HHP Pirate Profile - Ashley Gross

About Ashley:

College: Health and Human Performance

Major: Fashion Merchandising / Entrepreneurial Business

Age: 23

Hometown: Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Hobbies / Interests: Stand-up comedy, writing, social media management

Role Model: Anna Wintour

Favorite place on campus: The fountain

Favorite class: E-commerce with Dr. Blanchflower

Favorite musical artist: Blackbear

How, and why did you pick your major?

I started college at 16 as an archaeology major. I soon realized this was not the major for me and decided to take off from school. During that time, I began interning with a Raleigh based designer. After attending the Atlanta Apparel Mart with her, I decided I wanted to do something in the retail apparel industry.

Why did you pick ECU?

ECU’s fashion merchandising program is fantastic and highly acclaimed.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

After graduation I plan to go into social media management, personal branding, or digital advertising. I currently work at a marketing company and am hoping to make the leap into personal branding.

What is your favorite aspect of your major?

I really enjoy that my major brings together all my interests- design, psychology, business and economics- into one cohesive collection. I think people hear “fashion merchandising” and assume we’re all design driven, but there are so many other things that make up the industry. It’s not an easy or niche major.

Do you have any advice for aspiring students within your major?

Take advantage of as many opportunities as possible! Go on school sponsored trips, study abroad, networking opportunities, etc. The classes in your major are the bare minimum you can do, and you should take advantage of the opportunities ECU offers to be a better, more competitive, and well-rounded individual.