While Bryn Mawr College is known as a quiet haven for academics in suburban Philadelphia, not many people know that each summer, for the last 5 years, over 130 of the cosmetic industry’s most important players have converged upon this small college campus for the Estee Lauder Companies at Bryn Mawr conference. What fewer people know, however, is that the relationship between Bryn Mawr College and Estee Lauder runs even deeper.
This was exemplified recently when guest speakers from the company visited Bryn Mawr’s campus for “#brandyou,” a workshop on marketing and career development in the fast-paced beauty industry. The company executives talked about developing your personal brand, following your passions, and navigating the constantly changing global market.
Lisa A. Napolione, senior vice-president of global research and development, emphasized to the audience of Bryn Mawr students that true passion is often needed in any industry.
“A big part of figuring out our real passion is connecting our identity and brand to who we really truly are,” she told the gathering of students. “I do feel like I can go up here, in total honesty, and tell you how much I love my job.”
For Bryn Mawr students, events like these can be instructional during the job search process and demonstrate Bryn Mawr’s diverse connections to industry and scholarship.
Taylor McClain ‘20 said the presentation was “really informative. I liked when they talked about not letting your circumstances control how you react and respond to things. They really told you to be yourself.”
For the Estee Lauder speakers, the visit to Bryn Mawr was an opportunity to see the future of their industry.
Phebe Farrow Port, who is the senior vice-president of global management strategies at Estee Lauder, said, “I was really impressed with the level of engagement here today. I love Bryn Mawr students, and I love this school so much, and its mission and what it’s trying to accomplish. It’s so important to help students differentiate themselves in the workplace.”
“We really do consider it a privilege to be here,” she added.
For more information, and upcoming events hosted by LILAC, go here.