Fashion & Luxury MBA | Gigi Seagren

• Pronouns
  she/her/hers
• Hometown
  Petoskey, MI
• Undergraduate
  University of Michigan
• Pre-MBA Employer
  Bloomingdale’s
• Specializations
  Leadership & Change Management, Luxury Marketing
• Clubs/ Involvement
  Luxury & Retail Club, Stern Women in Business, Leadership Fellows

The Fashion and Luxury program was the only school I applied to because it had everything I wanted wrapped into one; a deep connection to the fashion industry, a strong network of alumni, an accelerated format, and a school culture I knew I was a fit for.

The intense format of the summer semester offered a unique opportunity for our cohort to go through an extreme period of bonding! From the very first week, our group found ways to get to know each other in and outside of the classroom. Each one of us has a unique academic and professional background, so there are certain classes where one of us will take the lead and help with study sessions and the breakdown of information. We’re all on this journey together so we find ways to support and uplift each other in any way we can.

Our cohort and professors practice deep candor, and we create a space where everyone feels comfortable to speak up and share their thoughts and opinions. As much as we learn from professors, we also learn from each other.

My favorite class has been Negotiations, Collaboration, and Conflict. Every class was based on a simulation/role play, with a debrief afterward. While hands-on learning is valued in most classes at Stern, this class took it to the next level! The course completely debunked many misconceptions I had about negotiations and makes me feel confident going into a professional world where deals and negotiations happen constantly.

WWD (Women's Wear Daily) recently held a retail and apparel CEO summit that I was lucky to attend! The director of our program, Professor Serdari, was able to secure tickets for our cohort. Being among industry leaders who came together to discuss the state of retail in a post-pandemic world was an unforgettable experience! Access to events like these really sets this program apart.

After living in NYC for a few years, I’ve interacted with plenty of Stern alumni who have always impressed me. I knew I wanted to surround myself with people who had similar interests, values, and work ethic as me but also challenged me to critically think and take new perspectives, so I knew Stern was the place for me!

I think we often have this false image of what an MBA program looks like; usually along the lines of being hyper-professional and buttoned-up with the ultimate goal to land a “successful” job. But it can be so much more than that! If you come to Stern, be ready to show your true personality no matter the environment and to lean into vulnerability. By doing this, you’ll build relationships that will last far beyond the program, and will grow in personal ways you never thought possible.

We are in the heart of a fashion capital where there are endless top companies and thought leaders to learn from and connect with. Stern’s network with the industry is unmatched and has greatly bolstered our learning experiences.