When I first started studying fashion business management at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), I pictured myself curating runway collections or creating brand campaigns in the fashion world. I never expected that my curiosity would lead me from trend forecasting to Python coding, but that’s exactly what happened. After graduating from FIT, I wanted to sharpen my analytical edge and build the skills to make data-based marketing decisions. That’s what led me to the MQM: Business Analytics program, and specifically, the marketing track.

Channeling My Creativity

At Fuqua, I was constantly learning how data could enhance marketing creativity. Courses like Marketing Intelligence and Customer Relationship Management helped me understand concepts like customer lifetime value, A/B testing, and segmentation. Hands-on projects helped me turn theoretical knowledge into experiences I can reflect on well after the program. We used tools like SQL, Python, and Tableau to draw real insights from complex datasets. But I didn’t leave fashion behind entirely.

One of the unexpected highlights of my time at Fuqua was showing up to class in a different outfit every day — sometimes polished and professional, sometimes playful and unique. My classmates would often joke that they couldn’t wait to see what I’d wear next. It became a fun way for me to stay connected to my fashion roots and bring a bit of personal flair into the world of data science.

Where Data Meets Fashion

During my internship at FARFETCH, I worked on customer retention models using SQL and Python. We analyzed thousands of data points to understand who our most loyal customers were and what made them keep coming back. That insight helped the marketing and e-commerce teams shape personalized offers and campaigns. I also helped run a Barbie promotional event that boosted sales for Moschino and other brands by 25%. It was exciting to see how technical analysis and pop culture could work hand in hand.

At Estée Lauder, I supported the launch of new skincare products by researching trends, building positioning strategies, and even analyzing competitor performance using Tableau. I loved connecting the dots between consumer preferences and marketing results.

Currently, I’m interning at Originature, a sustainable personal care brand. Here, I’m applying everything I’ve learned — leading SEO strategy, analyzing web traffic with Google Analytics, managing social media growth, and even tracking return-on-investment in Meta ad campaigns. It’s the perfect playground to apply both sides of my training, creative storytelling and rigorous analytics.

Finding My Fit

Looking back, my journey from fashion school to Fuqua might seem like an unusual path. But to me, it feels like the perfect evolution. Fashion gave me the eye for storytelling, and Fuqua gave me the tools to make those stories impactful. Now, I’m excited to pursue a career where I can blend creativity with data to help brands grow in a thoughtful, measurable way.

To anyone considering the MQM program — especially if you’re coming from a creative or nontraditional background — don’t be afraid to lean into the unknown. It might seem intimidating at first, but you might discover new passions like I did.