FIDM Is a Military Friendly School

FIDM Alumnus Jeffrey Kurt Thompson is a native of Livonia, Michigan who served 18 years with the U.S. Marine Corps as a Gunnery Sergeant before pursuing a career in Interior Design at FIDM.

What made FIDM right for you? It’s a combination of the Downtown Los Angeles location, the great post-grad contacts, and better placement services than other schools.

Did your military experience help to make you a better student? Absolutely. My military service gave me the discipline to stay focused and deadline driven, as well as to strive to be the best in my class.

What advice do you have for military students and veterans going back to college? Take advantage of the GI Bill. Too many veterans never realize how much money is available through the GI Bill, statewide scholarships, and government-sponsored grants for veterans.

What are your goals for the future? I plan to launch my own furniture line, JeffreyKurt Home Collection, and to have my own design/furniture business.

Find out more about FIDM's Interior Design program.

FIDM Student Amber Rose Brown grew up in Pasadena, California before joining the U.S. Navy where she was on active duty for eight years. Now she is studying Visual Communications to prepare for a career in event planning.

What prompted you to return to school? Continuing my education after the military has always been one of my goals, but coming to FIDM has been a dream come true.

How did you hear about FIDM? I have two cousins who are FIDM Alumni.

What made FIDM right for you? The curriculum directly prepares me for the fast-paced and ever-changing fashion industry.

Did your military experience help make you a better student? It has made me a better student because I was trained to pay very close attention to detail, which is a key component of my major.

What advice do you have for military students and veterans going back to college? Be fearless in getting your education.

Find out more about FIDM's Visual Communications program.

San Fernando, California native Miguel Urias Jr. was in the U.S. Marine Corps for eight years as a Sergeant/0352 Tow Gunner prior to pursuing his dream of starting a clothing line.

What prompted you to return to school? I had the luxury of going to FIDM to learn about my passion. I was able to learn about every aspect of owning and operating your own clothing company from industry professionals who made it that much more enticing for me. Having the G.I. Bill to support my educational needs helped too.

What made FIDM right for you? FIDM was right for me because of its location, knowledgeable and friendly staff, and all of the resources I was able to tap into as a student and now as an alumnus. The networking alone is a huge benefit.

What advice do you have for military students and veterans going back to college? Be flexible, patient, and eager to learn. Military life differs hugely from civilian life and at times can be a bit difficult to adapt to. Never forget what you learned in the military because it is who you are and it will carry you far. Be selective, though, when using what you learned and practiced through your military career. Know how to switch it on and off.

What are your goals for the future? I attended FIDM to turn my clothing company, Password Athletics, into a successful and well-respected lifestyle brand in the skate industry.

Find out more about FIDM's Apparel Industry Management program.