Graphic Design Students Visit URBN Headquarters for Alumni Panel
February 25, 2020
Twenty-five Graphic Design students visited URBN headquarters Wednesday, Feb. 21, to learn from an alumni panel about opportunities available at the company. As one of Philadelphia’s largest employers, URBN includes the brands Anthropologie; Free People; BHLDN; Terrain; Menus & Venues; Nuuly; and its oldest brand, Urban Outfitters. Over the years, many UArts alumni have grown their careers at URBN, advancing the creativity of the global brand.
The students began their experience at URBN with a tour of the campus led by Special Programs Coordinator Julia Ostrovsky and Training and Development Coordinator Kaylin Bailey. During the tour, students learned about the unique culture at URBN—every area of the company is constructed to foster creativity for its employees, even down to the decor. Each building takes on the unique characteristics of the brand it houses: A bohemian-inspired interior makes up the Free People building, while Urban Outfitters has a more rustic design.
After the tour, students learned more about URBN’s creative culture during an alumni panel that included Director of Color and Concept for Anthropologie Nicole Venice BFA ’02 (Fiber Arts), UI Design Manager at Urban Outfitters Andrew McQuiston BFA ’11 (Graphic Design) and Senior Photographer at Free People John Ciuppa BFA ’04 (Photography). The alumni answered questions prepared by Bailey and from the students.
One student asked the panelists about working in the corporate world as an artist and the societal impact of their work. McQuiston discussed URBN’s focus on sustainability efforts through its Urban Renewal brand, which repurposes vintage clothing. “Focusing on small gains,” as an individual can make a big impact, said McQuiston. Ciuppa cited Free People’s partnership with Girls Inc, a nonprofit that provides resources and mentorship to girls in the Philadelphia and South Jersey region, as another way URBN employees can be involved in their communities.
When asked what UArts students can do to prepare themselves for the workforce, the URBN staff highlighted the importance of internships. Venice said that it’s crucial for students to “make sure your portfolio is on point while at internships. Build as you go.”
Ciuppa pointed out that many employees currently working there started as interns, and some employees even paved the way for new positions to be created due to the work they did as interns. Though URBN’s application deadline for the internship program was in December, Bailey encouraged students to visit the open positions page on the company’s website for more opportunities.
The panelists also emphasized the importance of networking with other alumni when on the job search. “My first two jobs outside of school were under UArts alumni,” said McQuistion. To foster these connections, UArts hosts events such as the Mentor Match-Up, where students can meet with alumni in their field. “If you admire an artist or designer, reach out to them,” McQuistion recommended. Alumni are helping each other build careers in creativity at URBN and across the world.