School of Fashion

fashion design

Q&A

Interviews with insightful sophomores

ELISSA ALCALA How was the transition from foundation year into fashion design?

In foundation year you do have a lot of work but it probably doubles if not triples when you enter Fashion. I will say that first semester was a lot harder for me than right now, but that was because I had to get used to doing so much work and also learning new skills that I did not know before.

What has been your favorite class so far?

Concepts is my favorite class even though it has the most work and is probably the most stressful. It is my favorite because it is the class where you get to design your own clothing based on an inspiration. So you get to go from the initial mood board to designing a final that consists of 6 edited looks. (Note all of this is drawn, not fabricated.)

Is there a high level of competitiveness in the classroom?

Secretly you always want to do better than other students in the class, but most people do not voice their opinions.

How do the classes differ from sophomore to junior to senior year?

You still have critiques, but they usually happen every class or one on one. Also, you get more time to work on your projects in class. Usually there will be a demo for the first hour of class and then you have the remainder of the time to work and ask questions. This applies to two of my three core classes. My drawing class is basically the same as foundation year except you are drawing the fashion figure and the model wears clothes.

Is there a time when you have struggled because you lacked a particular skill?

Yes. I am not so good at sewing and at the midterm from last semester I was actually failing my methods class. I thought I was doing fine but cleary I was not. I got outside help and have improved a lot since then. So if you don’t know how to sew or drape I highly recommend you learn how to before entering the program.

Are there a lot of students that drop out or fail?

They drop like flies. The program is tough and the teachers are not afraid to fail you if you don’t get your work done, even if you have a reason. A lot of students drop out because they realize that this is not for them.

Do you dorm or have you moved off “campus?”

I live off campus because the dorm sucked for me last year. I love living in my apartment. I have so much more room and can concentrate on my work much easier. I highly recommend that if you can, move out of the dorms. It makes life much easier and less drama filled. Trust me, you cannot handle any stress that comes from outside of school.

On top of classes and homework are you still able to maintain a social life?

Social life… what’s that? No, I have no social life outside of school. Some of my classmates find time to have one, but their grades reflect that. If you do have time, you are so tired from the week that it just doesn’t happen. I do try to take it easy Friday nights, but otherwise, no.

What are some techniques you have developed to help with time management?

Make sure you keep an agenda book where you write down all the assignments, that helps a lot. Also, get as much work done on the weekends as you can so you don’t have to pull all nighters during the week.

Do you get enough sleep?

Yes and no. I need 8 hours of sleep to be able to really function verbally and be awake mentally during the day.

During the week the most sleep I get is 6 hours, so as you can imagine I am really tired, but I survive. If I have to pull all nighters I sleep for 12 to 13 hours Friday night (meaning I am in bed by 9 and don’t get up till 10 the next day).

JANELLE ABBOTT How was the transition from foundation year into Fashion Design?

Polar opposites. Foundation doesn’t prepare you for fashion one bit.

How much time do you spend on homework on an average night?

A better question is: how much time don’t I spend on homework on an average night, because I would say after a 6 hour class, and if I go to bed around 11pm, I have less than 2 hours to myself, including my commute home from class. So I would say, 4-5-6 hours on homework.

Do you find it difficult to stay caught up?

No, I’m pretty good at managing my time. I just don’t always want to do what I’m assigned to do.

On top of classes and homework are you still able to maintain a social life?

Yes, but I live with 4 friends.

Is there any time for a part time job?

Well, if you’re on a suicide mission, yes.

Are there a lot of students that drop out or fail?

Some kids transfer because they find that this isn’t want they really want. They found that out pretty fast.

What keeps you motivated?

Knowing that there is more to life than fashion and Parsons and the next two years of my life.

Do you dorm or have you moved off “campus?”

I live in an apartment with 4 other people. I lived in Loeb my freshman year, and so my 3 roommates plus our friend from across the hall got a 5 bedroom apt in Brooklyn (off the L @ the Lorimer stop) and I LOVE IT!

MARY BACHAND On top of classes and homework are you still able to maintain a social life?

Yes, minimally though. I don’t party, ever. I go to church and I have a small group of ladies that I hang out with every Monday night.

What are some techniques you have developed to help with time management?

I have discovered the power of breaks. I used to work up to 10 hours straight, but after reading so many studies on the higher productivity rate in students who take breaks I began a treat list. It’s a list of things I can do to take a mental break and/or a physical break. Each thing takes 5-15 min and it gets me excited to continue studying.

Do you get enough sleep?

I get more than any other Parsons student I know. I get 5-9 hours/night. I have never pulled an all-nighter, but I know so many others that have. I am an odd case in this area, I value my sleep and I work hard to be able to enjoy it.

Is there any time for a part time job?

Hmmm, I am taking 18 credits and I can’t fathom that. I would say no.

Is there a high level of competitiveness in the classroom?

There is definitely competition, but one can run with it as catty or constructive. I take it as a healthy competition and it motivates me to pour my heart and soul into everything I do. As we develop our style this lessens the competitiveness slightly because people realize that you are no longer a threat. Once you get situated in the Fashion department you realize how many roads there are to take. Not everyone majoring in Fashion wants to work for the same designer or design the same clothes for the same customer. This is why we focus in Sophomore year on womenswear initially (and in this you can choose whatever age and lifestyle you desire), then childrenswear and menswear. If there’s catty competition it’s just the remnant thrill of high school drama that has filtered into college.

How do the classes differ from sophomore to junior to senior year?

As you progress the classes get more focused toward your particular interests. For instance, I love accessories and this year I have to take my liberal arts classes and ULEC classes to get those out of the way. By doing this, next year and my senior year I can take shoe design, accessory design, millinery class, and machine knitting. They are working on adding a denim course, which I would love to take. Each students perfects one pair of jeans over the semester.

What kind of fashion do you focus on?

My designs are all inclusive for men’s and women’s. By that I mean, I LOVE IT ALL. Clothes, shoes, accessories, hats, umbrellas, water bottles (Yes. That’s right, water bottles). I have been doing mostly womenswear, but I know I want to do men’s as well.

How was the transition from foundation year into Fashion Design?

Challenging. For me, the difficulty was 30% school, and 60% life issues. I was moving on my own from Seattle to NYC and finding an apartment by myself. I would say, learn how to sew a straight line at least and bring your A-game. Be ready to focus, work hard, and you absolutely need to be proficient with your time management.

What skills/knowledge that you possess from your previous years of education in high school or at Parsons would you say was the most helpful when entering Fashion Design?

Tinkering. If you don’t know how to tinker, figure it out and make it become a nature. As early as three years old I was making things with my own two hands. My mom was a seamstress and a tapestry weaver so I would use the remnant threads to make bracelets. From them on, I have always felt the most joyous, peaceful and utterly fulfilled when my hands were steady at work creating and innovating. Throughout school it ranged from presentation posters, to various arts, jewelry, and clothes, all of which feed my passion: tinkering. My mom always told me, find something you love to do in life and then figure out how to make money doing it.

Do you dorm or have you moved off “campus?”

Apartment in Hoboken!!

What keeps you motivated?

God. Really, he is the reason I am here today and he has purposed me in this industry. I wake up each morning with a growing sense of anticipation, thinking, “what ridiculously amazing thing do I get to design today?” Also, my family and friends. They have believed in me from day one and I know they will keep pushing me until the end.

CHUNG BANG Do you find it difficult to stay caught up?

Yes, indeed. In the classroom, we are asked to present something our best regardless of any condition. I am constantly feeling like I am not good enough, which is good, in terms of growing, but bad, in terms of human’s quality of living. I prefer quality of living.

On top of classes and homework are you still able to maintain a social life?

I certainly try, but people around me seem not to be patient, or with me where I am. I miss my free time.

What are some techniques you have developed to help with time management?

I read several books during summer vacation. It helped me greatly. What I apply is the 2 minutes technique. I do something right way if I feel like it doesn’t take longer than 2 minutes. Otherwise, I put everything in my calendar according to its hierarchy.

Do you get enough sleep?

No, definitely not. As a previous classical singer, I tended to take good care of my body since my body was my instrument. Nutrition and sleeping was my most concern. Sometimes, because lack of sleep, I sincerely feel like my life has been threatened. I think school should be considerate in this matter.

Is there any time for a part time job?

I am so proud of my few friends who work while studying. They are doing great in classes as well. So talented! For me, I have no time for anything besides school.

What has been your favorite class so far?

Last semester, I dropped Intro Design class. However, this semester I enjoy it because it gives you an open door for a non-fashion subject, which was all I had during last semester. I do breathe better.

Is there a high level of competitiveness in the classroom?

Yes, certainly. I think when teachers believe in a student’s progress, students learn more. Motivation and encouragement are so important in learning experiences.

What is the environment of your classes? Any different from Foundation year?

Not much difference I found. But to be honest, I feel less creative in the Fashion department. Sometimes, I feel scared to be creative. It is more focused on attracting our target customers. Not much of myself.

How do the classes differ from sophomore to junior to senior year?

I think junior and senior year there is more method, constructing garments, than sophomore year. We drew a lot though.

What kind of fashion do you want to focus on?

Women’s and children’s denim.

How was the transition from Foundation year into Fashion Design?

I personally prefer Foundation to the Fashion BFA department. It gave me so many more interesting subjects and let us to express the way we are. The Fashion field seems to focus on business aspects so much.

Not much about art!

Moodboard

Is there a time when you have struggled because you lacked a particular skill?

My drawing seems to be struggling a little compared with other subjects. I am good with detail in drawing.

Drawing the stylized figure needs more work.

Do you dorm or have you moved off “campus?”

I have lived in NJ, I drive to school. It costs a lot. I have my assigned parking space, but I need to deal with traffic.

What keeps you motivated?

Encouragement from my family and friends. They have been so great to me! Also, my belief as a Christian.

Are there a lot of students that drop out or fail?

This is not an easy question because everybody faces a different situation.

I was the one who considered dropping out of the school. I have heard of a few people that failed and switched into different departments.

Moodboard

THE BASICS Homework: on average 5-8 hours per night Hours a week spent in class: about 30 Class size: 12-20 Cost of supplies: $300 - $500+ per semester

Final Advice for those planning on pursuing a major in Fashion Design at Parsons: Elissa: Make sure before you enter that this is really what you want to do because you are going to be designing fashion for the rest of our life. Do not enter the program if you simply like clothes and buying them. Also if you are really sensitive and don’t like it when people judge you or yell at you, you might want to reconsider, or at least grow some balls before you come into the program because you will have teachers who basically tell you that your designs suck and question you about why you are there. They do this for your benefit but some students just don’t understand that and take it personally. Those students drop out quickly.

Janelle: DON’T! Mary: Be serious about your endeavors, and put your heart into it. Be passionate and you will be successful.

Chung: Be prepared for everything necessary. Passion and a dream are not enough. You will need to know how to handle your tools to express your talent.

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alternative methods of study: international students, study abroad, & BAFA

International Student Experience The International Student population is growing and has become an

integral part of the Fashion Design Program at Parsons. Students come from all over the world to study design with some of the best and most highly acclaimed. Being in the fashion capitol of the world is a also huge plus for those ready to learn the industry. With all of this information in mind,what exactly is the experience like for those coming from abroad?

Quick Statistics: • The Fashion Design Program has 204 international students, meaning they compose 30.6% of the program’s student body*.

• It is a common perception that most international students in the Fashion Design program are of Korean nationality, which is understandable because Korean students make up the largest percentage (21.5%) of international students. The rest come from Japan, India, China, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom,Taiwan, Mexico, etc.

*Information found in the University’s 2009 Fact Book.

Name: Chi Lo

Year: Junior

Hometown: Hong Kong

Why did you choose the Fashion Design Program at Parsons as opposed to a Fashion Program in another country, such as your own?

The Parsons reputation is really appealing, even internationally.

What is something international Fashion students tend to struggle with?

Sometimes there’s a language barrier in terms of understanding professors’ assignments and during critiques.

Is there a support system between international students in the program?

Maybe not so much of a “support system,” but we all tend to hang out together.

Study Abroad Though Parsons offers a variety of study abroad options, Fashion students should take caution when deciding to apply to study elsewhere while in the process of completing their degree here in New York City. Due to the Fashion Program’s rigorous curriculum and revered reputation, it may be difficult to gain more from another school as opposed to just staying here at Parsons. However, for confident students, studying abroad may provide a very educational and life enriching experience.

Opportunities:

Things to Consider:

Chelsea College of Art and Design (London) Konstfack (Stockholm) Köln International School of Design (Cologne, Germany) Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (Australia) Sydney College of the Arts (Sydney) Bezalel Academy of Art and Design (Jerusalem)

The cost of traveling and tuition at abroad institutions.

The Fashion Design Program’s graduation requirements.

The positive experiences you will have exploring the world and meeting new people.

BAFA What is it?

Students in the BAFA program are earning a BA degree at Eugene Lang in addition to their Fashion degree. Not many students enroll in the BAFA program due to its rigourous structure and the demanding standards of the fashion program. Though difficult, the BAFA program is definitely a viable option for students to choose.

Academic Outlook: Second Year Courses

Fashion Design Core 1 & 2 Fashion Digital Studio History, Culture, Society Lang Seminars 2000-level Art and Design History Elective A total of 19 credits per semester Third Year

Fashion Design Core 3 & 4 Fashion Drawing Fashion Digital Studio Lang Seminars A total of 19 credits per semester Fourth Year

Fashion Design Core 5 & 6: Thesis Lang Seminar 16 credits first semester & 15 credits second semester Fifth Year

Business Seminar Themes in Fashion History or Fashion Industry Survey 3000-level Art and Design History Elective Lang Seminar 18 credits first semester & 17 credits second semester

prepare

ready, get set.. SEW!

learn to sew!

Every student I interviewed said sewing was the most important skill to have in Fashion Design. You’ll be taught how to sew once you enter the department, but most students already know how to sew prior to entering so the material will be covered FAST! Don’t already know how to sew?

Not to worry! Just make sure you learn and practice before going into the program.

when and where can you learn?

For most of you, summer vacation would be the best time to learn to sew.

So here are your options: 1) Parsons Summer Courses 2) FIT Courses 3) A Sewing class at a fabric shop near home. (it’s okay even if you are the youngest there!)

Don’t forget to practice on your own too!

helpful skills learn FAST! “There are lots to be covered in classes, so your instructors are going to be practically throwing things at you to absorb. You really don’t have time to perfect the skills you learn, you just have to do it right the first time.”

- David

people skills “With the heavy workload, it is only natural that the students are stressed out. And when people are stressed out (and also lacking sleep) it can be ugly. You have to try not to irritate other people so that you can remove the possibilities of having social problems on top of the workload.”

- Jin

how much sleep do you get?

Sketches by Alicia

“You probably get ten times the “I sleep about four or sleep I get.” five hours a day, and I - David (senior) “The only way to get sleep is not to go out on weekends.”

- Callen (sophomore)

try to sleep a lot over the weekends.”

- Saerom (senior)

“I pull all nighters once or “The most sleep I got was about twice a week, but on average, four hours a day, I had all nighters I sleep 4 or 5 hours.” every mondays and wednesdays.”

- Alicia (junior) - Ahna (sophomore) “On average, I get about six hours everyday. Sleep has been my priority this semester, so I just sleep even if my assignments aren’t completely satisfying. I’ve learned that sometimes, it is better to be able to stay awake in class, than to work yout head off for less significant assignments.” - Jin (senior)

special thanks to Ahna Callen David Alicia Saerom Jin

Ahna in the photograph above

teacher recommendations and tutoring information

Who is your favorite teacher in Fashion Department?

I really enjoyed Carla Westcott, who I had for concepts last semester (the first semester of my sophomore year). She was very to the point about her opinions, and I felt that her honesty was both insightful, and actually, always on target. We would present our croquis (or small sketches of potential designs) to her and she would cross out the ones she didn’t like, and they were always the one’s I didn’t like either! So, I think that class really helped to grow my work as a designer, even though I didn’t like anything, hardly, that I did for her class.

---- Janelle Abbott

I love a lot of my teachers: Steven Broadway for Drawing, Aneesa Shikh for History Culture society, Lester Rodriguez for Methods, Jennifer Belton for Concepts, and Joe Denaro for Drawing. BTW, they are all from sophomore year.

---- Mary Bachand

My favorite teachers in the fashion department are Richard Rosenfeld (Fashion Drawing), Joseph Pescatore (Studio Methods), Jim Simon (Fashion Digital), Genevieve Jezick (Studio Methods), Greg Climer (Studio Methods), Julian Guthrie (Concepts & Development), Carlos Aponte (Fashion Drawing), Patrick Hughes (History, Culture, and Society) , Dean Stadel (Fashion Industry Survey), Kien Chu (Fashion Drawing), Felice DaCosta (Concepts & Development). And I heard that Steven Farem (Junior Year, Concepts & Development) is a really good teacher.

---- Arnulfo Deocampo

I have heard that some teachers will fail you if they do not like your work. However this has not happened to me yet nor to anyone I know.

---- Elissa Alcala

My favorite teachers were Mr. Price and Helen Raynus. They teach senior thesis. They really care about their students and are very open minded to different aesthetics.. They are both really great! Aneta Geneova is also very good. She taught accessories. Howard Davis teaches shoes and is a great teacher. Caroline Simonelli was a senior thesis teacher many of my friends liked ---- Ivy Kirk

Yes. Currently, I’m seeking help to get tutoring and counseling on time management and writing. I’m also starting to purse help on Fashion Drawing which is tutored by Richard Rosenfeld.

---- Arnulfo Deocampo

The fashion offers tutors in Drawing (which they offer free sessions with a teacher) and they recommend a sewing and draping tutor who you email to set up appointments.

---- Elissa Alcala

Would you benefit from tutoring?

In what areas would you seek tutoring?

Tutoring would be helpful for Fashion Drawing. Richard Rosenfeld does the Fashion Drawing Tutoring twice a week on Tuesday and Thursdays at the fashion building. Also, for students who have trouble writing essays, I also recommend tutoring for writing. The school has always advise students to use the writing center to get help with writing essay’s.

I probably need tutoring on somethings, such as methods, but I feel I waste so many hours in class, as long as I can understand my mistakes, I will eventually be able to correct them, in class time. I spend 30+ hours in class a week. Even 2 hours of tutoring, outside of the endless hours I spend on homework, is more than I’m willing to give.

---- Arnulfo Deocampo

---- Janelle Abbott

All classes, depends on one’s skill. I see many students struggle in sewing classes. Personally, I need drawing help.

School encouraged ue to get any help when it is necessary. If I have more time, I would get any help.

---- Chung Bang

----Chung Bang

well, what we really need is this baby.

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LEE / 3RD YR

SPECIAL THANKS TO SONICA C., MAYA B., COURTNEY C., JESSICA S. FOR THE SURVEY.

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Bon Chon Chicken that opened on 38th Street not too long ago is all the range for a lot of kids these days. I mean, there is a Mcdonalds right outside of the Fashion Building and across the street, a Burger King. But health is key.

The Deli and coffee shops like Metro Cafe and Pret are a pretty popular eat as well. As for the living space, where students live is really based on economic status and your style of living. A lot of well off students live by themselves in luxury condos near the school, but the general population of students live pretty scattered throughout the city.

Some of my friends live in New Jersey because it’s much more afforable there and clean. The commuter train into Manhattan is right near school. I have friends in other parts of New York also, like the Lower East Side, Brooklyn, Upper Manhattan and you get the idea.

internships

Last year I interned for Fringe (the TV show) for one semester. I was in charge of going through the costumes that the costume designers bought and preparing returns for the garments they decided they no longer needed. Since there were two costume designers, that meant that two people went out to buy clothing for the show. Sometimes they would come back with the exact same shirt or pants and then they would decide not to use them. I then had to go into a store to return two of the exact same shirts on two separate credit cards. Also I could not let anyone know I worked for Fringe when I was returning the clothes. I remember one time the manager came out at Macy’s and asked me why I was returning $1,000 worth of clothing. I told him that I bought it all for my mom and she decided that she did not want any of it so I had to return it all.

ELISSA ALCALA, SOPHOMORE

I interned for Narciso Rodriguez the summer after Foundation year. As an intern you do just very minimal work. They usually won’t trust an intern with design work. So you end up doing tasks like making photocopies or running errands.

Sometimes they’ll let you sew little things on the garments. And of course you are allowed to go to the fashion show.

FABIOLA ARIAS, FASHION DESIGN GRADUATE 2009

I was an intern at the artist management/styling department at Wilhelmina Models last year. I organized emails, packed and unpacked clothes, ran papers to different divisions, and stuffed envelopes for accounting. They were very nice, especially the accounting people, who apparently never got any help from interns. I enjoyed helping them out because they were aware that I was doing work for free. So they were always like “Oh you’re still here? Awesome!”

YULIA COBURN, JUNIOR

I interned at Three as Four for a year, Verrier for a summer and Chris Benz another summer. At Verrier I mainly ran errands. The designer would send me on horrible errands in the heat of summer all day long.

Once when it was probably 95 degrees out she sent me to get her look books from her old PR company.

It was 10 blocks north, too close for the subway but kind of a long walk. She didn’t give me a credit card for a cab or anything, she just expected me to walk there and back with them. When I got there there were five very heavy bags filled with look books. I brought what I could back and she was like “Oh sorry, I didn’t realize there were so many” but she sent me on an errand just as bad the next day.

IVY KIRK, FASHION DESIGN GRADUATE 2009

In High School I interned for photographer Jim Tillman for four months. I shot photos and was an extra eye/hand on the set of photoshoots. The employees were nice and gracious, so I learned a lot.

MARY BACHAND, SOPHOMORE

I began to intern freshman year and continued throughout my four years at Parsons. I worked for Issac Mizrahi, Brian Reyes, Peter Som, Thakoon, Narciso Rodriguez simultaneously with Velasco Couture, Carla Westcott, Calvin Klein and lastly Cushnie et Ochs. For the most part I worked with young designers, which I would recommend because interns get to be a part of almost everything of the business. The smaller the company, the more personal your interactions will be and the more things you’ll be a part of.

Most companies understand that you are a student and that you’re working for free, but they are also pretty demanding. If you prove your worth to the team, you are much more respected. I had an encounter with difficult people and I left that company shortly after I was feeling mistreated.

SHAWN REDDY, FASHION DESIGN GRADUATE 2009

careers after parsons Graduates 2009 Fabiola Arias and Shawn Reddy

FABIOLA ARIAS

SHAWN REDDY

shawn reddy,

womenswear designer Last year wasn’t an easy year to graduate, as the industry was at an all time low and there were plenty of talented people unemployed. I was fortunate enough to get payed part time positions throughout the year. All of those paid experiences were possible because of all the connections I had from interning.

I got my first freelance job about a month after school ended. When I landed my first freelance job I continued to

THESIS COLLECTION 2009

interview until I landed my full time job in December of the same year I graduated.

I work at Cushnie et Ochs as an associate designer.

I help the designers with every aspect of the company, similar to when I was an intern, but with more responsibility and creative freedom. The day I signed my contract and was hired as a full time employee was very exciting because I had job security.

THESIS COLLECTION 2009

COLLECTION FOR SWAROVSKI MONARCHS OF HISTORY COMPETITION AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

fabiola arias,

womenswear designer When I interned for Marc by Marc Jacobs I actually realized I didn’t want to work for a company, especially a corporate company. So summer of senior year I decided to really get serious about my own company.

I sketched out some designs and I talked to factory owners, seeing if they could make my samples. I started contacting boutiques and showing them the collection. The response was really positive, I think they were impressed with such a young person just going off on their own. Usually initially you don’t get picked by a store because they want to see how you grow and develop. However, one store, Ikram in Chicago, picked up the collection.

FABIOLA IN HER STUDIO

This isn’t just my company, it’s also my parents’, so my mother and I work together. We’re getting ready to go to Japan next month, I’ve been selected to show my line for Tokyo fashion week. It’s through an organization called Shinmai Creators Project. They are sponsoring my whole collection. If the buyers in Tokyo like it they’ll place orders for the clothes over

there. It’s so important to establish connections with your classmates, with your teachers, because you never know what’s going to happen in the future.

But there’s one professor in Junior year, Dean Stadel, and he teaches a class called Industry Survey. He was the one with the affiliation to that organization, and he was the one who recommended me for it. Without him, none of this would have happened.

And then with classmates, too, once you graduate you’re all going to be working in the same industry and so much of the industry is based on relationships and contacts. You wouldn’t be able to get anywhere without someone’s help, really.

SKETCHES FOR SPRING 2010 COLLECTION

If you want your own line, start researching now on what you need to do. Go out exploring in the garment district. Call, introduce yourself and say you’re from Parsons and that you’d like to come in and see how it is that they work. All of those specialized factories have incredible examples of what they do that they would be more than happy to show you.

And don’t be alarmed when somebody tells you you’re not going to make it. Though they’re probably talking from personal experience that doesn’t mean it’s going to be the same experience that you have.

And then I would also suggest to have always a positive attitude. Your reputation is everything in the industry. If you’re a great person to work with then other people are going to want to work with you.