
Private Brands PLMA University Outreach Program
Join the premier private brand program for Texas A&M University students passionate about retail, manufacturing, and marketing.Quick Links
Overview
Store brands are everywhere, representing a fast-growing segment of the retail industry with countless career opportunities. The PLMA University Outreach Program offers a unique, immersive experience that introduces you to this thriving industry. During the program, you’ll participate in college-level courses on store brand development, marketing strategies, consumer psychology, and the role of store brand manufacturers. You’ll also tour local stores to see top private brand programs in action.
What sets this program apart is the mentorship phase, where you’ll be paired with an industry-leading manufacturer and have the chance to shadow a buyer during strategic business discussions. This transformative experience has helped previous participants find their passion and even secure positions with top companies like Clorox, H-E-B, and Daymon Worldwide.
Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of store brands at the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) University Outreach Program, held in Chicago each fall.
Applications are Open
Don’t miss your chance to gain valuable insights and make industry connections that could shape your career.
Dates: Nov. 13-17, 2026 including travel
Location: Chicago, IL
Eligibility
Open to students in their Junior year (graduating Dec. 2027 or May 2028) from all Texas A&M majors who are passionate about retail, manufacturing, and marketing. Four students will be selected to attend. The program covers most expenses, with the exception of personal spending money in Chicago.
Requirements
Complete the application, including a resume and responses to two short essay questions. The essays should reflect your interest in the retail industry and what you hope to gain from the program.
Deadline to Apply
Application deadline for fall 2026 program is Monday, Sept. 14, 2026 at 12 p.m. (Noon).
Make Your Next Big Move
Request more information to dive deeper into your program of interest.
