The Corporate Retail Association (CRA) serves to educate all majors about the many aspects of the corporate retail industry.
04/19/2021
Welcoming our new 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣1️⃣- 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣2️⃣ E-board! ✨ We can’t wait to see how these GIRL BOSSES grow our organization next year, congratulations!! 💙
Laine Bailey- President
Jennifer Bloch- Vice President
Lily Champine- Publicity Chair
Natalie Hohwart- Outreach Chair
Raven Lapaix- Administrative chair
01/01/2021
Looking back on 2020, we are bringing you our top retail collaborations over the year! Which one do you think was the best? ⬇️
12/25/2020
Merry Christmas! 🎄 Love, your team! 💙✨
12/13/2020
Meet , a former external VP of and our latest feature for ! ✨💡📸
Q: When did you graduate and do you have a job currently? If so, what is your title/role?
A: I graduated the spring of 2019. I am currently an Allocation Analyst for Marshalls at The TJX Companies in Boston, MA! In this role I am responsible for making sure the right product is sent to the right stores at the right time.
Q: How did being apart of CRA influence the direction of your career path? Do you believe your experience (in CRA) gave you an edge in the retail industry?
A: CRA heavily helped me land my role and gave me the exposure to be successful in the retail industry. The connections I made during my time in CRA are still beneficial today. I landed my job at TJX through on campus recruiting and partnership with CRA.
Q: What do you believe was the number one benefit of being apart of a student organization at MSU?
A: I believe the number one benefit of being apart of a student organization at MSU was the relationship I built through attending meetings as well as company trips. I still talk to my friends made through CRA daily as we grow throughout our careers.
11/30/2020
This year Cyber Monday is expected to generate more than $12 billion dollars in retail sales! Where will you be shopping? 🛍
11/09/2020
Shoutout to our e-board for working super hard to give us some 🔥 events so far this semester! We have so much planned for you guys this year, so ! 💙 (not pictured: our secretary/treasurer & publicity chair)
11/04/2020
On November 6th, CRA is hosting its very FIRST virtual trip! 🆒
You will have a chance to network with a ton of great companies for 🆓!
Our itinerary includes:
12 pm - 1 pm est
1:15 pm - 2 pm est
2:15 pm - 3:15 pm est
3:45 pm - 4:15 pm est
You have the choice to sign up for the entire event or to select the certain companies that you would like to attend!
This is an exciting opportunity and we would love to see you there 😊 You will be able to ask questions and find out more about these amazing companies!
An event will be posted with the link to attend!
10/19/2020
There’s still time to make sure your voice will be heard this coming election! See the upcoming deadlines below, and !
🇺🇸
MI Voter Registration Deadlines:
Online: Oct. 19
By mail: Postmarked by Oct. 19
In person: Nov. 3
10/15/2020
Something BIG is coming! 🤫 Make sure you keep up with our IG for more details, coming soon!
10/13/2020
What is your favorite fall essential?! We 💙 apple cider & donuts! 🍎🍩
10/06/2020
Meet one of ‘s Co-founder’s, for this week’s ! Colleena Peng, co-founded in 2016, to create Michigan State’s only student retail organization! ✨
Q: How did you come up with the idea to create CRA?
A: Maddy and I have always loved the retail industry. We noticed a gap in retail presence at MSU so we started a organization to help connect students and top retailers around the country.
Q: How did CRA help you in preparing for a career, and do you think it gave you an edge in helping you stand out in the application process?
A: Absolutely! CRA’s resume reviews and mock interview opportunities gave me ample leverage during the application process. Being involved in CRA’s executive board helped me stand out with recruiters and offered first-hand exposure to leading retail companies.
Q: What is your current position today, and is there one lesson from CRA that you still use today?
A: I’m currently a Buyer/Planner at SpaceX. CRA helped me understand the importance of building/maintaining relationships and leveraging your network!
09/21/2020
Meet Ashley Cavagnetto, our former Membership and Fundraiser Chair, and this week’s !
Q: Where will you be working and what is your role?
A: I will be starting at TJX in February 2021! I will be starting as an Allocation Analyst on the path to become a Buyer. I will be working closely with a Buyer and a small team making decisions on where to allocate certain products to. I’m super excited to get started!
Q: What valuable lessons or connections were you able to make through CRA?
A: CRA has allowed me to meet so many amazing and driven people. I’ve also had the opportunity to learn about so many great companies. Our bi-weekly general member meetings provided us with insight about diverse companies in retail and our semesterly trips gave members a chance to connect with each other and to visit companies in the city where our trips took place. The Retail Trek Trip that CRA members have gone on the past two years has been such an awesome opportunity to get exposed to a career in retail. I would never have thought that I would have these opportunities in college and CRA has made these things possible.
Q: What is one tip you would give to someone looking for a job in retail?
A: Making connections is super important!! There are so many resources out there that can allow you to easily get connected to people and opportunities in retail. Connect with people on LinkedIn, reach out over email, and go to networking events! CRA meetings are a great way to connect with recruiters from phenomenal companies in retail. Use the time before or after a meeting to introduce yourself and talk to them about a potential career at their company.