpose of the experience is to provide students with opportunities to enhance their skillset in a way that is unique to the real-world exposure and industry advice gained through the trip.

Assistant ADM Professor Rachel Anderson, M.F.A. says courses like her ADM 3325 class provide students from all majors the chance to attend these types of field tours, with the course designed to increase the student's awareness in the world of design.

"Through exposure to the historical, cultural, and environmental aspects of a specific fashion center, the student will gain a greater understanding of elements that contribute to the professional practice of fashion design," Rachel said. "This can be best accomplished not only through study, but also in the 'hands on experience' travel can provide.

Rachel says that it is important for students to be exposed to the workings of real world industries, like those seen in New York City.

"Students feel more confident making the leap to the professional world after graduation if they have experienced the industry and gotten a first-hand look at what the business is really like."

Apparel Design and Manufacturing major Breana Martinez attended the New York Field Tour and through the experience landed an internship with Vera Wang.

"I choose to apply for the Vera Wang internship because Vera Wang herself is a designer I greatly admire," Breana explained. "She has a magnificent story and has accomplished so much that has truly inspired me. Additionally, I have always been captivated by the artistry and glamour of the Vera Wang gowns."

While in the city, students like Breana had the opportunity to interview with top brands. Breana navigated two difficult rounds of interviews before she was offered the esteemed position. In the first round, a recruiter discussed qualifications and portfolio with Breana. The second round brought a hands-on trial in the designer work room.

"While I was in the showroom for the trial day I was introduced to all the ladies who work there and worked on a small project to demonstrate my hand sewing skills. I had a great time in the showroom and everyone I met was very welcoming. The next day I was officially offered the position!"

Breana describes the trip as insightful for students in the Department of Design.

"I think field tours like this one give design students a great introduction to a city they may be hoping to work in or have not considered before. We got to learn more about the design and manufacturing process and see it in person."

Senior Interior Design (ID) major Clarissa Quintana enjoyed that in order to fulfill their final interior design project, ID students were given the task of observing furnishings and interiors for particular a time period.

"As a student it is really nice to get the opportunity to visit a city that we have studied its architectural and interiors history during the course of our degree plan," Clarissa said. "The overall trip is a great experience because you are surrounded by a group of students that are just as excited and intrigued about the same things you are."

Special guided tours of museums like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) or the Guggenheim Museum presented students with the opportunity to pick the brains of some of the world's top designers. Clarissa and Breana both emphasize that the tour is an exciting opportunity for students to learn how to navigate a city, surrounded by brands many only dream of visiting.

"The exposure students get from these trips are completely different that visiting on your own. If a design student in the College of Human Sciences has the opportunity to go on a study tour trip I would highly recommend it," Clarissa said.

Field tours are available to all students in the College of Human Sciences, with the goal to enrich student knowledge in an adventure of multi-cultural experiences.

Students Offered Internships during Field Tour:
Angela Williams — Veronica Beard
Breana Martinez — Vera Wang
Raegan McGuire — Cynthia Rowley
Peyton Warren — Paul Carroll, NYC