Bailey Smith
- Position: Extension Coordinator
- Department: Zeis Textiles Extension
- Hometown: Clayton, North Carolina
What was your path to this position?
I was a 2021 graduate in fashion and textile management (brand management and marketing), and a temporary employee for the Zeis Textile Extension June 2021 through May 2022.
What drew you to NC State for your degree? Are these aspects also what made you choose to accept a position with the Wilson College of Textiles?
My father and grandfather graduated from NC State. Growing up, I thought I might attend Meredith College because my mother attended Meredith, but someone told me about the Summer Textile Exploration Program at the Wilson College of Textiles and after attending, I knew that I wanted to go to NC State. When I came in as a student, I felt like I was walking into a good community. Now as an employee, this feeling of community was confirmed. The people have always made me feel supported.
Did you hold any research or employment positions while you were a student here that prepared you for your current role?
While I was in college, I worked as a dean’s page in the dean’s office, which I really enjoyed. As a dean’s page, you are in the central hub of the college and its departments, so I met lots of people through that position. Being a page gave me a different perspective than what I was taught in my classes at school.
How does it feel to transition from a recent alum of the college to an employee here?
The transition from alumna to an employee was very easy. I worked in the college when I was a student, so I built up a community before I started my current position.
Why were you interested in this position / in working at the Wilson College?
I am an alumna and have a passion for the college! I love the way that ZTE supports the textile industry and collaborates with other groups to strengthen the industry.
What are your duties on a day-to-day basis?
I manage ZTE short courses and special projects, coordinate logistics for special events and college event spaces, and perform various administrative tasks in the ZTE office.
What is your favorite part of your job and/or working at the Wilson College of Textiles?
The community! The diversity in the community at the college stands out to me the most. Some of my best friends from college are from other countries. That was very cool to me because growing up, I never moved schools. At Wilson College, I had the opportunity to see diversity, experience other people’s cultures and hear about their upbringing. Everyone here is very friendly as well.
What is your favorite project you have worked on?
I get to help out with special events. When machinery was donated to the college previously, we held a big reception in honor of that. I was able to help with the planning and logistics of the event, which has been one of my favorite parts of the job. It is also so interesting to learn about the other departments like Textile and Apparel Technology and Management and Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science and research projects the students have worked on there.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Eat ice cream, spend too much time shopping in Marshall’s, watch movies and help my friends plan their weddings!
- Categories:
