Fashion Student Galaxy Wolf Builds Industry Momentum at URBN

Galaxy Wolf at Free People headquarters inside URBN’s Navy Yard campus, Philadelphia. Galaxy Wolf at Free People headquarters inside URBN’s Navy Yard campus, Philadelphia.
Hands-on workshop materials from the “Grow: Field to Home Office” experience, reflecting URBN’s emphasis on creativity and ideation. Hands-on workshop materials from the “Grow: Field to Home Office” experience, reflecting URBN’s emphasis on creativity and ideation.
Interior workspace at URBN, designed to encourage collaboration across teams. Interior workspace at URBN, designed to encourage collaboration across teams.
Anthropologie showroom space at URBN’s Home Office. Anthropologie showroom space at URBN’s Home Office.
Outdoor view of URBN’s Navy Yard campus along the Delaware River. Outdoor view of URBN’s Navy Yard campus along the Delaware River.
Large-scale art installation inside URBN’s campus. Large-scale art installation inside URBN’s campus.
Collaborative lounge space at Free People headquarters, designed for creative development and team interaction. Collaborative lounge space at Free People headquarters, designed for creative development and team interaction.
Fashion Merchandising major Galaxy Wolf gains firsthand insight into the apparel industry.

Galaxy Wolf, a junior majoring in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in Fashion Styling, is already gaining real-world momentum—set to graduate early in December and actively exploring the next step in a career in buying and merchandising. 

That direction sharpened during the “Grow: Field to Home Office” experience at , a portfolio of global brands comprised of retailers Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, and many others. Wolf traveled to Philadelphia to step inside the company’s Navy Yard campus. The visit offered a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how major brands operate—from creative development to cross-functional collaboration. 

Inside URBN’s Creative Culture  

“Going into the event, I felt confident presenting myself,” Wolf says. “But I didn’t expect to leave with as much clarity and encouragement as I did. It reassured me that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.” 

As a current stylist at Free People, Wolf was especially eager to experience the brand’s home base, while also gaining exposure to sister brands like Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie. Seeing how each brand maintains its own identity while operating within a shared ecosystem was a defining takeaway. 

“Each brand has its own voice and audience, but the collaboration across teams is constant,” Wolf says. “Everything is so visual—mood boards, pitch decks, creative presentations. It made me realize how important my in-store experience is when thinking about corporate roles.” 

The visit also expanded Wolf’s understanding of the many pathways within the apparel industry—from merchandising and buying to branding and creative direction. Conversations with recruiters and employees reinforced the value of authenticity and connection in building a career. 

“As a soon-to-be graduate, there’s naturally some anxiety about what’s next,” Wolf says. “But I learned that putting your true self out there is always worth it. You never know what opportunity might come from one conversation.” 

Prepared at Columbia  

At Ƶ, Wolf credits both coursework and mentorship for making those moments possible. School of Fashion faculty members Dana Connell and Melissa Gamble helped refine a professional portfolio and presentation ahead of the visit, ensuring Wolf arrived prepared to engage with industry professionals. 

“My time at Columbia has taught me how to advocate for myself and build a strong portfolio,” Wolf says. “I’ve learned to treat my path like a jungle gym instead of something linear—and that mindset has opened up so many possibilities.” 

With graduation on the horizon, Wolf is carrying forward not just new industry insight, but a growing network and a deeper confidence in the path ahead. 

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