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T.J. Becker, RETL ‘99
A young graduate already at the top

When HRSM graduate T.J. Becker was in high school in the early '90s, a job at The Gap fueled his interest in how clothes are made and sold.

Now Becker has risen through the ranks of some of America's leading apparel companies to his present position as manager of technical design at Abercrombie and Fitch. When asked about his impressive career trajectory, Becker is generous in praising the support of his family and friends.
"My Dad spent 35 years working in corporations, and his advice has been invaluable," he said. "My Mom has always been a great source of support and encouragement and my partner, Brian, is my best friend. They all offer me unconditional love and support."

Becker has high praise for his experience with the University, as well. "When I think about college, I remember what a great mentor Dr. Kitty Strickland was to me. She really helped me in so many ways," he said. "The breadth and depth of the college's retail program prepared me for just about everything I've encountered in the industry.

"There was not a single class that I didn't learn from and enjoy and my internship at Stone Manufacturing taught me how clothes are made. This experience was combined with excellent classes and career counseling that identified product development as a perfect fit with my interests and talents."

Becker is presently launching a new line and store for Abercrombie and Fitch, an adventure that will undoubtedly require every skill he has mastered.

"The new brand is an intimate apparel store called Gilly Hicks. I'm heading up the team that brings designer sketches for bras to life by creating patterns, testing and developing materials, working through many complicated fitting processes, and then ensuring that factory production and distribution to stores is done properly. It's a huge challenge, but it is one I'm ready for."
When asked about highlights in his career, Becker describes a scene that sounds as if it came out of a movie.

"I was called to the president's office of the huge corporation I was working for at the time," he said. "Standing there in his big, plush office, I could look out over bustling Madison Avenue. When he offered me a great promotion, I realized that I was living every design professional's dream. I knew then it was a moment I would always cherish.