Bridget Helms

Alumni Office, Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors

Now an merchandise planner analyst for Home Depot, Helms fell in love with FACS after her first class

Degree/Year

BSFCS Fashion Merchandising, 2021

Current occupation/Location

Merchandise Planner Analyst for The Home Depot in Atlanta

What has been your proudest accomplishment since graduating?

Helping my merchant plan, organize, and execute the annual Garage Door Opener Black Friday buy. Black Friday is a huge deal for retailers and my merchant is the only one in our department to have a Black Friday SKU. It is a lot to keep track of and has to be planned out over a year in advance but to see it land and execute in stores is so rewarding.

What was your favorite class in FACS?

TXMI 4380/6280 Apparel Design Studio. This was the first fashion class I ever took as a freshman and it was the deciding factor in me switching from an intended business major with a minor in fashion merchandising to pursuing co-majors.

Did you have a favorite – or most memorable – faculty member?

Dr. Clair McClure, while an amazing professor, played more of a mentor role to me. I am grateful for all her career advice, and even though my current job led me away from the fashion industry, her words of wisdom are still 100% applicable.

How do you think FACS prepared you for your career success?

FACS prepared me for success in my career not just through lessons in the textbooks but through the relationships it encouraged and strengthened between students and teachers. The clubs and organizations offered by the college also helped me with my networking skills and grow my leadership abilities.

What inspires or motivates you?

The Cher quote, “Mom, I am a rich man.” My goal in life is not materialistic, but more of the idea to be a strong, powerful, independent woman in the workforce and in my everyday life.

What advice would you give a current FACS student looking to pursue a career in your field?

Never burn bridges and always be genuine when making a contact/networking. The retail industry is a small world and you never know when you will cross paths with a person or company again down the road in your career.