Alexis Norris

Fashion Studies BA, Concentration in Fashion Merchandising '23

“At Columbia, I gained so much experience networking and collaborating with successful creatives,” says the recent Fashion Studies graduate.

What would you say has been the most surprising thing you learned at Columbia?

The most surprising thing I’ve learned at Columbia is how accessible success in a creative field. As artists, we’re taught growing up that making a living off our art is going to be an insurmountable challenge, and our aspirations are better as hobbies. At Columbia, I gained so much experience networking and collaborating with successful creatives. Through that community, there is strength and knowledge that will propel any artist toward making an impact on this world and creating a life worth living.

What individuals or programs at Columbia were helpful to you in reaching your goal of graduating? 

Both Dana Connell and the scholarship opportunity courses were especially helpful in optimizing my time at Columbia and reaching graduation. I took the NRF Student Challenge Competition course, and fortunately my team won the second-place scholarship prize; we were able to go to New York City, present our project, network with industry professionals, and attend a beautiful gala to celebrate everyone’s hard work. The scholarship I secured from the NRF class allowed me to go on a school trip to Greece as well! Our study abroad programs are another amazing resource that I’ve taken advantage of.

What are your plans for after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to go wherever my passions take me. I’m excited to finish my Columbia career doing Semester in LA, so I’d love to secure a job out there. I’m particularly interested in styling and creative direction, so I imagine my career will align with one or both of those roles.

If you were going to sum up your experience at Columbia in one sentence, what would you say?

My experience at Columbia has been extremely explorative, challenging, and fruitful.