Galaxy Wolf, a junior majoring in Fashion Merchandising at Columbia College Chicago, visited the URBN campus in Philadelphia as part of the “Grow: Field to Home Office” experience, according to an April 27 announcement. The visit provided Wolf with direct exposure to leading retail brands such as Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Free People.
The opportunity allowed Wolf to gain practical knowledge about how large fashion companies operate. For students preparing for careers in buying and merchandising, experiences like these offer valuable insights into the industry’s inner workings.
Wolf said that attending the event brought unexpected clarity and encouragement. “Going into the event, I felt confident presenting myself,” Wolf said. “But I didn’t expect to leave with as much clarity and encouragement as I did. It reassured me that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
As a current stylist at Free People, Wolf was especially interested in visiting the brand’s headquarters while also learning about its sister brands. Observing how each brand maintains its unique identity within a larger organization was an important takeaway from the visit. “Each brand has its own voice and audience, but the collaboration across teams is constant,” Wolf said. “Everything is so visual—mood boards, pitch decks, creative presentations. It made me realize how important my in-store experience is when thinking about corporate roles.”
The experience also highlighted various career paths available within apparel—from merchandising and buying to branding and creative direction—and reinforced for Wolf the importance of authenticity when pursuing professional opportunities. “As a soon-to-be graduate, there’s naturally some anxiety about what’s next,” Wolf said. “But I learned that putting your true self out there is always worth it. You never know what opportunity might come from one conversation.”
Wolf credited coursework and mentorship at Columbia College Chicago for helping prepare for this industry engagement by refining their portfolio and presentation skills ahead of time: “My time at Columbia has taught me how to advocate for myself and build a strong portfolio,” Wolf said.
With graduation approaching in December, Wolf plans to use these new insights along with connections gained during this visit while exploring future roles in fashion merchandising.
