Kicking off the fall quarter, the Retail Management Institute hosted its semi- annual Advisory Board meeting and reception on October 7. The Advisory Board meeting was held during the day and was followed by a reception at the Adobe Lodge with board members and current RMI students. After the reception board members continued their conversation at dinner with RMI faculty.
Ted Upland, Chairman & CEO - Prints Plus, SCU '78, Law '81, MBA '82 meets with RMI students.
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Such an opportunity to meet some of the most influential people in the retail industry could not happen at a better time. Much of the industry is in transition, just as are the lives of many of the graduating RMI seniors at Santa Clara University. Networking and having conversations with people as richly experienced as some of the attendees is a priceless experience RMI offers its students every year.
The Advisory Board members who graciously bestowed their time and knowledge at the meeting and reception included Dan Bane of Trader Joe's, Ellen Magnin Newman, Ellen Newman Associates, Dr. Al Bruno of Santa Clara University, Tom Fanoe of Thomas Fanoe Consulting, David Folkman of Regent Pacific Management Corporation, Lisa Harper of Gymboree, Phil Schlein of US Venture Partners, Bob Thompson of Prints Plus, Joe Tomaselli, formerly of Nike, and Ted Upland of Prints Plus. One of the really great things about our Advisory Board is that many of the RMI students, especially seniors, have had first hand experience with many of these individuals through their summer internships. Knowing about the industry and what it takes to be successful is something RMI students are beginning to grasp, but they need the guidance of industry leaders to advance their creativity and thinking regarding their careers.
Advisory Board members, David Folkman and Joe Tomaselli, share their passion for the retail industry with RMI students.
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One of the common themes throughout the evening was the importance of having passion for the industry. No matter what industry one enters right out of college, you must endure long hours and tedious jobs before you can climb the ladder to be where you want to be. If you decide on retailing, the only way to do this is to be focused and passionate about the industry, the customers, and the product. The experience one gains on the way to the top is what gives you mobility in the first place. Hearing advice and comments from the professionals who attended the reception was both beneficial and inspirational for many of the RMI students.
The Retail Management Institute promotes passion for retailing in all of its students through the various classes, tours of corporate headquarters, guest speakers, and involvement in the executive council offered to the students throughout the year. This reception was just another great experience for all the students of RMI because we took something with us: great career advice, new connections, and clearer visions of our future in the retail industry.
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