Fashion Internships
A fashion internship is a temporary position which usually lasts for a few months. These positions are typically part-time during the academic year and full-time during the summer. Internships are most often unpaid as the focus is on gaining experience. However, some companies will provide a stipend for expenses such as lunch or transport. Students of fashion or design programs may be able to gain academic credit for a successful internship. Often tasks assigned to interns are simple administration jobs. You may begin by answering phones, filing, photocopying and basic computer work. However, as you prove your ability, you may progress to assisting professionals in a more hands-on manner. For example, interns may help with preparations for trade shows, assist with photo shoots or work on showroom maintenance. New York is generally considered to be the fashion capital within the US with thousands of people working within the industry there. However, if you live close to any major metropolitan area in the US or in any country, there will be fashion internship opportunities available to you. If you work as a fashion intern, you can expect to be working long hours in a very fast-paced environment. What types of internship are available?There are many different areas within the fashion industry that you can choose to apply for an internship with. Fashion design involves the creation of clothes from the initial sketches through to choosing materials, cutting the pattern and sewing the piece. Fashion marketing involves achieving optimum attention for the clothes you are trying to sell through advertising, public relations etc. People working in fashion merchandising actually buy the clothing / accessory lines and present them in the stores. Many fashion magazines also offer internships. Larger companies can offer interns the opportunity to gain experience within a specialized area. However, smaller companies may offer a general internship working in all departments of the company. This often means that your abilities are visible to more people, including those in senior management. This can improve your chance of being offered a job following graduation. What skills do you need to win a fashion internship?It is an advantage if you are studying for or have already achieved a qualification related to the particular field you wish to intern in. You will need to have a passion for the industry and show that you are up to speed with the latest trends and developments. Good computer skills are essential. You will need to be proficient in programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience with design programs such as Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop will be a great benefit. If you wish to focus on one particular area, you will need to have some relevant skills. For example, knowledge of basic sewing will be an advantage if applying for a Fashion Design internship. If you are seeking an editorial internship on a fashion magazine, you will require evidence of your strong writing skills. Potential employers will be looking for self-motivated and organized interns with the ability to multi-task. While you will need to be capable of working independently, the ability to work in a team is even more important. This is especially true if you are liaising with different departments within the company. How do you win the fashion internship you want?Competition for internships with leading design houses or fashion magazines can be intense. If you are completing a fashion or design program, ask whether your school can use their connections to help you to get a suitable internship. Otherwise, you can contact the companies you want to work for directly and send them a resume and cover letter indicating your interest in working for them. If they invite you to attend an interview, keep the following tips in mind: • Research is the key to a successful interview. Ensure that you know the history of the company, who their target market is, what their product lines consist of and any other information that may be relevant. • When dressing for the interview, do not be afraid to express your own sense of style either through your clothes or accessories. However, ensure that your attire is not too casual or over the top. • If you plan to display a portfolio of sketches or photographs, ensure that they are tailored to the company you are applying to. Similarly, if you are submitting samples of your writing for a fashion magazine internship, include clips that are similar in style and tone to the magazine. • There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview. Have some intelligent questions prepared that will display your knowledge of the industry as well as that particular company. These might relate to target clients, brand ethos or future product lines. • Make sure that you ask exactly what your duties would be if you were awarded the internship. It is best to know in advance if the company wants their intern to do purely administrative work. Back To modeling Agencies
Women Fashion From Coco Chanel
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