Delaney Hanson attended the 2024 NRF Foundation Student Program, where she met a recruiter who offered her a position with DICK's Sporting Goods. We caught up with Delaney to ask her some questions about her role and how her experience has shaped her career.
“At the start of my junior year at Florida State University, I was admitted into the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, where I pursued a major in Retail Entrepreneurship Product Development. As a member of the NRF Foundation, my professor, Ann Langston, encouraged all her students to join the Foundation.” Delaney tells us she became involved with the NRF Foundation Student Ambassador program, where she served as the liaison between the NRF Foundation and her campus, helping to raise awareness of the NRF Foundation’s opportunities. “This role not only deepened my engagement with the Foundation's resources but also motivated me to participate in the University Challenge the following year.”
Each January, 1200 university students descend on Times Square to attend the NRF Foundation Student Program. Excitement buzzes as students are filled with hopes of networking, hearing from retail leaders, meeting with recruiters from some of retail’s biggest companies, and ultimately walking away with a future secured at one of those top retailers. As the students wait to be let into the final event of the weekend, the NRF Foundation Career Fair, each one hopes to be one of the few chosen to be called back for an interview.
In 2023, Delaney Hanson was an undergraduate student at Florida State University. She and her team (Grace Long, Alison MacCloud and Gustavo Rubio) submitted their application to the NRF Foundation University Challenge, where they placed in the top 3 teams. They arrived in NYC to present their case in front of the judges, and attended the NRF Foundation Student Program, Thursday through Saturday, before finding out they were the top recipient Sunday evening during the NRF Foundation Honors.
We had the opportunity to hear from Delaney how her career has been impacted since participating in the business case competition.
During the University Challenge, teams are asked to present a pitch based on the case study of a retail partner. “The project focused on Public Lands, owned and operated by DICK'S Sporting Goods, allowing me to present my findings in person to a group of industry leaders and DSG teammates. At the program's career fair, I had the chance to meet with numerous recruiters, including those from DICK'S Sporting Goods.”
The following morning, students who stood out to recruiters were called back to conduct interviews, and Delaney was ultimately offered a job by the DICK’s Sporting Goods recruiter, launching her career into the industry. “My involvement with the NRF Foundation played a crucial role throughout my job application and interview process. Navigating the job market, particularly in the competitive retail industry after college, can be challenging. The Foundation provided invaluable opportunities to connect with recruiters and learn from various companies through virtual events.”
Each student who attends hopes to walk away with something. For those about to graduate, it’s hope for a job. For some, it’s an internship to show them various aspects of the industry, and for others, it’s the insights and connections they made that will stay with them for years to come. For many, the Executive Mentor Experience is one of those moments they will reflect on and remember words from their mentors as they embark on the journey of what a retail career can be. Delaney reflects on her mentor experience, telling us “I gained valuable insights from several executives, but one key lesson that stayed with me was learning just how vast the retail industry is.” She tells us about a particularly memorable session with the Head of Design for Private Label Brands at Kohl's, who shared her career journey and emphasized the importance of not specializing too early. “She highlighted the value of being curious, a good listener, and open to learning new skills, even if they fall outside your immediate area of expertise.”
Delaney was hired by the DICK’s Sporting Goods recruiter during the Career Fair and is now an Assistant Merchant on the Women's DSG team. “In this role, I assist the merchants on my team in the comprehensive development of merchandise assortments across various categories. I get to collaborate on every step of the process, from start to finish, which allows me to blend my passion for both product development and buying in the retail industry.” Delaney tells us she loves the range of opportunities within the retail industry. “It's both reassuring and exciting to know that if you ever want to explore a new direction, there's a good chance you can find it within retail. I also appreciate the unpredictability of the industry's future. Retail is a fast-paced, ever-changing industry that is so thrilling to work in.”
We asked Delaney if she could share some advice for students like she had once been, or those looking to join the retail industry. She tells us to be curious and open to new opportunities and paths you may not have initially considered. “Growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, so embrace new challenges and don't be afraid to push yourself.”
It's both reassuring and exciting to know that if you ever want to explore a new direction, there's a good chance you can find it within retail.
