Fashion & Apparel OPT Jobs in Michigan
Fashion and apparel F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Michigan are centered around Detroit's growing creative economy, with companies like Shinola, Carhartt, and Allied Feather and Down representing the state's mix of heritage workwear, accessories, and manufacturing. Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids also offer opportunities in retail buying, product development, and supply chain roles for OPT-eligible graduates.
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Get Access To All JobsSales Associate
As a Sales Associate you will be the face of the brand to our retail customers and will be responsible for creating best-in-class customer experience in the store. As a Sales Associate, you will actively engage with a diverse and often large group of people, using your product, brand, activity and community knowledge to ensure each customer has a memorable positive experience. You will serve as part of a team, ensuring that customer engagement is the top priority, while also assisting in the daily visual and operational maintenance of the store.
Timberland, a VF Company
Founded in 1973, Timberland® is a global outdoor lifestyle brand based in Stratham, New Hampshire, with international headquarters in Switzerland and Hong Kong. Best known for its original yellow boot designed for the harsh elements of New England, Timberland today offers a full range of footwear, apparel and accessories for people who value purposeful style and share the brand’s passion for enjoying - and protecting - nature.
At the heart of the Timberland brand is the core belief that a greener future is a better future. This comes to life through a decades-long commitment to make products responsibly, protect the outdoors, and strengthen communities around the world.
By joining Timberland, you will serve as a purpose-led, performance driven, brand ambassador. You will build productive relationships by providing products to “adventurous doers” allowing them to “step outside and move the world forward.” You will also have the opportunity, tools, and environment to more explore the world around you and make meaningful, lasting connections.
How You Will Make a Difference
Responsibilities
- Demonstrate a customer first mindset by modeling selling behaviors with a passion for the brand, customer, and the product.
- Aware of and accountable to store and individual sales goals.
- Exemplifies an optimistic and energetic presence through team collaboration while building strong relationships with customers to maximize customer loyalty.
- Provide exceptional service while educating customers on our product, our Brand Purpose and community service involvement.
- Maintain a positive attitude and be flexible to the changing needs of the customer and the business.
- Ensures product is always available to the customer and represented in a compelling way that is consistent with visual guidelines, in addition to ensuring the store is recovered and customer ready each day.
- Adhere to policies and procedures, standards and practices, and company directives.
- Comply with company safety, security, and shrink avoidance policies and programs.
- Model behavior that respects the background, experience, and cultural differences of others, while upholding the integrity and values of the VF Corporation and the brand.
- Promotes an environment that encourages participation, creativity, and learning by sharing best practices and building on the ideas of others.
What You Bring
Required
- Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business; will require weekends, evenings, and holidays
- Ability to work with a team to exceed sales results and meet business goals
- Ability to genuinely and comfortably engage with a diverse group of customers
- Excellent verbal and nonverbal communication skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to deliver a high level of customer service in a retail environment
Preferred
- Previous retail or service-oriented experience
Physical
- Operate office equipment and technology (i.e., computers, tablets, phones, copier, etc.)
- Standing required for entire work shift
- Bend, lift, open and move product up to 50 pounds as needed
- Use ladders for visual merchandising, light adjustments, and window banner placement
Free To Be, Inclusion & Diversity
As a purpose-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness, and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.
What’s In It for You
We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package. Go to MyVFBenefits.com and click on “Looking to Join VF?” to learn more.
Our Parent Company, VF Corporation
VF is one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies connecting people to the lifestyles, activities and experiences they cherish through our family of iconic outdoor, active and workwear brands. At the heart of our journey lies our company-wide purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It’s the reason we come to work every day. It’s a commitment shared by our global associates across all brands. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling. Learn more at vfc.com
We just have one question. Are you in?
Hiring Range:
$14.73 - $19.20 USD per hour
Benefits at VF Corporation:
This position is a part-time or limited time position (ie., internship) and is not eligible for all of the benefit plans offered at VF Corporation. There are some benefits the company offers that this position can participate in. You can review a general overview of the benefits provided at VF by visiting MyVFBenefits.com and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on the benefits options you qualify for will be provided upon hire.
Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. Although all positions have a hiring range based upon market data, this position has a minimum starting rate that is listed above. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.
At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at peopleservices@vfc.com. VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law.
Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Sales Associate
As a Sales Associate you will be the face of the brand to our retail customers and will be responsible for creating best-in-class customer experience in the store. As a Sales Associate, you will actively engage with a diverse and often large group of people, using your product, brand, activity and community knowledge to ensure each customer has a memorable positive experience. You will serve as part of a team, ensuring that customer engagement is the top priority, while also assisting in the daily visual and operational maintenance of the store.
Timberland, a VF Company
Founded in 1973, Timberland® is a global outdoor lifestyle brand based in Stratham, New Hampshire, with international headquarters in Switzerland and Hong Kong. Best known for its original yellow boot designed for the harsh elements of New England, Timberland today offers a full range of footwear, apparel and accessories for people who value purposeful style and share the brand’s passion for enjoying - and protecting - nature.
At the heart of the Timberland brand is the core belief that a greener future is a better future. This comes to life through a decades-long commitment to make products responsibly, protect the outdoors, and strengthen communities around the world.
By joining Timberland, you will serve as a purpose-led, performance driven, brand ambassador. You will build productive relationships by providing products to “adventurous doers” allowing them to “step outside and move the world forward.” You will also have the opportunity, tools, and environment to more explore the world around you and make meaningful, lasting connections.
How You Will Make a Difference
Responsibilities
- Demonstrate a customer first mindset by modeling selling behaviors with a passion for the brand, customer, and the product.
- Aware of and accountable to store and individual sales goals.
- Exemplifies an optimistic and energetic presence through team collaboration while building strong relationships with customers to maximize customer loyalty.
- Provide exceptional service while educating customers on our product, our Brand Purpose and community service involvement.
- Maintain a positive attitude and be flexible to the changing needs of the customer and the business.
- Ensures product is always available to the customer and represented in a compelling way that is consistent with visual guidelines, in addition to ensuring the store is recovered and customer ready each day.
- Adhere to policies and procedures, standards and practices, and company directives.
- Comply with company safety, security, and shrink avoidance policies and programs.
- Model behavior that respects the background, experience, and cultural differences of others, while upholding the integrity and values of the VF Corporation and the brand.
- Promotes an environment that encourages participation, creativity, and learning by sharing best practices and building on the ideas of others.
What You Bring
Required
- Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business; will require weekends, evenings, and holidays
- Ability to work with a team to exceed sales results and meet business goals
- Ability to genuinely and comfortably engage with a diverse group of customers
- Excellent verbal and nonverbal communication skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to deliver a high level of customer service in a retail environment
Preferred
- Previous retail or service-oriented experience
Physical
- Operate office equipment and technology (i.e., computers, tablets, phones, copier, etc.)
- Standing required for entire work shift
- Bend, lift, open and move product up to 50 pounds as needed
- Use ladders for visual merchandising, light adjustments, and window banner placement
Free To Be, Inclusion & Diversity
As a purpose-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness, and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.
What’s In It for You
We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package. Go to MyVFBenefits.com and click on “Looking to Join VF?” to learn more.
Our Parent Company, VF Corporation
VF is one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies connecting people to the lifestyles, activities and experiences they cherish through our family of iconic outdoor, active and workwear brands. At the heart of our journey lies our company-wide purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It’s the reason we come to work every day. It’s a commitment shared by our global associates across all brands. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling. Learn more at vfc.com
We just have one question. Are you in?
Hiring Range:
$14.73 - $19.20 USD per hour
Benefits at VF Corporation:
This position is a part-time or limited time position (ie., internship) and is not eligible for all of the benefit plans offered at VF Corporation. There are some benefits the company offers that this position can participate in. You can review a general overview of the benefits provided at VF by visiting MyVFBenefits.com and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on the benefits options you qualify for will be provided upon hire.
Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. Although all positions have a hiring range based upon market data, this position has a minimum starting rate that is listed above. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.
At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at peopleservices@vfc.com. VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law.
Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
OPT Fashion & Apparel Job Roles in Michigan
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Search Fashion & Apparel Jobs in MichiganFashion & Apparel OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
Which fashion and apparel companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Michigan?
Michigan-based employers with a history of hiring international talent in fashion and apparel include Carhartt, known for workwear design and product development roles, and Shinola Detroit, which hires in accessories and brand management. Larger retailers with Michigan operations, such as Meijer, occasionally hire OPT-eligible candidates in merchandising and buying. Sponsorship availability varies by role, department, and current hiring cycles, so confirming OPT acceptance directly with each employer is important.
Which cities in Michigan have the most fashion and apparel F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Detroit leads Michigan for fashion and apparel OPT opportunities, driven by its concentration of heritage brands, independent designers, and a growing creative district. Ann Arbor offers roles connected to retail operations and e-commerce given its educated workforce, while Grand Rapids has apparel manufacturing and supply chain positions. Smaller markets like Traverse City and Kalamazoo have limited fashion-specific hiring but occasionally post retail management or visual merchandising openings.
What types of fashion and apparel roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles that align with a relevant degree field are the strongest candidates for OPT authorization. In fashion and apparel, these commonly include product development coordinator, textile designer, merchandising analyst, supply chain specialist, and e-commerce or digital marketing roles tied to a fashion brand. Visual merchandising and retail management positions may qualify depending on your degree. Roles must directly relate to your field of study, so matching your job title to your academic program matters.
How do I find fashion and apparel F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Michigan?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and OPT holders searching for visa-friendly jobs, including fashion and apparel positions in Michigan. You can filter by visa type and state to surface employers actively open to F-1 OPT candidates, saving time compared to manually screening general job listings. Beyond Migrate Mate, networking through Detroit's fashion community events and reaching out to Michigan College of Art alumni networks can surface unadvertised roles at local brands.
Are there state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 OPT in Michigan's fashion sector?
Michigan's fashion industry leans heavily toward manufacturing, workwear, and accessories rather than high-fashion design, which shapes the types of OPT-eligible roles available. Because F-1 OPT requires employment directly related to your degree, students with degrees in fashion design, textile engineering, or fashion merchandising are best positioned. Michigan's smaller fashion market compared to New York or Los Angeles means building relationships with local brands and studios early in your studies can be especially important for securing an OPT-period role.