Alumni Interview Series

Le Nguyen, BBA ’21, began his career at Lifted Logic while also working part-time at The North Face on weekends. His dedication paid off when, in June 2022, he transitioned to a full-time position with The North Face as a digital merchandising apprentice. By February 2023, his hard work culminated in a full-time role as an e-commerce operations coordinator.

Le said, “What inspired me to pursue my role at The North Face was the opportunity for growth from retail to corporate. I really wanted something more in life, and I was lucky to be surrounded by people who supported my ambitions.”

He credits much of his success to the networking skills he honed during his time at Bloch. “The skill that Bloch provided me that I found most valuable is the fact that they embraced the skill to network. Having these events for students to go and put themselves out there for internship programs helped me build the confidence in myself to know that I am competent.”

Le offers this advice to students just starting their careers: “Be loud. You are worth anyone’s time for recognition. People who put themselves out there and create a winning attitude create a fun ecosystem. People will start to notice who you are and will reach out to say that they are inspired or see something in you that other people don’t have.”

Networking has played a crucial role in Le’s career advancement. He believes that, while personal efforts are important, having the right people advocating for you can make a significant difference. “Networking is very important because although you might not always have the power to win someone over, maybe someone else can do that for you. Potential is spotted by those who are willing to see the vision that you share.”

Reflecting on his career, Le emphasizes the importance of purpose. “We are all here for something, whether it’s being impactful in society or just being a friend to others around us. My most impactful moment is the realization that we have a purpose. The people around us are willing to help out to pursue our purpose.”

By: Payton Covert (she/her), Alumni Director

UMKC Alumni Relations