SUNY Oneonta Student Liana Walton Completes Experiential Learning Project

SUNY Oneonta student Liana Walton, of Clifton Park, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "House of Consignment Internship."

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.

"During my internship at House of Consignment, I gained hands-on experience in the retail and consignment industry. Under the guidance of owner Kirsty Roefs, I learned about the consigning process, customer service, merchandising, and day-to-day retail operations. I was given creative freedom to design eye-catching seasonal and holiday displays, plan and create social media content, and help manage the sales floor," said Walton, who is majoring in Fashion and Textiles.

"During my internship at House of Consignment, I was involved in many aspects of daily retail operations and visual merchandising. I created seasonal displays for holidays and events including St. Patrick's Day, Easter, and other promotions to help attract customers and showcase inventory. I also photographed racks of clothing daily, carefully capturing each garment for the store's website and online shoppers. In addition, I created social media content to promote new arrivals and seasonal pieces, assisted customers, and helped manage and organize the sales floor to maintain an inviting shopping environment.

"During my internship at House of Consignment, I learned about the consigning process and how inventory is evaluated, priced, organized, and prepared for sale. I gained hands-on experience in visual merchandising by creating displays that were both visually appealing and effective in attracting customers. I also learned how important social media and online presentation are in the retail industry through photographing clothing and creating promotional content. This experience strengthened my communication, creativity, organization, and customer service skills while giving me a better understanding of the fashion and retail business.

"Since completing this internship, I plan to continue developing my skills in the fashion industry through future internships and hands-on experiences. I will continue my education at Fashion Institute of Technology, where I will earn an Associate's degree in Advertising and Marketing Communications through the 3+1 program with SUNY Oneonta. In May 2027, I will graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising from SUNY Oneonta as well as an Associate's degree from FIT. After graduation, I hope to begin a professional career in the luxury fashion industry, where I can combine my interests in fashion, marketing, merchandising, and brand development."

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. Since the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, the Career Planning and Networking Center has distributed over $319,500 in internship stipends to more than 400 students.

To view these students click here: https://oneonta.meritpages.com/achievements/SUNY-Oneonta-Student-Liana-Walton-Completes-Experiential-Learning-Project/202843