New Interview With FIDM Student Jenna Von Schlegel

Name: Jenna Alexandria Von Schlegel

Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga, CA

FIDM Grad Date: Graduating Fall 2009 from Merchandise Product Development Program and entering the Bachelor of Science Program Winter 2010.

Campus: Los Angeles

Current employment: Working part-time for a printing distribution center Innovative Printing Concepts. I work as a graphic designer for them.

Tell us a little about yourself: Before I started working for Innovative two years ago, I was a sales associate at Macy’s and worked in the Juniors Department. I love reading anything that involves learning about nutrition, health, and physical fitness. I am an avid runner and fierce snowboarder. I am a true nature lover at heart and will do almost anything to be outside!

What is an accomplishment you are most proud of? I recently trained for a half marathon. Although it was grueling and proved very challenging to train in the summer months, with the help of two equally as dedicated friends we were able to accomplish our goal! I am also very proud that during my time here at FIDM I have maintained a GPA of 3.5 and am part of the Premiere Product Development Group. It is been so enjoyable to be able to meet with other students who are working just has hard and passionately as you to achieve your individual goals!

Favorite designer: Ralph Lauren. I used to do English horseback riding and love equestrian inspired dressing! I think his clean, classic and tailored looks are so flattering and well crafted.

Upcoming trend/item you're secretly coveting: The oversized sweater knits we are seeing. It is easy and comfy fashion. Whether you’re at the office or going for a night on the town, the look is chic and elegant!

Do you have a style icon? I love Leighton Meester’s forward yet chic and daring looks. She is always changing it up and taking fashion risks! For her young age I think this Gossip Girl is well on her way to being a key trend setter.

How did you choose FIDM? Growing up, my Grandma was an artistic and thus instilled the same love she had for it in me. When I was old enough to express myself through my clothing, drawing, and writing I knew I would have to find a school that was equally as encouraging as my Grandma. When I first toured FIDM I could clearly see that would allow me to channel my artistic abilities and enable me to use them in my future career. I did early acceptance and went straight out of high school.

How did you choose your major? After talking it over with my student advisor Suzanne McDonald, we narrowed it down to three choices. After going home that week and really contemplating what would best suit my particular needs I went with Merchandise Product Development. It was the perfect major for allowing me to express some of my individual creativity while still giving me knowledge in the business side of the industry.

What do you expect to gain from attending FIDM? I have gained so much knowledge, not only how the fashion industry is run, but on how this world and its global market works in its entirety. I now feel confident in how to forecast and predict upcoming trends and what kinds of marketing and advertising strategies I must consider in order to not only start my own company but how to successfully maintain it.

What has been your favorite class so far? My Classification and Line Development course combines almost all the previous knowledge I have obtain in my time at FIDM in to one final portfolio. It allows me to use my forecasting skills as well as my artistic ability to help my team of designers create a cohesive line for the Nordstrom Savvy Department.

What is your ultimate career goal after graduating from FIDM? To eventually and effectively run my own company. I feel by combining my love for fitness with my artistic abilities I could offer something unique and new to that industry. 

What advice would you give to students looking to be accepted into FIDM? To know what they want and personally expect to gain from FIDM. The school can offer you so much so you have to be willing to work hard and pay attention. Everything I have learned during my time here has prepared me to move forward and take that next step toward accomplishing my ultimate career goals.