The FIDM Life

Laughter is the best medicine

2012-02-24T10:27:00.001-08:00

Click the link and watch the video

"Every time we touch"

http://thewalkingtrees.tumblr.com/post/18027062708/mytechno-pt-ii-by-askool69

2012-01-17T15:47:00.000-08:00

FIDM student street styles!!

A Note from Benni Harding

2012-01-10T07:21:00.001-08:00

We appreciate any student taking the time to share an opinion and we do value student concerns. Constructive feedback is key in all good relationships.

We read your blog post and would like to correct some misinformation regarding our competitiveness with other colleges, our instructors' academic and career qualifications, our students' and graduates' ability to compete in the workforce with other college graduates, transferable credits of curriculum, as well as the value and quality of a specialized curriculum.

Some examples: In one of the majors, about 70% of the instructors have master's degrees. As a private, for profit college, FIDM is not publicly traded as other colleges that have been negatively profiled recently in the press. As far as transferability of courses, students choose FIDM precisely because of the specialized curriculum which may include courses that are not offered at other colleges. For this reason, some major courses cannot transfer, not because they don't meet baccalaureate requirements, but because there are no equivalent courses existing in the curriculum of other colleges.

As a graduate of FIDM, you have full access to the Alumni Association which offers a Job Search with a dedicated team of Career Advisors who cultivate job leads and assist graduates in launching and evolving their career identities. We're proud to say that over 90% of our graduates (in all majors) who utilize the Career Center find employment within six months of graduation. Also, for peer-to-peer networking opportunities, the Alumni Association has 36 Alumni chapters, as well as the Dialogue alumni magazine, LiveWire newsletter, and other resources, which I hope you'll utilize. FIDM's blueprint is tried and true. If a student does their coursework and takes advantage of all the available resources, they have every opportunity to succeed.

If you have spoken to any administrator and you feel have been disregarded, that is not our intention. Let’s try again.

We would like the opportunity to meet with you in person to address the concerns expressed in your blog post. In regards to complaints of any kind, we have an open door policy here at FIDM. In fact, my door is open to you and any student here at FIDM.

We can assure you, after you meet with appropriate staff members, your pride will be sky high!

Benni Harding
Director of Student Advisement
FIDM

In response to Waiting for Superman...

2012-01-05T12:55:00.000-08:00

Dear readers,

I have been getting comments and emails regarding our previous post entitled "Waiting for Superman". The entry was sent to me anonymously by a current Advanced Study student who is in the process of transferring schools. As a previous student and grad, I could understand the frustrations and I felt it was something that should to be heard. However, it is not my intention to draw any backlash towards FIDM. I very much still believe in FIDM and what our school stands for. I started this blog to give students a voice--good, bad, or ugly--it has to be heard. I just hope you take the information and use it well. Please take your time to read my response to "Waiting for Superman" via Post FIDM Life.

Best,

thefidmlife Founder

Waiting for Superman

2012-01-03T19:04:00.000-08:00

I recently watched a documentary called "Waiting for Superman" that addressed the issue of America's failing public school system.

As unfortunate as this is, while watching this documentary I could not help but question my own education, specifically here at FIDM.

There is not a single day, or single quarter that goes by when I don't hear complaints about FIDM's administration, politics, and policies.

You hear it every day, Alumni not being able to find jobs, students complaining about tuition, teachers complaining about the curriculum and yet this seems to be the topic of discussion that reverberates throughout the institutes hallways, relentlessly.

It's almost as if our school anthem has become the students complaints followed by disregard by our administrators that echo back with a tour for prospective student's who are witnessing the same false promises I dreamed of not too long ago.

I can't help but think of where my own education stands as a graduating student and why outside these halls, my pride falls short when I state the name of my school. I think of the competition that my peers here at FIDM will face from other schools, and if we are up on the same level as students graduating from other universities. I can't help but think this because, this is the security that FIDM did promise me when entering this institute, and now I am doubting if I could even compete with students from other schools?

I think the reason for this is doubt comes from our schools structure itself and the fact that it is a for profit university. Although I do believe that there are good, and qualified instructors at fidm, I feel as if though the problem is the lack of interest, as students learning enrichment and education to be the schools top priority. I think of how the school is more focused on expansion of endowment, instead of the cultivation of their current student body. Do not get me wrong, again, I believe that FIDM does have instructors who are great not only at their profession in the industry but in educating students as well but, I believe that the numbers of these instructors fall short. For what we pay for in tuition, and for our own school being an accredited university, I believe that every single one of our instructors should be an outstanding educator, and professional. I am baffled by some of the instructors, and even the curriculum that is taught at FIDM. Since FIDM does run as a for profit, it has the ability to higher professionals who have industry experience even if they only have an Associate of Arts degree. Although I do believe that many of these teachers are great in the industry, many of these instructors do not have the formal educational background, or a Masters, and in some cases even a Masters Degree. I can't help but think of how we are supposed to compete with schools, even HIGH SCHOOLS with more educated and qualified educators. I can't even begin to fathom how difficult it was for me to find out that my own classes at FIDM were not transferable, and that I had to take another year at a Junior College to apply to a 4 year university.

What I don't fully understand is that I do believe FIDM does have student's and instructors who are passionate, and most of all, it has every possible resource to change and be at a competitive level.

What I don't understand is why there has not been opposition, or at least why no one has exposed the school for what it actually encompasses, I can only hope better for current and prospective students, and that one day FIDM will be able to not only teach industry practices, but challenge them on an academic and intellectual level so they are not only preparing students for the industry, but for a well rounded education as well.

~ FIDM Advanced Studies Student

FIDM ranked #2 for best fashion school!

2011-12-14T18:13:00.000-08:00

Huffington Post: So you want to work in fashion? Whether your interest lies in fashion design, journalism, or merchandising, these top fashion schools that can get your career off to a running start. Whether it's Parsons The New School For Design -- which boasts a seemingly endless list of fashion A-listers as alumni -- or Savannah College of Art and Design, which recently partnered with ELLE to show the work of their top students on the runways at New York Fashion Week Show, a degree from one of these top colleges will give you the edge you need to break into the cutthroat fashion world.

FIDM ranked #2! :) YAY!!!!

Full article here.

who run this mutha-? FIDM grads, bitch.

2011-12-14T08:12:00.001-08:00

NY Alumni Chapter Holiday Dinner

2011-11-20T20:56:00.000-08:00

mandieintheskywithdiamonds:

Homework day. #FIDM #LA

Live the goodness

2011-11-20T20:51:00.000-08:00

Life is difficult when you assume it to be so. Yet you never have to make that assumption.

Life is good when you allow it to be so. And you can always allow it to be.

It is not the situation itself that makes life one way or the other. It is the way you choose to view and to live the situation that makes all the difference.

Make the assumption that your life today is the very best it can possibly be. Then go out and prove that assumption true by the way you live.

Operate from a positive perspective and that will enable you to see the positive possibilities. Focus on visions of goodness and fulfillment, and the most valuable opportunities will fill your awareness.

You are immensely powerful, capable, and creative. See the goodness, be the goodness, live the goodness, and fill your life with the best possibilities.

— Ralph Marston

Looking for an internship?

2011-10-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

Attn FIDM students! "Soraya by Rozi" a line by FIDM grad Rozi is currently looking for INTERNS! Email resume: Info@sorayabyrozi.com

fidm housing... a day in a life.

2011-10-10T08:56:00.001-07:00

Fashion Club - BACK TO SCHOOL!

2011-08-14T17:31:00.000-07:00

FIDM Alums Review "Savage Beauty"

2011-08-13T23:13:00.000-07:00

One of the many perks of being a FIDM grad and living in New York is getting the chance to attend the Savage Beauty Exhibit at the Met -- on FIDM (not having to pay is always the best part). Here, a couple of our grads give us a glimpse into the late McQueen's magical fashion realm. Click on the photo for more amazing shots or here for more coverage of the exhibit.

xoxo
FIDM Blog Girl

Street Styles: FIDM Boys Installment

2011-07-17T22:05:00.000-07:00

Trendiest boys in all of LA. ;-) Photos property of FIDM.

What Are FIDM Students Wearing?????

2011-07-17T21:58:00.000-07:00

All photos belong to FIDM. For more street style shots, click here.

Goodness in what you have

2011-07-16T21:39:00.001-07:00

Happiness is being where you want to be and doing what you want to be doing. As such, happiness requires nothing more than an adjustment in your attitude.

Wherever you may be, can quickly and easily be where you want to be. Whatever you’re doing, can immediately be what you want to be doing.

You’ll never be happy by wishing for what you don’t have. You can always be happy by accepting and seeing the goodness in what you do have.

It’s essential to have dreams and goals for the future, yet your dreams will not make you happy in the present. In fact, it is your happiness that will bring the reality of your dreams into the present.

What you have is what you have, so make the very most of it. Be happy, be thankful, and you’ll be living at your highest level of effectiveness.

See the goodness and the value in your very own experience of here and now. Be happy now, and in your happiness you’ll find and fulfill the best of who you are.

— Ralph Marston

im a new contributor! ANDREINA

2011-06-19T22:56:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! my name is Andreina and i am going to contribute to this blog from now on. I wanted to introduce myself and give you all a little bit of info on me. I am about to enter my second year as a Beauty Industry Merchandising and Marketing major at FIDM. I did my first year at FIDM in San Francisco which was a lot of fun, but now i am about to start at FIDM in LA which I am very excited about. My blog posts will take you on my journey as a FIDM beauty student and hopefully someone learns a thing or two about FIDM. I am very excited to be writing on this blog. Currently I am in the process of moving soon to LA and it is getting a little crazy. It is not easy getting an apartment in LA, but I will tell you all about that in another post and hopefully someone will enjoy my posts. I am very excited to be showing more about what the beauty industry merchandising and marketing major is like at FIDM. Until next time!

if you wanna get in contact with me you can go check me out on my youtube channel at: www.youtube.com/tinkerbell1491 or just leave a comment!

NEW BLOGGER: OLIVIA DANIELLE

2011-05-27T17:41:00.000-07:00

Hello WORLD!
My name is Olivia & my life is about to change dramatically in the next month.
Why? Well, I can proudly say I am a student at FIDM. Even more, I am a student in the Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing program at FIDM.
Like most people who are about to attend FIDM, I am nervous, anxious, and excited.
I have decided to jot down all my emotions and experiences at FIDM and share with anyone out there who is interested.
There isn’t much information about the beauty industry at FIDM when you google it…

I plan on changing that.

project FIDM

Find your way... a little bit of inspiration to kick off Memorial Day Weekend.

2011-05-27T05:53:00.000-07:00

Don’t complain that something is blocking your path. Find a way over it, under it, around it or through.

Just because the work is difficult doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Find a way, and you’ll absolutely make it happen.

You can’t expect to be told exactly what steps will get you where you want to go. Find joy and sweet fulfillment in the fact that it’s up to you to find your own way.
Don’t waste your time crafting elaborate excuses or seeking the pity of others. Invest your precious time in finding a way forward.
You might think it would be nice if someone else were to cater to your every need and whim. Yet what your spirit truly desires is to find its own way, and deep inside you know that.
You were born to find your own unique way through life’s richness of possibilities. Your treasures await, so get going right now.
— Ralph Marston

MAY 9-13 "GRAD WEEK"

2011-05-11T11:41:00.000-07:00

This week is a pretty big deal around FIDM. It's midterms and finals week but for those who are graduating in June, it's our celebration week.

GRAD CARNIVAL
Thursday, May 12
4:00pm-7:00pm
Grand Hope Park
(RSVP a fidm.edu/gradcarnival)

CAP & GOWN DISRIBUTION
Thursday, May 12
1:00pm-6:00pm
Check-in at Rotunda

GRAD INTERVIEW
All graduating students will need to schedule a graduation interview with Lynette Daniels. Appointments fill up quick so hurry and sign up in Room 401.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE BUSINESS MANAGEMENT / BACHELOR'S DEGREE
Information Session
May 16, 17, & 19
11:15am Student Lounge

GRAD LIST
To ensure that you have had your grad check done and your name spelled correctly on the tentative grad list, please log onto the student portal, click academics and then apply for your degree. You can then check the grad list in room 313. If you have any questions, see Elizabeth in Room 313.

INDUSTRY EXPO 2011

2011-05-06T22:59:00.000-07:00

(Both were taken off the FIDM student portal)

Industry Expo at Grand Hope Park
Tuesday, May 10, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Career Center presents the annual Industry Expo where representatives from a variety of industries will be ready to talk with FIDM Students about their professional goals.

All majors are welcome to attend this year's Industry Expo being held at Grand Hope Park Tuesday, May 10th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is a worthwhile and interactive networking opportunity to meet companies from their respective fields. Some companies confirmed to attend include: Nordstron; Guess; Ed Hardy, and others. Don't miss this opportunity to speak with company representatives to discuss career paths (corporate and field); learn about different career opportunities, and internships. Bring your resume! Hope to see you there!

INDUSTRY EXPO 2011 / Update

Tuesday, May 10, 11-3pm in the park

FIDM Career Center presents the following companies that will be attending Industry Expo. 1. 24 Seven 2. AEG Merchandise 3. BCBG Max Azria Group 4. Buckle 5. Ed Hardy 6. Gap 7. Guess 8. James Jeans 9. Kellwood(Vince,Xoxo,My Michelle,Jolt,Rebecca Taylor, Baby Phat, etc..) 10. Microsoft Store 11. Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics 12. Nordstrom 13. Pacific Sunwear 14. Perry Ellis (C&C California, Laundry by Shelli Segal, Girl Star, Gotcha,Redsand) 15. Saks Fifth Avenue 16. St. John Knits 17. VF Action Sports ( Vans, Reef) 18. VF Contemporary Brands(Ella Moss, Splendid, 7 for all Mankind) 19. Volcom Be prepared to speak with hiring managers and recruiters. Dress appropriately and bring your resume and portfolio.

Easter Sunday Holiday Break

2011-04-24T17:40:00.000-07:00

I'm taking "Assortment Planning & Purchasing" class on Saturdays for 5 weeks, 6 hours but this Saturday we had the day off due to Easter Sunday so Happy Easter thefidmlife readers = )

Before I began taking this class I was mortified, terrified, and horrified about it. I've dropped out of this class before because I fell behind and I just knew I couldn't pass it, this is my second time taking it. When I signed up for this 5 week class, the only thing on my mind was "just get it over with Anna" but I had second thoughts before I took the first class. I kept on asking myself, my sister, my bestfriend and my parents about wheter or not I should just drop it and take the normal 10 week course or continue with what I signed up for and challenge myself.

I ended up keeping it and challenging myself and guess what, to my surprise, I am doing well. For some reason I just work better under pressure and the pressure of this class really has me going. I for once, is actually understanding all the material and is one of the students who participate in class a lot. I think I'm going to be okay.

Now, time for photos that I have taken through out the weeks that school has gone back in session = ) Enjoy!

Day 1
I thought I was going to be the only wacko dressed like a bum to class but several of my classmates were dressed like hobos too! Haha = )

Day 2
Lining up to sign up for what brand we're doing for our portfolios.

I am so happy they finally enforced this "NO SMOKING" sticker on the tables outside. I am so disgusted by smokers that don't consider those who who dislike it.

My outfit that day = )

Day 3
There are so many great photos from this day so visit my blog for more!

You can visit my blog for each school day post:
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3

xo
Anna

The Last One

2011-04-21T20:57:00.001-07:00

How is everyone doing?!

So sorry that I haven't been blogging weekly like I promised :(

It's my last quarter at FIDM, I still can't believe it.. this quarter I am taking two (2) classes:
-Brand Portfolio
-Assortment Planning & Purchasing

To break it down, brand portfiolio is a class where you build a portfolio on your own, indivdually (the class before this is Classification & Line Development where you work in a group) but Brand Portfolio is totally independent. Assortment Planning & Purchasing is math. Strictly and only math, math, math! For those who are interested in marketing and becoming a buyer you will love this class, if not, you better learn to love it because you will be seeing a 6 month planning calendar for the rest of your career.

Anyways, I just wanted to check in to write a quick post. I will update with photos when I come back because my sink is full of dishes :)

FIDM Weekly Activities 4.18-4.22

2011-04-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

FIDM Doesn't Have Spring Break

2011-03-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

but our quarterly break happens to fall right on it so technically it is our "Spring Break" haha.

Enjoy your break my fellow FIDM classmates and readers..

SPRING 2011 will come in no time.