We love seeing our graduates excelling in their chosen career fields! When we saw SEED graduate Bradley Jacobs (SEED DC ’09, Towson University ’15) featured in Vogue, we knew we had to catch up with him to hear more about his professional journey.
Currently working for Calvin Klein, Bradley helps to drive their global strategy—Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia—and makes certain that they remain aligned with their priorities. But no matter how demanding his job may get, he still finds time to stay connected to his SEED peers and former college success advisor. “I make sure to stay in contact with my peers from SEED DC—people that I still consider to be my best friends. I also maintain relationships with the staff. In fact, I’ve attended a former SEED advisor’s wedding and recently spoke to her to congratulate her on having a baby.”
Read more about Bradley, his career at Calvin Klein, and how he remains thankful for the foundation he built as a SEED student.
When we last spoke, you were working for a public relations agency where you managed relationships with fashion editors, celebrities, and online influencers. What are you doing now?
It was a crazy turn of events. I am now part of the global integrated PR team at Calvin Klein.
Currently, we are prepping to launch a partnership with Heron Preston. The line features fall items—from layers, knits, and denim. We put together a digital experience for our teams in Asia and Europe including a showcase highlighting Heron Preston. We also had an in-person press preview where you could touch and feel the collection. And finally, we are hosting a small dinner with various creatives and musicians that will celebrate the launch.
Where do you want to go from here in your career?
I never thought I would be where I am now—I’ve been fortunate, and I am open to where things take me next. I feel like many people have been able to carve a lane out for themselves because of the pandemic—to make something specific to them. So right now, I’m enjoying the opportunity to learn and to continue to grow.
However, I do anticipate staying in the arts, fashion, and music space. These things drive our culture, and I appreciate how Calvin Klein understands this. It’s many layers to culture—it’s not one-dimensional –and I enjoy being a part of the message that we are sharing with the world.
Your current role seems rather demanding. Do you feel college prepared you for this stage in your professional journey?
Yes. I think college and the internships I secured helped to open my mind. While in college, I interned in NY and began to obtain the necessary skills and references.
I also connected with people in the PR field. I would reach out and grab coffee with them to learn about their experiences and what I may expect. The SEED Foundation’s CTS team was also instrumental in helping me carve out a plan—by looking at my resume and helping me determine my next step.
SEED is working to fully integrate the arts and the ability to be creative into its core content areas. Do you think this is important?
I think it’s definitely important. I did shows and plays as a student at SEED DC, and it helped me to feel more confident in myself. I enjoyed knowing I was preparing for something that would be seen by others—and I enjoyed seeing people’s reaction. It’s a creative outlet that isn’t judged by numbers or a grade. It can be a bit of an escape—you see yourselves in these characters and its outside of your day to day.
I also think it’s important to be informed of key literary pieces and who created and wrote them. You need to take that knowledge with you—it’s necessary and needed, particularly right now.
Any advice you would give current SEED seniors or students?
I would tell them to take advantage and utilize any and all resources and opportunities being presented to you while at SEED. Also, have an open mind. This really helped me along the way—and because of that, I’ve had impactful experiences. Things that I may not have normally done, I did.