Call it fate, serendipity, or just plain good luck, but alumna Mackenzie “Kenzie’’ Blowers ’25 had a stroke of career fortune during her second year as a UConn student.

Blowers was assigned to the second floor of Belden Hall and her RA was Danielle Harrington ‘24. Harrington had created a poster for students to get to know a bit about her, and she included her experience as an intern at The TJX Companies.

Initially, Blowers didn’t recognize the corporate name and Harrington explained that the retail company includes T.J. Maxx, Home Goods, and Marshalls.

“I remember saying, ‘Oh my gosh. I love those stores!’’ said Blowers, a marketing major with a concentration in digital marketing and analytics and a minor in Spanish. The conversation ignited her interest in pursuing a similar internship.

Today, Blowers is an allocation analyst in the Wall Art Team at Home Goods, with responsibility for distributing and replenishing artwork in more than 1,000 stores nationwide. Working at the corporate headquarters in Framingham, Mass., she keeps tabs on the “treasures’’ that the buying team has selected. Blowers said strong organizational skills are essential to ensuring that the right art pieces end up at the right stores on schedule.

“What I love the most is working with the buyers, and the art that they find, and getting to see all the products before they hit the stores,’’ she said. “Trend analysis is so cool and interesting. It’s just a great experience to see an idea come to life!’’

As an added bonus, there are many UConn alumni at the company, including her former RA, Harrington, who is a senior allocation analyst for Marshalls.

Two Summer Internships Proved Invaluable

Blowers took the initiative and applied to two summer internships with TJX, working first in the buying department, and the second summer in planning and allocation.

To set herself apart as an intern, Blowers networked with anyone and everyone she could at the company. “I also was always willing to advocate for new experiences and opportunities by asking to shadow different people in different roles,’’ she said.

“Being an intern at a company you enjoy is going to help you. In my case, I was able to show continued interest,’’ she said. The company’s dedication to employee development and growth was one of the factors that impressed her in seeking a permanent position.

Blowers said she has used knowledge from her marketing and analytics classes extensively, and also applied her knowledge of various software programs. But she also credits UConn for helping her develop softer skills, including strong business writing and communication, which are imperative in a busy environment that requires good relationships in and between teams. Having a good attitude and warm personality also pays dividends in the workplace, she said.

Advice for Future Grads: Be Candid

Blowers said if she could give one piece of advice to future graduates it would be to be authentic during interviews.

“I feel like it is important to be candid in a job interview. Interviewers can tell if you come up with a false anecdote,’’ she said. “Many new graduates feel the need to present an extensive resume, but often times employers are seeking people who can thrive and grow and have soft skills they can leverage.’’

During her years at UConn, Blowers was involved with Huskython, something that made a lasting impression.

“Huskython made me passionate about volunteering,’’ Blowers said. TJX also has a strong culture of helping others, and offers a host of opportunities to give back to the community. Blowers participates in as many of those events as she can, from painting a mural for a local hospital to volunteering with Cradles to Crayons, an organization which combats clothing shortages among children. That is another reason she feels she found a good fit with her employer.

To those who are hesitant about the transition from college to career, Blowers said for her it has been a smooth path.

“I feel very happy at this point in my life. People usually think that the year after graduation is daunting. But I’ve started a new chapter and that’s really exciting. It is what you make it,’’ she said.