TYLER POND
EDUCATION
Having experience with Fashion as well as Business through my high school DECA program, enrolling at Central to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising with a Business minor was what I believed to be the best decision in order to pursue further education. I believe that both programs, as well as being a part of the CWUs Student Fashion Association have put me on the right track for my future path in life.
ATM has opened my eyes to many experiences, as well as set me up for internships for both the summer of 2022 and '23. I feel that the program has also provided me with a network of people who have helped show their perspective on fashion and business. Being a part of the Student Fashion Association has also given me many opportunities. Recently I had the opportunity to travel to the 2023 MAGIC and PROJECT trade shows. We were able to speak with industry experts and learn new, hands-on experiences. Overall I feel that my education has set me up for a successful career path now that I am graduated.
RELEVANT COURSES
Accounting for Non-Accountants
Advanced Sewing Techniques
Apparel Manufacturing
Apparel, Textiles and Merchandising Practicum (Summer Internships 2022-2023)
Applied Product Development
Applied Research and Evaluation
ATM Internship Planning
Basic Sewing Techniques
Buying and Merchandising Math
Change Ready: Tech Skills
Computer Applications
Consumer Textiles
Digital Presentation Techniques
Essential Skills for Business Professionals
Fashion Show Production
Fashion Trend Analysis
Financial Accounting
History of Fashion
Intro to Fashion Industry
Legal Environment of Business
Management of Human Resources
Merchandise Buying and Planning
Northwest Field Experience in Apparel & Textiles
Omni Channel Retailing Credits
Organizational Management
Principles of Marketing
Principles of Retailing
Prototype Development
Socio-Cultural Aspects of Apparel
Spreadsheet Applications
Style Principles: Body to Store
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Mountain High Sports Feb. 2022 - May. 2023 and Jan. 2024 - June 2024 (under new management)
In the beginning of 2022, I began my first retail experience as a Sales Associate for the local Ellensburg business, Mountain High Sports. This local retail business focuses on outdoor equipment, and apparel, as well as rentals for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. From then to the present day, I have been a part of the team, each day learning new skills in customer service and satisfaction. I continue to improve my skills in merchandising with both fashion garments and outdoor equipment.
Job responsibilities included:
- Performed and engaged in multiple tasks in the front and back of the store to stay organized.
- Assisted guests who had questions they had regarding apparel, equipment, and services.
- Rearranged and cleaned displays, merchandise, and products daily.
- Conducted multiple transactions, exchanges, and returns each day.
INTERNSHIP: MOUNTAIN HIGH SPORTS
During the Summer of 2022, I had the privilege to intern at Mountain High Sports in Ellensburg, Washington. I worked with the owner, Tami Walton, as well as other co-workers to focus on retail management. I had the opportunity to create mock purchase orders as well as merchandise layouts, and social media promotions.
What I plan to gain from my future Internships is inside knowledge of the fashion industry. I believe that hands-on learning from within is a key goal to my pursuit of becoming an Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising Major, as well as providing me with experience to help with my future employment.
Several of my responsibilities during the internship included:
- Worked with the owner of the company to produce a sample purchase order for Patagonia’s Summer 2024 collection.
- Created original layouts and produced 20+ window displays over the course of the internship.
- Obtained hands-on, retail-based, experience along with business and entrepreneurial information.
INTERNSHIP: Buckle
My second internship came the next summer in 2023 with the company Buckle. I worked from May to September at their location in Bellevue, WA. I had the privilege of working with the store manager and was given the task of growing the men's short department over the span of those months. I successfully grew the department and increased our store's nationwide sales rank by 10.1% within six weeks.
This internship provided me with merchandising practice and I got to work with new styles compared to my previous internship. I was also introduced to how the company created purchase orders and managed freight.
Several of my responsibilities during the internship included:
- Personally managed the men’s shorts department and paid attention to incoming freight, trends, and textile knowledge.
- Researched current trends and used this knowledge to create eye-catching displays throughout the sales floor.
- Cooperated with fellow team members in managing seasonal markdowns.
Check out my internship journey, and other experiences on my Instagram!
