Making The Most of the MFMS
Written By: Frankie Smith and Edited By: Prisha Patel
It’s more than just fashion. Its business, entrepreneurship, collaboration, innovation, culture, media…the list goes on. Every year, we hold the MFMS specifically for students interested in fashion, design, social media, beauty, and everywhere in between. It began as an idea to fill a void, and has now evolved to create a collaborative, professional, fashion-focused community at U of M.
If you plan on attending the Summit, we want your experience to be the best that it can–but you’re in charge. From our team to you, here are the best ways to make the most of your summit experience, explore professional opportunities, and get inspired to shape the future of fashion.
Before the Summit
Follow and engage with our socials
All of the MFMS social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, have real time updates about the conference. Between speaker announcements, promo-codes, amazing partner lineup, and the Fashion Forward Showcase, our social media accounts are a one-stop-shop for all things Summit related. Additionally, the MFMS officially launched its own app! Download for live updates and to get the latest scoop on what the MFMS has in store!
Check out our publications: The Stitch and The Loop
The Stitch is a fashion industry focused magazine with articles ranging from AI’s influence on fashion to spotlights on trailblazing alumni brands that are shaping the future of creativity. It’s a great place to get information on industry insights, business, and trends. There is also a section dedicated to past Summit recaps, where you can learn a bit more about what Summit day looks like, the types of panels we’ve had, and the exclusive opportunities available to attendees such as coffee chats and resume reviews. We also have our bi-weekly newsletter: The Loop. Be sure to subscribe to receive recent updates on industry news, spotlights on fashion trend-setters, and even our favorite fashion, lifestyle, and beauty products as of late.
Research our speaker lineup and plan your schedule
To see our wonderful speakers this year, visit our speakers page. It’s important to research these industry leaders beforehand, so that you know their background and can better connect with their panel topics. Investigating the speakers beforehand will help you prioritize what panels you want to hear and plan your day-of schedule. It may also spark some questions related to the career journeys, work experience, and panel themes–so jot those down in your notes to ask during the Summit.
Set your alarm and arrive early day-of
By arriving early on the day of the Summit, you’ll have the first chance to sign up for coffee chats with an amazing lineup of brands where you’ll have an opportunity to make the next strides in your career and network with a range of luxury, retail, and beauty companies. While you’re at it, sign up for the Lunch and Learn where you’ll have the opportunity to hear from Wolverine Worldwide’s Futures & Trends team on navigating fashion through the climate crisis, trend turnover, and more. Plus, you’ll get a free Sweetgreen salad. Finally, you will be able to sign up for headshots to update your professional portfolio.
All things resume related
Firstly, update your resume. The U of M career center has a ton of amazing resources including a general overview, things to include, formatting tips, and real student examples. They also offer both instant and targeted resume feedback, designed to take your resume to the next level and increase professionalism. While you’re at it, remember to update your LinkedIn profile, as many recruiters will use this after coffee chats during the hiring process. After that, print multiple copies of your resume to give to recruiters and other professionals at the summit. Have a PDF copy easily accessible on your phone as well so you can easily fill out any interest forms. If applicable, prepare a portfolio to share as well so that companies can see your amazing work. Finally, purchase your ticket now to get access to the resume drop–where recruiters will have access to all your work!
Dress to impress
While the Thursday Night Lunch Party is cocktail attire, Summit day is business professional. At the end of the day, we’re a fashion club. Come dress to impress the range of partners and speakers in attendance and radiate professionalism.
SUMMIT
TNLP
During the Summit
Actively listen, engage, and take notes
This is a given. All of our panels are going to be amazing and full of incredibly valuable and helpful information–be sure to take notes on your phone or on paper to look back on post-Summit and implement into your future. You have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to ask your favorite influencers and industry leaders your burning questions–take advantage of it!
Be strategic with networking
Check our website and socials for our official partner lineup and make a targeted list of speakers and companies that you want to interact with. Whether it be researching available positions and openings or thinking of specific questions to ask, preparation is vital for you to take full advantage of the Summit’s resources. In all of your interactions, we encourage you to maintain professionalism. Consider practicing your elevator pitch to explain who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking to do in the future or how you can benefit who you’re talking to. At the end of your conversations, be sure to get any contact information needed to follow up.
Visit the Fashion Forward Showcase booths
The MFMS is proud to welcome our five FFS finalists to the Summit this year. The showcase highlights student designers, producers, photographers, and other creators to display their work and underscore their mission. Ask them questions and interact to both learn about their brands, but also spark creativity and ignite innovation in your own work.
Interact with other attendees
MFMS’s mission is to unite the fashion enthusiasts and creatives at the University of Michigan–which ultimately lies within YOU! Interacting and learning about other’s interests, experiences, and goals may spark collaborations, boost motivation, and increase interest within the field. We host this Summit to bring like-minded individuals together, so we encourage you to use it to your advantage.
Be open to unexpected opportunities
An integral perspective to carry with you on summit day is open-mindedness. You never know what collaboration, internship, or professional development opportunities may arise during the Summit. Some may be right up your alley, while others could be completely foreign, which offers a chance to explore the uncharted and learn about potential career paths that you haven’t considered. As doors are constantly opening and closing, we highly recommend welcoming and inviting new opportunities.
After the Summit
Follow up with company representatives and apply for their positions
After a jam-packed day of opportunity and inspiration, keep the momentum going by reaching out to company representatives, recruiters, and other leaders. Send them a thank-you note, connect on LinkedIn, and share your resume to make them remember you and keep you in the loop for future opportunities. They are here to guide and help you, so stay updated with them to show genuine interest in their company and dedication to your professional progression. If you discover any available positions during your coffee chat post-Summit research–apply! You’ll be top of mind for them after interacting, so use it to your advantage.
Post on LinkedIn about your experience
The MFMS would LOVE to hear about everything you learned and experienced at our Summit. Not only does this provide helpful feedback for us, but also shares your active efforts to further your career to LinkedIn followers and recruiters viewing your profile.
Stay in touch with the MFMS
As we stated before, follow our socials, subscribe to The Loop, and continue reading The Stitch to stay connected. By keeping updated on news, trends, and all things fashion, you’ll gain a well-rounded and current perspective on both what the MFMS is doing, and what's happening in the industry. We are constantly evolving our club’s function, scope, and influence on campus, you won’t want to miss what we have in store.
Keep an eye out for the fall MFMS recruiting cycle
Every fall, we welcome a new group of innovative, trailblazing students onto our student planning team. If you want a hand in our work, we encourage you to keep updated with our social media accounts for fall 2025 recruitment.
We can’t wait to see you at the summit this Friday on March 28th! If you haven’t bought your ticket already, make sure to purchase it as soon as possible before tickets sell out!
