Rattlers on the Rise: One of One — Chailyn Washington-Thompson Makes Her Mark at Victoria’s Secret
TALLAHASSEE, Fl. — As the first and only Florida A&M University student to intern with Victoria’s Secret, and the sole HBCU representative in her cohort, Chailyn Washington-Thompson feels a deep sense of pride and responsibility.
“I know I’m representing something bigger than myself. Victoria’s Secret is a huge brand, and I want them to see what FAMU students bring to the table,” said the rising fourth-year business administration scholar from Raleigh, North Carolina.
Washington-Thompson is currently a part of Victoria Secret's Merchandise Planning and Allocation team.
From Raleigh to Retail: How One Rattler’s Hustle Is Changing the Victoria Secret’s Game. (Photo courtesy of Chailyn Washington-Thompson)
Her path to Victoria’s Secret was not linear. Following a fall career fair affected by rescheduling and limited company turnout due to weather, Washington-Thompson expanded her search. She turned to Handshake and LinkedIn, seeking opportunities to bring her back to New York, where she had previously interned with Estée Lauder in the summer of 2023.
“When I saw the posting, I knew I wanted to be in New York again,” she said. “I applied, found people on LinkedIn, messaged them, and asked if someone could connect me to the recruiter. That led to a conversation with Briana Edmonds, a North Carolina A&T alum whose sister graduated from FAMU. She helped me prepare for interviews, and I eventually went through eight rounds before being placed on the Merchandise Planning and Allocation team.”
Her internship includes real-world responsibilities like managing promo calendars and presenting data for major brands like Birkenstock. “It feels like a real job,” Washington-Thompson said. “My work actually shows up in meetings and on the company website. Sometimes I go online and see things I helped make happen. It’s so cool.”
She especially enjoys the connection between strategy and what ends up in stores. “Everything connects,” she explained. “I could be working in Excel and later walk into Bloomingdale’s and see the exact product I helped analyze.”
Balancing ambition with heart, Washington-Thompson also spent a previous summer interning with a nonprofit summer camp serving children with behavioral challenges and disabilities. “It was such a grounding experience,” she said. “They taught me patience, gratitude, and resilience.”
Her FAMU experience, particularly within the School of Business and Industry, has helped shape her confidence and communication skills. “At SBI, professionalism is everything,” she said. "Even how I dressed for my first day stood out to my team. My boss always says I’m a strong communicator. I come with questions, and I write things down. That comes from FAMU.”
Though she initially had her heart set on L’Oréal, which turned her down after several interviews, Washington-Thompson did not let rejection hold her back. “Sometimes you’re one ‘yes’ away,” she said. “And I believe God places you exactly where you’re supposed to be. I’m always authentic in interviews, and I think that’s what made the difference.”
She credits her Victoria’s Secret mentor, Briana Edmonds, with helping her build lasting relationships inside the company.
“She’s still helping me now. She connects me with other leaders in the company and genuinely wants to see me win,” she said.
The 12-week internship began in May and ends in August. It’s a paid position, and Washington-Thompson also receives a housing stipend, which she uses to secure accommodations through University Housing. She encourages students to negotiate housing stipends when needed, especially in expensive cities like New York.
Looking ahead, Washington-Thompson has her sights set on a career in fashion merchandising, beauty and fragrance, and possibly graduate school.
“I might stay and get my master’s,” she shared. “It’ll give me a little more leverage before stepping into the full-time world.”
Her advice to fellow Rattlers? “The opportunities are there. Don’t let rejection stop you. Be authentic. You could be one yes away from the opportunity of your dreams.”
For others, Washington-Thompson’s story could be viewed a more than a success, but a call to action and a masterclass in the power of the pivot.
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
