International Manufacturing &
Product Development

Sky Liu - Graduate
FIDM International Manufacturing & Product Development Program
Production Manager, Toys for The Disney Store North America/Disney Consumer Products

Future goal:
I would ultimately like to live and work overseas.

What do you like most about your job?
I really enjoy working directly with the vendors and factories to develop and produce our product and appreciate the overseas travel opportunities I've had.

Why FIDM?
The International Manufacturing & Product Development Program really provides you with the fundamental knowledge, skills, and experiences that you can apply to any area within the industry.

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.

Lindsay Sarnoff - Graduate
FIDM International Manufacturing & Product Development Program
Product Development, Tibi

While studying at FIDM, Lindsay Sarnoff was hired for a paid internship with Guess?, working in Product Development for the Accessories Department. She later transitioned into the Buying Department and upon graduation she took a position in Product Development with Charles David, the famed footwear company.

Today, Lindsay works for the New York-based, five year-old contemporary women's label Tibi, which is sold in over 200 specialty stores and at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus. The colorful, feminine designs have been featured everywhere from Elle and Teen Vogue to US Weekly and InStyle. Working in Product Development, Lindsay's day-to-day responsibilities include looking at sketches and samples and translating them to production. She also orders all of the fabrics and trims and deals directly with the factories overseas.

How did you find out about FIDM?
"My mom worked at FIDM in the Office of Community & Educational Affairs and later as an Admissions Advisor. I worked at FIDM almost every summer while I was in high school. It was just natural that I went to FIDM."

How did you decide on your major?
"After talking to my mom and doing a little analyzing of the different majors, I felt like it would be the perfect opportunity for me. I liked the international part of it and the opportunity to travel and get to know the industry."

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.

Ceil Kullman - Graduate
FIDM International Manufacturing & Product Development Program
Juniors Designer, Brand Management & Development at Mr. Rags

After completing a two-year degree in Merchandise Marketing at FIDM, Ceil Kullman traveled to Taiwan to learn more about culture and business and then attended the London College of Fashion. Upon her return to Los Angeles a few months later, Ceil began her third year of study at FIDM in the International Product Development Advanced Study program.

Ceil is currently the Juniors Designer in Brand Management & Development at Mr. Rags, which has 154 stores nationwide and targets the urban street and skate market. Her job responsibilities include maintaining correspondence with the factories in Asia, sourcing fabrics and trims, and following up on purchase order entry, modifications, and inspection certificates. "I do everything," she exclaims. "Sometimes I work 14 hour days, but I honestly love it and still go home with a smile on my face."

What was your FIDM experience like?
"FIDM honestly is my savior in a way. They don't hold your hand the whole way through, but they hold it long enough until you know you can do it yourself. I call FIDM all the time and thank them for teaching me."

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.