Fashion Merchandising student is ExxonMobil Community Summer Jobs Program Intern of the Year

Maria Ochoa Garcia, a rising senior and fashion merchandising major, has been named Intern of the Year for ExxonMobil’s Summer Jobs Program.

Lauded for her work on this year’s Trains at NorthPark event, a fundraiser that benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, Garcia was responsible for purchasing the merchandise to be sold in the gift shop. She analyzed sales from the 2017 event to determine the merchandise mix, which will include both ornaments and train-inspired toys. Also, Garcia was instrumental in developing the train car that will be personalized by the individual or family who purchases one as part of their donation to RMHD.

Maria Ochoa Garcia

“We encourage students to pursue official summer internships in a variety of businesses to help them understand the diverse nature of the fashion merchandising industry and career opportunities available within it,” said Sally Fortenberry, Ph.D., associate professor in Fashion Merchandising and Internship Coordinator. “Maria’s work with this nonprofit allowed her to apply her skills to merchandising and product development, trend forecasting, buying, sales analyses, event planning and promotion, just to highlight a few.”

ExxonMobil sponsors the Community Jobs Summer Program, which provides undergraduate students paid summer internships with local nonprofit organizations. The program benefits both the organizations and the students, who gain valuable work experience as well as a better understanding of nonprofits and their importance to a community.