For three years and counting, students and faculty from North Carolina State University’s Wilson College of Textiles have been active participants in the NAUMD’s Future Innovators Program. This initiative, launched by the Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD), invites students from textile and design programs to attend the association’s annual convention, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the uniform, image apparel, and workwear industry.
More than just an introduction to the sector, the program includes curated one-on-one mentoring sessions where students meet directly with professionals in the field. Topics range from supply chain operations and textile innovations to product design, branding, and career advice. Faculty members, too, say they gain valuable insights from the experience.
“Three students from NC State and I participated in the Future Innovator Program this year and had a great time interacting with industry professionals,” wrote Dr. Minyoung Suh, Associate Professor at the Wilson College. “We appreciated the mentoring opportunities and other experiences, which were so much fun and exciting.”
But the relationship doesn’t stop with NAUMD’s annual event.
The Wilson College of Textiles actively encourages industry partners to engage with its students throughout the year. NAUMD member companies—and any organization seeking to connect with rising talent in textiles—are invited to participate in a variety of recruitment and branding opportunities offered by the college.
Opportunities to Engage with NC State Students
The Wilson College Office of Academic, Career and Student Services runs a comprehensive recruiting program aimed at connecting employers with students and recent graduates. These include:
- Career Fairs: Held each October and February, these events draw a wide range of student participants from the Wilson College of Textiles across textile/apparel design, product engineering, and fashion business disciplines. The next Career Fair is scheduled for October 16, 2025, and includes not only booth time from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., but also a pre-event reception, parking, and lunch. Registration opens in mid-summer and costs $350.
- Job and Internship Listings: Companies can submit position descriptions for posting on ePACK, NC State’s campus-wide job database used by current students and alumni.
- On-Campus Interviews: Employers may reserve interview rooms at the Wilson College for convenient in-person recruiting days.
- Information Sessions: These one-hour sessions, held in person or virtually, allow companies to introduce themselves to students, explain their mission, and outline career paths.
- Tabling and Coffee Chats: Employers can set up tables in high-traffic areas of the College or invite students for informal discussions at the on-campus coffee shop, Port City Java.
- Mock Interviews, Portfolio Reviews, and Employer Panels: Wilson College frequently invites industry professionals to volunteer their expertise in a more personal, developmental setting. These are excellent ways to meet students while supporting their career readiness.
To get involved with any of these opportunities, companies can reach out to:
Jeff Sackaroff
Director of Career Services
Wilson College of Textiles
📧 jeff_sackaroff@ncsu.edu | ☎ 919.513.2906
Why This Matters to NAUMD Members
The future of the uniform and workwear industry depends on a pipeline of new talent that understands textiles, product development, manufacturing, branding, and customer service. Programs like NAUMD’s Future Innovators and the recruiting activities offered by NC State are powerful platforms to introduce your business to that next generation—and to discover creative, capable students who may one day lead your product teams or operations.
Whether you’re looking to hire an intern, grow brand recognition on campus, or simply give back by mentoring a student, getting involved is a win-win.
