How Nikki Landed a Full-Time Role in Luxury Product Design After College

Professional Repositioning™

The early days after college can feel like a fresh start and an overwhelming unknown at the same time. Nikki Filias, a recent graduate with a background in fashion, fine arts, and product development, came to New York City with strong internship experience, real creative talent, and no clear sense of how to turn either into a full-time role.

Navigating the Post-Grad Unknown

Nikki moved to NYC with no job lined up, landed a showroom internship, and started applying everywhere: assistant graphic designer, associate creative director, product design assistant. Despite her experience, she wasn’t hearing back, and she wasn’t sure what direction to actually pursue.

“I had taken a couple of months off after graduation and then jumped into applying, but I wasn’t seeing results. I’d go silent, then start again. It was hard to stay consistent.”

She knew she wanted a role that used her creative strengths. Too many opinions, too many rejections, and an oversaturated market left her stuck anyway.

Deciding to Get Support

Nikki’s mom came across Kori’s coaching services and encouraged her to reach out. On their first call, Nikki was clear about one thing: she wanted a job that would let her grow creatively and challenge her, and she didn’t want to keep trying to figure it out alone.

Working with Kori through the Career Clarity Accelerator, Nikki:

Clarified the types of roles and industries that matched her strengths
Built two versions of her resume, one for fashion, one for creative services
Updated her LinkedIn to reflect her personal brand
Created a networking plan based on past internship connections
Practiced interviewing and built a system for applying and staying accountable

IN HER WORDS

“Through soul-searching exercises, rational thinking, and structured coaching, I finally understood how my personal identity connected to my career. That changed everything.”

Building Momentum with a Temp Job

Soon after starting the program, Nikki landed a three-month temp role at a fast-fashion company. It wasn’t her dream role, but it was her first real job in NYC, and it gave her production, teamwork, and communication skills she hadn’t had before.

When the assignment ended suddenly, she didn’t spiral. She revisited the plan she’d built with Kori and got back to work. With her materials ready, her goals clear, and her mindset steady, she approached the next round of her search more focused, more confident, and more selective than before.

Finding the Right Fit

Within a month of her temp job ending, Nikki landed a full-time position in luxury product design. She now works for a high-end tableware company, designing seasonal napkin collections and building out a portfolio she never expected to have.

“I still love fashion, but I realized I’m happy designing as long as I can be responsible, solve problems creatively, and stay busy. That’s what brings me satisfaction.”

Her boss noticed her mindset and how fast she picked things up. For the first time, Nikki felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be.

“I went from feeling lost to landing a permanent role in luxury product design. I’m thriving in my new position, and it all started with coaching.”

What Made the Difference

Nikki’s success didn’t come from luck. It came from showing up, building a real strategy, and doing the inner work to get clear on what she actually wanted and how to ask for it.

Because she stayed committed to the plan and stayed open to the process, Nikki fast-tracked what could have taken a year into a role that actually fits.

Common Questions

How long does it typically take to find a job after graduating college?
It varies widely, but a scattered, inconsistent search (applying for a few weeks, going quiet, then starting again) tends to stretch the timeline out to months or longer. With a clear plan, a defined target, and consistent follow-through, it’s possible to land a role in weeks rather than a year, as Nikki did.

Is career coaching worth it for a recent graduate?
For someone with real experience and skills but no clear direction, coaching can shorten the search significantly by replacing guesswork with a structured plan: clarified role targets, tailored materials, a networking strategy, and accountability along the way.

What if I don’t know what career path to choose after college?
That uncertainty is common, and it’s usually less about lacking skills and more about not yet having language for how your strengths connect to specific roles. Structured coaching can surface that connection directly, the way it did for Nikki.

Ready to Stop Figuring It Out Alone?

If you’re ready to stop struggling on your own and want a thought partner and expert in your corner, there are a few ways to start:

You don’t have to do this alone, and you don’t have to settle.

Watch Nikki’s full interview here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe6WUyCeHUI