How are the students prepared?

Internships: Students need to complete a required internship that prepares them to further their career within the field upon graduation.

Annual Events: Professional development events such as the annual Merchandising Career Expo, Consumer Experience Symposium and Executive+ Scholar series bring recruiters from major retail, fashion, home furnishings and e-commerce companies to broaden the

Student organizations: MDR Students also have the opportunity to participate in Merchandising Inc., and the National Retailing Federation Student Association. Both organizations help students establish industry contacts and enhance their professional development and are open to any major in the department.

Scholarships: To recognize students’ scholastic achievements, scholarships are available to MDR majors. They are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, articulation of professional goals, and, for some scholarships, financial need.

Study Tours: Students gain global experience through study tours organized to broaden their perspectives on global supply chain and global retailing industry. MDR offers study tours to Hong Kong/China, Europe, New York, Dallas and Silicon Valley