Fashioning Her Future: SHSU Student Gains Industry Experience in NYC

Fashioning Her Future: SHSU Student Gains Industry Experience in NYC 

For Sam Houston State University Fashion Merchandising student Valeria Galvan, a lifelong passion for fashion recently took her from the classroom to the heart of one of the world's most influential fashion capitals. 

Through CLASS: The NYC Experience, Galvan traveled to New York City during New York Fashion Week, gaining behind-the-scenes access to industry professionals, showrooms and retail operations while exploring the business side of fashion. 

The opportunity was particularly meaningful for Galvan, whose interest in fashion began at just four years old while watching her grandmothers knit and sew. 

Inspired by their creativity, she learned to sew from her mother and began making clothes for her dolls. Years later, that childhood passion developed into a professional ambition. 

Originally from Mexico, Galvan studied fashion design at Houston Community College and completed courses at the London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins before pursuing fashion merchandising at SHSU. Her ultimate goal is to launch her own footwear brand. 

When Keila Tyner, PhD, associate chair of the Department of Human Sciences, professor of practice and program coordinator for fashion merchandising, introduced her to the CLASS NYC Experience, Galvan immediately recognized the opportunity. 

"Attending New York Fashion Week had been a dream of mine for years," Galvan said. "Although I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, I was confident in my abilities and determined to make the most of it." 

Behind the Scenes of the Fashion Industry 

CLASS: The NYC Experience connects college students with professionals in fashion, retail, marketing and business, offering firsthand industry exposure through retail visits, networking panels, behind-the-scenes experiences and personal branding workshops. 

For Galvan, visiting G-III Apparel Group was a defining moment. 

"They walked us through the complete product lifecycle from initial concept and design development to production and retail placement," she said. "Learning about the strategic workflow and problem-solving required at each stage reinforced my commitment to the field and motivated me to prepare for a successful career in the industry." 

The experience also revealed the extensive planning required to bring fashion products to market, often six months to a year in advance. 

Beyond technical knowledge, conversations with industry leaders emphasized adaptability, networking and the importance of approaching challenges with creative solutions. 

Another memorable experience came during a visit to ATTIC STUDIOS, where designer Joseph White shared his professional journey from an internship at American Eagle to leadership roles in design. 

"He emphasized that companies value diverse backgrounds and fresh perspectives over brand-name credentials alone," Galvan said. "Hearing his journey gave me immense confidence and reassurance regarding my own career path." 

Connecting Classroom Learning to Career Opportunities 

Throughout the experience, Galvan recognized how her SHSU coursework prepared her to engage with industry professionals and better understand the business decisions shaping fashion. 

During a showroom visit, discussions about material selection and brand positioning directly connected to concepts she had studied in her textiles and introduction to fashion merchandising courses. 

"Having that academic foundation allowed me to engage deeply with the topics discussed by industry experts," she said. 

The program's personal branding workshops also helped Galvan strengthen her professional identity and develop strategies for building meaningful connections in a competitive industry. 

More importantly, the experience renewed her determination to pursue opportunities beyond her current professional network. 

"Working in luxury retail had temporarily narrowed my focus to local opportunities, but experiencing the industry in New York re-energized my ambitions," she said. 

Now, Galvan hopes to secure an internship in New York City as she continues working toward her long-term goal of launching her own footwear brand. 

For fellow Bearkats considering opportunities beyond the classroom, she encourages embracing unfamiliar experiences and remaining open to new possibilities. 

"View every experience and interaction as a learning opportunity," Galvan said. "Do not let the fear of setbacks hold you back, challenges build resilience and make you stronger." 

For Galvan, the CLASS NYC Experience was more than a trip to Fashion Week. It was an opportunity to connect her education, passion and professional ambitions while taking another step toward a future in the fashion industry. 

Learn more about SHSU fashion merchandising.