Grad Is Senior Director of Merchandise Planning at Hot Topic

FIDM Graduate Rima Barker worked at Pacific Sunwear, Metropark, and Billabong before being recruited to Senior Director of Merchandise Planning at Hot Topic. 

The 2008 graduate was recruited by the retailer's HR department since they were in search of someone with planning experience who could join the apparel division. In her role, Rima is responsible for managing total sales forecast, gross margin dollar profitability, identifying product opportunity, cost reductions, store and ecommerce marketing, promotional messaging, and managing a team she describes as "awesome."

"My role is dynamic in many ways and I’m able to make it what I want," says Rima, who currently resides in Los Angeles's Los Feliz neighborhood, near FIDM's main campus. "The ceiling is very high and all ideas are heard. I am able to make decisions daily that impact the business quickly and I love my team and what we are able to achieve together. We all have a hand in every aspect of the business which keeps our day to day busy and exciting."

Rima, who was raised in Orange County, always had an interest in the fashion industry. "When I got my undergrad degree I started exploring my options," she explains. "I made an appointment to meet with the school and immediately decided I wanted to go to FIDM." She majored in Merchandise & Marketing because she wanted to learn the business fundamentals of the industry, from supply chain and sales forecasting to financial modeling and marketing. "I knew there was so much I had to learn about the industry and this degree would be the best option," she says. 

She says FIDM provided a curriculum that covered a broad range fundamentals needed to get her foot in the door. "Beyond specific courses and subjects learned, FIDM taught me to multitask, prioritize, and work with others to help achieve goals," she says. "What has been invaluable to me is the social network and relationships built with the staff and colleagues to which I continue to maintain today. It feels great to be a part of an Alumni Association that is so successful and supportive." 

Categories:  Merchandising & Marketing