Melissa Homa
My name is Melissa Homa, and this is my fourth semester as an ambassador for the Student Advisory Board. I am a Senior in the Retailing and Consumer Sciences major, recently returning from a Spring semester abroad in Rome, Italy. My hometown lies in southern Maine and the UA’s Retailing program was a major influence for me to travel all the way out here to Arizona! As an incoming freshman, I spoke with a former ambassador who shared her stories of success within the retailing program with me. Her genuine enthusiasm for the program captured my curiosity and inspired me to become an ambassador. I hope to share my own experiences thus far with future retail students. Since I have been at the university, the TJL center and the Retailing program has opened doors to many opportunities and helped me build my professional skills as I progress into a career. The curriculum has prepared me for the fast paced and dynamic world of the retailing industry. My analytical skills and passion for business technology are reasons why I want to pursue a merchandising career in either the retail or e-commerce field.
I have completed internships with both Collective Brands Inc (CBI) in Lexington, MA and Dick’s Sporting Goods in Pittsburgh, PA. My internship with CBI involved working in the E-Commerce department with their 4 brands: Sperry Top-Sider, Stride Rite Children’s Group, Saucony, and Keds. The experience shed light on opportunities in multichannel retail strategies that continue to shape the industry today. I worked as a buying intern in the swimwear department for Dick’s Sporting Goods last summer with the opportunity to train in planning and analyst positions as well. I completed a strategic plan to develop the swim market and gain market share for the 2012 Olympic year, which was presented at the end of the program.
Following graduation this May, I will be moving to New York City to start full-time with Macys.com.
This semester I will be a corporate liaison to Collective Brands/Payless Shoe Source and Gordon Brothers Group. I will also serve with the fundraising and interview committees.
Corporate Liaison: Collective Brands/Payless Shoe Source and Gordon Brothers Group
Student Liaison Contact