Hannah Perry Completes Experiential Learning Project at SUNY Oneonta

Hannah Perry, of Manchester, CT, has completed an experiential learning project titled "House of Consignment Internship" at SUNY Oneonta.

Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success.

These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta.

"At the House of Consignment, I had the freedom to design ads, style mannequins, interact with customers, and decorate different areas of the store. My time here taught me patience, efficiency and time-management skills that I will take with me forever," said Perry, who is studying Fashion and Textiles.

"This is an Instagram post I created for the Holiday season. I utilized Pinterest for the background photo and Picsart for additional photo cutouts, text tools and other editing software. I had such a fun time creating these online ads and am looking forward to continuing my growth in the fashion world!

"Here, I practiced my skills in ad design by creating collage-style Instagram posts, finding ways to combine design with my knowledge of business and merchandising. I also utilized my knowledge of design to style many of the mannequins, taking garments and placing them together to create eye-catching displays. I took photos for the website using the store phone and put together displays for the store for items such as scarves, belts, and shoes, allowing me to capture each and every product in its most enticing form. I also spoke with a few customers on separate occasions, assisting in finding them the right item for their style and needs.

"Taking photos for the website increased my awareness of time-management, efficiency and practicalness while also enlightening me on practices and resources I can use to make the process easier. Creating ads for the website allowed me to see how well my designs engaged with customers, allowing me to improve my speed and ad appeal with each and every post I created. Styling the mannequins broadened my design skillset by giving me practice to conceptualize and experiment with textures, patterns and proportions, which translate into ideas that customers can relate to. Lastly, conversations with customers allowed me to connect with them based on their unique identity and style. I will be able to use these learned skills at future jobs and when I start my business, as I am able to efficiently take product photos, create eye-catching displays, connect with customers and design visually compelling advertisements."

Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase.

SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events.

To view these students click here: https://oneonta.meritpages.com/achievements/Hannah-Perry-Completes-Experiential-Learning-Project-at-SUNY-Oneonta/199470