Quote:
Originally Posted by pinksatin
I am planning to start applying for summer 08 internships around February but in the meantime I need to create a CV. I am still a student and still have three years after this one so I don't have tons of work experience to put on it.
Someone earlier in the thread said don't talk about retail experience. I understand why you shouldn't praise yourself for handling a customer or balancing your cash drawer but I don't understand why not mention retail work if that's what you've done? It's pretty much all the work experience I have. For the past 4 years I've worked at Banana Republic, BCBG, and Abercrombie alternatingly (mostly banana, I keep going back to them, it's a disease I think  ) and I feel like it's shaped me and my work ethic a lot. In all of the places I've taken on a lot of roles from cashiering, handling client appointments (only applicable to BCBG actually), visual merchandising, sales, making trendboards, product knowledge boards, etc. Isn't that relevant?
Just wondering since I need to start putting that info together and polishing it up.
Also, how far back in time should I go describing things? Like is anything I did in high school relevant anymore or not? (I graduated in 2003). I mean like ballet schools/performances, sports achievements, academic achievements, volunteer work, etc.
Another issue that's bothering me about writing this..... Since HS I've switched majors from bio to bio and dance to fashion and then transferred schools and am now an art student but still want to go into fashion. Which is why I still have so much school left since I started out shooting for pre-med and thus have no art background. Do I explain this or leave it very vague and just start with the present?
Also, not to give away personal medical history but since 2004 I've gone on 3 medical leaves of absence from college for problems not discussable on this board. I think the decision to take those LOAs and get treatment was well worth it since I'm now recovered but it makes me self conscious about having gaps of time in my education. How would you handle this if it's brought up? I'm just scared it will look like I've been in school forever and haven't done anything when part of it is do to health problems and part of it was natural finding the right major/school. And now I'm totally on track academically and healthy (and probably know much more about myself than if those situations did not occur) but I feel like I'm 3 years late. Should I just keep it vague and say "time off for personal reasons" or what?
Also, I have been thinking I would like to see some of your CVs (without personal info) like it's been brought up but you could post it in general terms, like not what you specifically wrote but more of an outline perhaps? Like just say "here I wrote about this" and "here I listed my _____ with dates and reference numbers" or whatever so no one will be able to copy if you're worried. I think it would be helpful for some of us if anyone who has a good CV has time to do that just to see the structure and all.
Sorry I have such a long post. I just wanted to discuss this stuff and have feedback from people in the industry. You guys are always so helpful.  |
Here we are again.
DO list retail experience. Not listing retail experience is probably the worst advice you can get. Retail is clothing, clothing is fashion. It goes hand in hand.
As far as how far back you should go as far as experience - college. If you are applying for a 2008 summer internship and you're listing high school achievements from '03, it looks a little bad. You are attending college so they want to know what you have done recently.
As far as switching majors, no explanation needed. They won't fault you for that. Same thing with the gaps in your education. A lot of people take breaks during their education. I just finished an internship at high-end design studio and there was a 28 year old intern who is a sophomore at FIT because she took a few breaks during her educational career.
To see some examples of resumes go to:
www.styleportfolios.com. A public site where people (everyone from students still in college to established designers) post their portfolios and resume. By clicking on any designer you get to see their resume.
Also, does the fashion program in your school have an advising program? They can also help you with all your questions.
AND... I forgot to put this in the "Work Placements/Internships" thread but I should have said, if you want to work at a design studio or showroom, Feb. at the earliest. BUT if you want to apply to a formal program- Macy's, Target, Nordstrom, Nike, Saks Fifth Avenue Executive/Mangerial program, and I think Vogue, picks their interns by December.