Fashion Internship Tips
Writer, Fashion Blog
Although many of us who hope to have a job in fashion journalism dream of interning at a top magazine, these fantasies are sometimes difficult to make reality because many of the most reputable fashion publications are based in New York City. It’s a good idea to start off your fashion writing ventures by interning for a fashion blog. While some blogs only allow you to work for them if you live in the area they are based, it is possible to find remote internships with blogs so that you can write for them from where you currently live. Interning for a blog means writing fashion stories on a deadline, promoting what you and your coworkers write (usually via social media) and keeping up with fashion industry news in order to create content that will appeal to the reader. When you have to write one or more stories a week you’re able watch your progress, learn from your mistakes, and find your voice as a fashion writer.
— Cassandra
Product Management Intern, Jewelry Company
An internship in product management deals directly with the product from the sample-receiving stage to the possible implementation of the product itself. My duties at my internship primarily include tagging samples, entering product information into the database, completing required documents and packaging to return samples back to vendors. An internship in this area may allow you to directly see how buyers and merchandisers choose and weed out potential products they may be interested in selling. These types of internships may be slightly repetitive, but handling a variety of different merchandise keeps it interesting. If you want an opportunity to work closely with products but don’t have an interest in buying or product development, an internship in product management may be a good fit for you.
— Ashley
Visual Merchandising; Apparel and Home Retailer
If you consider yourself to be highly creative, visual merchandising might be a great field for you. Typical duties of a visual merchandising internship include: determining product placement by analyzing sales data, concept brainstorming, creating trend reports and executing the general aesthetic direction of the brand. An internship in visuals will provide you with the skills to create a compelling store experience while also requiring you to practice customer interaction and develop customer service skills. If you are looking to advance into retail management or retail store design, a visual merchandising internship will provide you with the experience you need to jump-start your career!
— Megan
Fashion Closet Internship
A fashion closet internship is perfect for those wanting to take a step in the editorial side of fashion. Interning in the closet provides the opportunity to work alongside fashion and accessory editors, while gaining an insight into the operations of producing a magazine. Being constantly surrounded by apparel and accessories helps you learn quickly about brands you may have never heard of before. You also to see the next season’s looks before anyone else. The environment is fast-paced and ever changing. From navigating the city collecting products from PR agencies to organizing aisles of shoes, a fashion closet internship is a great learning experience for those looking to break into fashion magazines.
Where to find fashion internships
Freefashioninternships.com – Tons of fashion internship postings from numerous top fashion companies. No matter your area of interest – design, public relations, buying, social media or more – there are plenty of options! Also check out their sister site freebeautyinternships.com.
Current listings include: Derek Lam, Marchesa, Thakoon
Ed2010.com – A great site for those interested in editorial and fashion closet internships at magazines. Ed2010 also has great postings for internships at top fashion blogs.
Current listings include: ”W Magazine,” ”Seventeen,” Refinery29
Fashionista.com – The top blog has an excellent internship section for budding fashionistas.
Current listings include: Black Frame, Socialyte
Alumni – Put your best networking skills to work and reach out to Kent State’s Fashion School Alumni.
— Annie
