Through internships, leadership roles, and industry connections, Bailey Collmann (BS, Retail Merchandising, ’23) transformed her passion for retail into a full-time career at Target Corporation. Her journey highlights the hands-on learning and real-world opportunities that define the Retail & Consumer Studies program.
From discovering the right major to launching a career at Target, Bailey Collmann’s journey highlights how the College of Design’s Retail & Consumer Studies program equips students with the hands-on experiences, leadership opportunities, and industry connections needed to succeed in the retail world.
“When I first arrived at the University of Minnesota, I began in a different college, but after one semester, I realized what I was studying didn’t align with my passion. I took the time to research majors and discovered the Retail & Consumer Studies Program, which immediately stood out. The balance of art and science fit perfectly with how I think, and I was drawn to the program’s industry-relevant coursework and knowledgeable professors. The smaller class sizes allowed me to build meaningful relationships with faculty who truly knew and supported me.
Eager to become more involved, I joined the National Retail Federation Student Association (NRFSA) in February 2021. The organization exposed me to diverse voices within the retail industry, from small business owners to women in leadership and recent graduates. When an opening became available on the Executive Board, I applied and stepped into the role of Director of Operations, marking the beginning of my leadership journey within the organization.
That summer, I interned as a Product Development Intern at Brand Love Lab, a multidisciplinary studio specializing in brand strategy, product design and development, merchandising, and planning. This experience was my first opportunity to apply classroom concepts to real-world work, and it solidified my interest in the intersection of creativity and commerce. In November 2021, I was honored to receive the Rising Star Scholarship through NRFSA and the National Retail Federation. The scholarship recognized freshman and sophomore students exploring careers in retail and encouraged me to continue pursuing opportunities within the industry.
In January 2022, I transitioned into the role of Vice President of NRFSA, building on my previous leadership experience. That summer, I interned at The Stable, part of Accenture Song, as a Business Development Intern. Through the support of my professors and network, I gained hands-on experience learning how agencies help emerging brands scale and enter major retailers such as Target and Amazon. The experience broadened my understanding of retail beyond the classroom and deepened my interest in merchandising and brand growth.
By January 2023, I stepped into the role of President of NRFSA and attended my first NRF Student Program in New York City. The experience allowed me to connect with peers, network with industry professionals, and hear from influential leaders in fashion and retail, including Steve Madden. That momentum carried into the summer of 2023 when I interned at Target as an Associate Buyer Intern in the seasonal trim category. Supporting products such as tree skirts, ornaments, tree toppers, and stockings gave me firsthand exposure to the buying process at scale. At the conclusion of the internship, I received an offer to join Target full-time after graduation.
In October 2023, I was honored to receive the Target Sponsored Retail Connect Scholarship, recognizing my achievements within the Retail & Consumer Studies Program. I graduated a semester early in December 2023 and began my full-time role in February 2024 as an Associate Buyer in Women’s Swimwear at Target Headquarters. Although I had already completed my degree, walking with my classmates during the May 2024 graduation ceremony was a meaningful moment of celebration.
In January 2025, I experienced a full-circle milestone when I was invited to serve on the Advisory Board for the Retail & Consumer Studies Program. After years of being supported by advisory board members, it was incredibly rewarding to return and contribute to shaping the program for future students. Today, I am an Associate Buyer in the Kids Division supporting the Cat & Jack Girls business at Target. I am deeply grateful for the education, mentorship, and community that shaped my journey, and for the opportunity to now build the brands I once studied.”
Bailey Collmann’s story reflects the strength of the College of Design’s Retail & Consumer Studies program in preparing students to turn their interests into impactful careers and building the skills, confidence, and professional networks needed to thrive in a dynamic, ever-evolving industry.
Learn more about Retail & Consumer Studies at the College of Design.
