Hey first-years!
It’s been amazing to meet you at our pop-up shops across campus and in our brand new JDUC store as we kick off the school year. We've been so excited to get to know you, and we love the class of ‘29 already. That being said, we thought we’d take a moment to introduce ourselves and tell you all you
need to know for first-year hiring.
Who are we?
Oil Thigh Designs (OTD) is Queen’s University’s leading not-for-profit, 100% student-run retailer. Since 1994, we’ve been committed to designing trendy clothing, all while building community and serving for charity. From Homecoming to St. Patrick'S Day to the Smith Q-Zips, we’ve got a piece for every event, along with casual wear to rock around campus. Last year, we were able to make $20,000 in donations from our proceeds. Now, we’re looking for a few new first-years who are eager to join our team and make an impact.
Why choose to apply?
OTD is the perfect introduction to retail and business operations. Our first-year representatives have the unique opportunity to rotate across our stores' portfolios, including design, finance, marketing, and customer service. This hands-on, dynamic experience is an incredible way to build transferable skills and discover your passion, all while letting your creativity shine. This position is open to first-year students from all faculties who embody the OTD mission.
The Three C’s of OTD:
1. Charity
As a not-for-profit, each year we donate our proceeds to charities and partner with student-led initiatives, such as the Tricolour Classic and Cure Cancer Classic, to support causes that matter. Giving back is central to OTD’s mission and one of the most meaningful aspects of being part of the
team.
2. Community
Weekly meetings, mentorship from upper-year members, and club socials create an environment
that fosters learning, collaboration, and friendship. We love our OTD family!
3. Creativity
At the heart of OTD is creativity. Our apparel is completely designed by our student team and you won’t find it anywhere else. Yet, the creativity doesn’t stop at clothing. From marketing to sales, we encourage new ideas everywhere.
First-year hiring timeline:
- Coffee Chats: This week!
- Applications open: September 14th at 11:59 PM
- Applications close: September 21st at 11:59 PM
- Interviews: September 22nd–26thDecisions released: September 27th.
Want to know more? Listen to the experiences of our 2024-2025 first-year representatives:
“Joining OTD as a First-Year Representative was one of the best decisions of my first year at Queen’s. Every two months we rotated through portfolios such as design, logistics, and sales. This meant I got hands-on experience in everything from creating new apparel designs, to mapping out product launches, to learning how our online store operates. A highlight of mine was the opportunity to collaborate with a charitable organization and see our work come to life. What truly set the
experience apart was being surrounded by such an incredible team at meetings, store shifts, and socials. OTD is filled with welcoming, supportive, and creative people. I have loved gaining insight into how a student-run business works, especially a not-for-profit and gives back to the community. If you are a first-year student looking for a place to get involved at Queen’s while making an impact, I cannot recommend OTD enough.”
- Maddie Bester, Digital Operations
“When I first applied to OTD, I wanted a way to get involved creatively while also learning about the business side of things. As a first-year representative, I rotated through three portfolios. What stood out most wasn't just the skills I gained, but the incredibly supportive and inspiring people I met. The mentorship I received and the friendships I made were a huge part of my first year at Queen’s. Now, as
an In-Store Sales Coordinator, I get to design clothing and plan product drops, something I never imagined I’d be doing this early in university. OTD has given me the chance to take on real responsibility, grow my skills, and be part of a community that pushes me to succeed. If you’re considering applying, I can honestly say OTD is more than a club; it’s a place to challenge yourself, meet amazing people, and make the most of your university experience.”
- Alex Napoli, In-Store Sales
“Being a First-Year Representative for OTD this year not only introduced me to a new family, but gave me an opportunity to explore my interest in retail while giving back to the community. In just one year, I got exposed to every aspect of a business, with an immense amount of guidance and support
throughout. Rotating through various portfolios, such as marketing, finance, e-commerce, and design, allowed me to discover which part of the business I was most interested in. This led me to my new role as a Custom Sales Coordinator, where I work with clubs and other customers in need of custom merchandise. As someone who is interested in the product side of retail, being able to work with
manufacturers on designing products is an opportunity I never imagined having in university. Ultimately, being on OTD gave me so many new friends and memories, and was definitely a highlight of my first year. I cannot recommend joining enough!”
- Ava Gill, Custom Sales
We can’t wait to see your applications!
All the best,
OTD