Name: Samantha Moor
Class Year: 2015
Title: Associate Manager, Global Merchandising Outlet Handbags
Organization Name: Coach
In one sentence, what does your job entail?
Creating seasonal line assortments through a strategic and creative lens & collaborating closely with cross functional partners.
What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?
I was always interested in fashion & the arts but I am also a very analytical and business orientated person so I wasn’t quite sure what industry I wanted to go into. While looking for internships for my rising senior year summer and talking to previous HC interns as well as alums in the industry, I applied to the Coach internship through the Holy Cross Summer Internship Program. I was studying abroad at the time so it felt harder being so disconnected to figure out my first step in my career path. Merchandising seemed like a good fit as the job is both creative and analytical and I was offered the Coach internship position. I had a great experience and worked with a great team. They asked me to come back and help during my Winter break and then offered me a full time position at the end of senior year.
What were you involved in when you were on campus?
I was involved in several clubs such as Spud, Business Program, HC for a Cure. I also interned for O’Keefe Investment management, a financial planning firm started by an HC alum in Worcester, during my senior year.
What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?
I majored in Economics and minored in Art history. I think both of them combined is very applicable to merchandising – both business/strategic and creative. Economics especially is relatable to every industry so studying economics allowed me to explore other options before choosing fashion.
What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?
Work ethic!
What advice do you have for students on campus today?
My advice for job/intern searching would be to do as much research as you can – both on the company and talking to people about their careers and experiences. Holy Cross has an amazing network of alums and a great career service center so just take advantage of all the resources available! Other advice is work hard, stay positive, and make sure you’re doing something you’re passionate about!
