Merchandising major Sydney Geis is one of IU's 2025 "Post-Modern" Scholars

A merchandising major with minors in fashion design and marketing, senior Sydney Geis has recently added another bona fide to her impressive resume: the Fashion Scholarship Fund’s Virgil Abloh Post-Modern Scholarship. Geis and fellow merchandising/fashion design student Emma Taylor were both awarded the Abloh scholarship on top of the FSF scholarship; they’re among the five Eskenazi School students named Abloh Scholars since 2022. The $10,000 scholarship named for the late fashion pioneer is awarded each year to “undergraduates of academic promise of Black, African American, or African descent, who also receive access to vital career support services and mentoring,” according to the FSF website. Sharing her cultural identity in her work “happens naturally,” the student from Louisville, Kentucky told us. In our conversation she explained her scholarship-winning case study, reflected on the experiential learning experiences in New York and Milan that she’d accessed through IU, and speculated about the future.  

Forough Sehat: To start, how did you get interested in this field of study? 

Sydney Geis: It's funny because I actually came to IU as a biology major, pre-med. I don't really know why I did that, but I quickly realized that it just wasn't for me. I wasn't excited about any of the career paths that followed that degree. I've always enjoyed fashion, but I never knew how to apply it to a serious career. When I found merchandising, everything clicked. It allowed me to work with fashion while also providing structured career paths that felt more practical and financially stable. 

FS: You started as a biology major. How did your family react to your switch to merchandising? 

SG: My mom has always been supportive. I didn't make the decision lightly—I researched my options and built a case for why merchandising was the right fit for me. Once she saw the career paths available, she was on board, even if she didn't fully understand the industry. 

FS: Tell us about the Fashion Scholarship Fund competition. 

SG: Yes, that was really exciting. This was my first year competing in the FSF case study, and even though my major was merchandising, I competed in the marketing analytics division. I've always been interested in marketing, especially event marketing. This year's prompt focused on how technology and fashion can blend together, so I created "The Bulgari Artisan Odyssey," an installation that virtually deconstructs Bulgari jewelry so customers get a hands-on view of the craftsmanship. 

The process was more intense than I expected—I didn't realize how much went into building a marketing plan that actually drives measurable results. However, I knew I wanted to win because the scholarship provides great career support and an incredible community of scholars and alumni. Plus, I'm still job-hunting, so having that network has been a huge advantage. I'm also really excited to go to New York for the celebration of it. 

FS: You also received the Virgil Abloh Post-Modern Scholarship. Tell me about that. 

SG: Yes! It's part of the FSF scholarship fund and is specifically for Black or African-descended students competing in the case study. Virgil Abloh founded it before he passed, and being part of his living legacy feels surreal. It's amazing to be in a community that's passionate about preserving his memory and creating opportunities for Black people in fashion. 

FS: Do you actively try to connect your identity with your work? 

SG: I think it happens naturally rather than being something I seek out. My experiences, identity, and cultural background influence the perspectives I bring to the table. 

FS: How did you develop the case study? Did you receive support from the faculty? 

SG: Yes, I reached out to Dana Olsen, who had been my merchandising professor in my freshman year. She has since moved from the Eskenazi School to the Kelley School of Business, where she teaches marketing. Professor Olsen’s experience was invaluable; she's helped many students before, so she knew exactly what would make a case study stand out to the judges. 

FS: Did you have any background interested in the research you conducted? 

SG: Not really! Maybe just through past projects related to merchandising and marketing. I didn't have in-depth knowledge about high-end jewelry or marketing analytics in depth, but I understood key concepts like KPIs and the importance of making a plan measurable. 

FS: You're also a member of the Retail Studies Organization, right? 

SG: Yes, and it's been a great experience. Even as a freshman, when internships weren't really an option, I was still able to network. As a sophomore, I attended an RSO career fair and met a recruiter from American Eagle Outfitters. A year later, as a junior, I reintroduced myself, and she remembered me. That connection led to my internship there last summer. The fashion industry is small, so it's important to build connections early and confidently talk to professionals in the field. 

FS: How has the Eskenazi School shaped your confidence and career aspirations? 

SG: I love how small the school is. When I applied to colleges, I wanted a big school experience, but I didn't realize how valuable it would be to have professors who knew me by name and an advisor I could easily meet with. There's also a healthy level of competitiveness—everyone has goals and ambitions, which is inspiring. 

FS: Can you tell me about your experience in New York during your internship? What was it like working there, and how did it shape your career interests? 

 SG: Yeah, it was a really cool experience. I had just gotten back from studying abroad in Milan, so I only had about a week at home before moving to New York and starting work. It was definitely a quick turnaround, but I was super excited. 

I interned as a merchandising intern at American Eagle Outfitters on the beauty and fragrance team, which was a really interesting part of the business because it involved working with a lot of third-party vendors. I got to be really hands-on, which I appreciated. 

The day-to-day was a pretty typical nine-to-five office job. They really valued the learning experience, so I wasn’t just doing busy work—I actually got to see what a merchandiser does. It helped me develop some useful skills and gave me a better idea of what I might want in a future role. That said, by the end of the internship, I kind of knew that specific role at that specific company wasn’t the best fit for me. But I’m really glad I did it because it helped me narrow down what I’m actually interested in. 

New York itself was amazing. It was my first time living and working there, and I just loved the energy of the city. I haven’t been back since, but I hope to return—especially with all the career support from my scholarship, there are a lot of opportunities to go back. 

FS: You mentioned the study abroad experience in Milan! How was it? What were the differences between living and studying there compared to your time in New York? 

SG: Oh, Milan was incredible. I studied abroad for a full semester from January to May through IU's study abroad office. I also did an internship there through IES Abroad, which made the experience even better because I got to work and study in a completely different environment. 

I think the biggest difference was just how easy it was to stumble upon the coolest places. I could finish class and, on the way home, walk into the Armani archives or the Dolce & Gabbana archives. That kind of access to fashion and design was something I’d never experienced before. 

I also just really loved the city itself. Compared to being in a smaller town, Milan felt so open and full of possibilities. It has that big-city energy I love, where you can kind of do your own thing, and no one really cares what you're up to. At the same time, there's this unspoken style culture—like, people definitely dress a certain way—but there's also a lot of freedom to just be yourself. 

Honestly, I would move back in a heartbeat. Living in Milan made me so excited for whatever comes after college because it felt like real life. It showed me that I thrive in fast-paced environments, and it made me even more sure that I want to be in a big city long-term. 

FS: You grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. How was the transition to Bloomington? 

SG: It wasn't a huge cultural shift since both are Midwestern towns, but moving to college itself was a big change. At first, I struggled to find my rhythm and even doubted whether IU was the right fit for me. But looking back, I can see that everything happened for a reason, and I've grown so much over these four years. 

FS: What are your plans after graduation? 

SG: That's a great question. I would love to know that too! I don't have a job lined up yet, but I'm open to both internships and full-time roles. I'd love to be in New York. Initially, it was hard when I didn't get a return offer from my internship, even though I knew the role wasn't a perfect fit. Rejection is harsh, but I've reframed my perspective—it's freeing to have options. If I don't have a job right away, I might travel or explore different opportunities. 

FS: With all your experiences, what advice would you give to incoming college students? 

SG: Try everything. Even if you're busy with classes, take on new challenges like case studies or study abroad. You might learn something new! Go support your peers in their final design show or their final studio exhibition or pick up that job. These experiences shape your future and open doors. You will face rejection and setbacks, but bouncing back is key. Every missed opportunity has led me to something better suited for me. 

FS: That's excellent advice. Thank you so much for your time, Sydney! 

SG: Thank you!