(PRESS RELEASE) The Plumb Club announces a new, first-of-its-kind program designed exclusively for students from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) who are enrolled in the college’s Jewelry Design program.
The program provides students with a variety of opportunities to gain an in-depth understanding of the jewelry industry via The Plumb Club Member companies including mentoring, internships, and significant exposure to potential employers via profiles in The Plumb Club publications and touchpoints. In addition, students will explore employment opportunities via an annual Plumb Club/FIT career day (live or virtual), and participate in an initiative that will reward three top-ranking graduating students with an immersive experience at The Plumb Club Pavilion at JCK Las Vegas, the jewelry industry’s premier trade show, creating exciting opportunities for industry exposure and networking.
“We are thrilled to be able to partner with FIT on this initiative”, said Michael Lerche, president of The Plumb Club. “The students who attend FIT’s Jewelry Design program represent the future of this industry. Working with them is one more step in fulfilling The Plumb Club’s vision of shaping our industry by fueling a student’s passion for a jewelry career, while also exposing our member companies to some of the brightest minds and creative new talent available.”
“As career preparation is central to an FIT education, we are thrilled to now offer students this unique opportunity for experiential learning with The Plumb Club’s member companies,” added Michael Coan, assistant professor, Jewelry Design at FIT. “Exposure to this esteemed group will be of immense value to our students.
The program was conceived and developed by Michael Coan and Michael O’Connor, marketing director for The Plumb Club and former FIT alumnus. The program kicked-off with the fall 2020 semester at FIT.
Flower jewelry piece in production by FIT student Wen ShangYu; Ring designs/renderings by FIT student Lee Joohee
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After 89 years of serving the Albany community, Harold Finkle Your Jeweler faced a pivotal decision. For third-generation owner Justin Finkle, the demanding hours of running a small business were taking precious time away from his young family. "After 23 years, I decided this was the time for me," Finkle explains. But closing a business with nearly nine decades of inventory and customer relationships isn't something easily managed alone.
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