Performance Lifestyle Group Intern Spotlight:
Panthea Farhoomand
I grew up in Sunnyvale, California and I am currently enrolled at UC Santa Barbara, pursing a degree in Political Science with a minor in Iranian Studies.I decided to join the Deckers team because of what a staple their products were around campus. More importantly, I valued the idea of interning for a brand that has such a positive and environmentally-friendly reputation. I knew I wanted to get involved with the brand on a deeper level.
What inspired you to pursue an opportunity with product in footwear?
My first interaction with a member of the product team was at my school’s career fair, where I met Julia, the Teva Product Coordinator and previous Product Intern with Teva. She was passionate about her work and was willing to answer any and all of my questions. Since becoming the Teva Product Intern, I have learned that this is the standard for everyone at the office. She talked about how there was a lot of opportunities to make one’s voice heard as a product intern, especially in terms of sustainability, which is something I personally value in a footwear brand. I was excited to take part in something in which I could make that type of a difference.
What would you like to share about your internship experience so far with Deckers on the PLG team?
Being on the product team with Teva has shown me what it is like to see an entire project executed from beginning to end, which is something you don’t get to see in most intern roles. Everyone on the team is incredibly friendly, takes the time to communicate things with me and values my input. There’s so much about the footwear world that I didn’t know before and understanding the hard work that everyone puts into the thought process of getting a shoe into market is something that I will carry into both my professional life and into my shoe shopping experience.
Who has been an inspirational leader in your professional life? How have they influenced your career goals, passions and interests?
My first job was as a camp counselor for a summer camp near my hometown and the director of the camp is one of my greatest professional inspirations. She really represents what it means to be a woman with a seat at the table. She managed the difficult balance between success and likability with grace and she always took the time to talk to the counselors once a week, without fail. Most importantly, she was able to rise up unconventionally in a professional setting which taught me that no one gets to the same place in the same way and the importance of creating opportunities for myself.
What are three fun facts you’d like to share?
1. I am the president of UC Santa Barbara’s Persian Student Group.
2. I have fallen in the fountains of Versailles twice – once in 2015 and once again in 2018.
3. I am currently in the process of learning how to off-road uni-cycle.
Deckers Careers 