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Private Brands PLMA University Outreach Program

Join the premier private brand program for Texas A&M University students passionate about retail, manufacturing, and marketing.

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.

Eligibility

Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors from all Texas A&M majors who are passionate about retail, manufacturing, and marketing.

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

Application deadline for fall 2026 program to be announced.

The program covers most expenses, with the exception of personal spending money in Chicago.