Career Immersions: SAS X Michael Kors

Last month, high school students from Shanghai American School stepped into the world of fashion with an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to Michael Kors. Thanks to SAS’s Career Immersion program, the experience gave students a rare look into how one of the world’s leading luxury brands operates, from its creative process to its global retail strategy.

The day began with a welcome address from the President of Michael Kors Asia Pacific, Qin Shen, followed by a presentation from the HR leadership team. Students learned about the brand’s heritage, design philosophy, and business strategy, along with a few pointers for making it in the ever-evolving world of fashion retail. The office tour included a stop in the PR showroom, where students caught a glimpse of archival pieces and unreleased designs.

The highlight of the day was a team challenge to develop a launch concept for a new store. Guided by Michael Kors professionals from PR, Retail Operations, and Merchandising, students put their weekend research skills (a.k.a. mall trips) to good use. They crafted creative concepts that balanced brand storytelling with strategic thinking.

The day concluded with a career panel where Michael Kors professionals shared insights into the evolving fashion landscape and their personal career journeys. For many, the experience sparked new aspirations. “I really enjoyed both the case study and the Q&A session,” said Claire H., a junior. “They gave me a sense of what working in fashion retail is like by letting me learn directly from the Michael Kors team.”

For sophomore Gelivia Z., her big takeaway was that “the key to a successful company is the engagement between the company and its customers and understanding what meets their needs.”