Student Experience
Our college is home to opportunities — and a community — you won’t find anywhere else.
A Complete Education
Many institutions offer a textiles program or two. Only our college offers a comprehensive textiles education, backed by unmatched experiences you make your own.
Here, you can tap into the high-impact learning, extensive industry connections and worldwide engagement that are unique to us — not to mention all the resources of North Carolina’s largest university. From student-run fashion shows to senior design projects for brands like Under Armour or Red Bull, you can lead with like-minded peers.
Develop your passion for sustainability, pursue undergraduate research or study overseas in cities from Manchester to Melbourne. Tailor your experience to the things you care about. Then turn them into a fulfilling career.
Picture Boat and Totes, Bean Boots and kayaks galore — that’s what a day in Betsy Shepard’s (FTD-FD ’27) life looked like this summer.
This summer, Betsy worked at L.L. Bean in Maine as a merchandising intern, supporting the footwear and outerwear departments. She collaborated with multiple teams to streamline the product development process.
“I also dived into L.L. Bean’s culture through community events, volunteering and Outdoor Discovery Program excursions. I could never have imagined a better intern summer,” Betsy says.
Swipe through for a look into her #beantern summer!
Looking for a new place to lock in? Here’s a quick look at some of the best spots around the Wilson College of Textiles!
Which one is your go-to? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️
Bridging cultures through design!
Kylie Hansell (FTD-TD ’28) and PhD student Yulan Liu (TTM ‘28) created a two-piece abstract “Draped Saris” installation for the Jaipur Literature Festival North Carolina, merging Indian cultural heritage with contemporary design.
Guided by faculty members Kate Nartker and Traci Lamar, Kylie and Yulan used dynamic draping techniques to showcase the beauty of connecting past traditions with present-day innovation.
Swipe through to check out our students’ creations, from process to final piece!
The sun wasn’t the only thing shining this summer... so were our Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) students!
At REU Presentation Day, undergraduate researchers presented their innovative projects and reflected on their hands-on experiences.
Thinking and doing are always in style!
Last weekend, Katie Watson (FTM-BMM ’29) had the ultimate hands-on New York experience with \@classnyx. She had the opportunity to step into the industry we learn about in our classrooms and define her personal brand.
But we’ll let Katie take the rest of the explanation from here!
For Kylie Belter (TE ‘27), completing her minor left a major impact on her college experience.
This summer, she spent three weeks as part of NC State’s Argentina: Marketing Methods in Buenos Aires Program. Throughout the program, the group visited four Argentine companies, including the Nestlé head office.
Kylie said, “I chose this program because it would help me to complete my business administration minor and I gained a better understanding of business in Latin America. Since most of my business minor was done through online courses, this was a great way to finish out the minor with a truly immersive experience.”
Argentine flag.
Horseback riding in Mar del Plata.
Corporate visit to Nestle in Buenos Aires.
Ziplining near Mar del Plata.
It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for — the W. Duke Kimbrell Flex Factory is officially open!
Whether you are in Senior Design or an entrepreneur looking to prototype your textile product, this newly redesigned space is certain to have the innovative machinery and workspaces you need.
Read more about the Flex Factory at the link in our bio.
She’s always dreamed of a career in fashion... Now, she is being sent on the dream trip!
Katie Watson (FTM-BMM ’29) has been selected to attend CLASS: The NYC Experience, a three-day New York City program specially designed for student entrepreneurs in the fashion industry.
From brand photo shoot workshops to industry showroom visits, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Follow along with Katie’s journey on @ncstatewilson.
This trip is made possible thanks to @classnycx and the NC State Office of Strategic Brand Management.
This summer, these three students got to call Wilson their home, too!
The Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program welcomed Karsyn Clouse (Austin College ’27), Jayden Kypri (Georgia College & State University ’27) and Regan Stefanoni (Winona State University ’27) into the labs.
Swipe to see what they are working on today!
A Whole World of Textiles
Our college is tight-knit, which means everyone knows your name and you can find your niche. But you can also access everything you’d expect at one of the nation’s leading public universities, from a wealth of student organizations to world-class wellness and recreation facilities to the best entrepreneurship programming in the Southeast.
And your opportunities don’t stop at our campus in Raleigh. We’ve developed ties with some of the nation’s best companies — over the course of more than 120 years — to ensure you can pursue exciting internships and gain invaluable real-world experience. Our global reputation will open doors for you around the world.
In fact, only one other college at NC State sees a higher proportion of its students pursue study abroad — and they make it a requirement. For us, it’s one experience among many designed to maximize your college journey and prepare you for life.
Study Abroad
A Community Behind You
Whatever you choose to do here, you’ll have the support of faculty, staff and other students who share your values and care deeply about your goals. From the moment you arrive, we’ll work with you to dig into your passions, map out a career path and help you access all the tools, support and guidance you need to thrive.
As a college with deep ties to the surging global textiles industry, we do everything we can to ensure our students hit the ground running after graduation. And we stay committed to your success with lifetime career services and an incomparable alumni network. Once you’re with us, we’re behind you all the way.
