In Style

Try telling Katie Gutrich '13 that fashion is a frivolous pursuit. The newly elected president of the Class of 2013 will probably tell you it’s not all bags and shoes. The fashion industry is a $400 million per year business that influences the clothing choices we make each day. Katie, who is planning a career in the financial or marketing sectors of the industry, knows her intended business and economics double major will get her the knowledge and experience she needs to achieve that goal. 

In fact, she’s gaining valuable work experience right here on Saint Mary’s campus. As a member of the Shaheen Bookstore Fashion Buying Team, Katie helps organize Bookstore fashion shows, which requires, among other tasks, meeting with vendors to select the clothing sold in the Bookstore.

Next year, Katie and the other members of the Buying Team plan to promote the Bookstore through commercial advertisements and a short, weekly program on SMC-TV that will inform students of the products and services available to them through the Bookstore. 

Katie says she is thankful for the opportunity to gain some fashion and retail experience while still in school. “This job, along with the business courses and professors I am learning from, are preparing me for a career in this field,” she says. Katie hopes to intern next summer with a large fashion retailer like Nordstrom’s.

In addition to her job and coursework, Katie will begin fulfilling her duties as class president next fall. She will be working with vice president and good friend Torrie Thompson '13 to plan some fun events for next year including a Welcome Back bonfire for the sophomore class and Sophomore Parent’s Weekend.

The leadership skills, communication skills, and work experience Katie is gaining through her campus activities will be invaluable to her as a future fashionista with good business sense. 

—Sarah Sheppard '11