All About Internships and Work Experience Placements

[e-v-elina]

is it harder to get an internship in the us if you're from another country?

 

[Cicciolina]

e-v-elina I got a really good magazine internship in New York and I'm from Australia And someone I know on Facebook (I know, I know, but I saw her post about going overseas for an internship in some group so private messaged her) who was from UK and did a PR internship for a great designer too

I guess just give it a go!

 

[e-v-elina]

oh =D i'm moving to new york in 2 years so that's great news!

 

[weirdolove]

I want to get an internship with a magazine, and i know that they want to see your resume but i wonder what type of credentials are you supposed to have for an internship?
I mean don't you intern so you can get a career later?
i just really want to know what type of knowledge am i supposed to posses prior to interning?

 

[Cicciolina]

I suppose it depends what you want to do at the magazine (I'm assuming fashion magazine). ie for features/fashion news/reporting/etc they probably want to see if you have any clippings and that you're keen to write. If you don't have any clippings (like me!!) perhaps a relevant degree (eg English lit, which is what I do and it got me through with no clippings) or even if you've done a short course in writing maybe to show you're passionate about it. Though from what I've seen it's really difficult to find internships that offer writing, *especially* fashion internships that include writing though I may be wrong. Many fashion internship ads I've come across state bluntly that no writing is included.

For other fashion editorial internships at magazines, I suppose other experience is a plus (other internships at fashion PR firms, designers, etc). A university degree (completed or still doing it) probably isn't a requirement.

I can't think of any other really necessarily prerequisites unless the internship actually states it (eg for fashion design obvoiusly a portfolio, etc). I have seen on magazine internship ads that internship in a fashion PR firm is seen as a plus

Hope this helps

 

[weirdolove]

yeah a fashion magazine, i'm studying journalism and it's my first semester so i don't really have any classes under my belt i should probably take some writing classes next semester

 

[Cicciolina]

weirdolove I think the main thing is to show that you're really keen and interested in fashion and writing. Doing degrees/other internships aren't exactly a prerequisite but just show how much you're willing to put yourself out there to do what you want, so still give it a shot in applying for internships during semester or in your summer break, you never know what can happen

 

[OhJane]

Cicciolina, I was wondering if you could help me (or anyone else with info), you seem to have given others good advice..

I'd love to get an internship at a fashion magazine (ideal: UK Elle or another UK fashion magazine) - now how does one go about getting an internship there? I'd love to work in the fashion department, I'm not interested in writing though? I'm currently studying photography but don't want to pursue that career wise. I'd be grateful for any info you could give me!

Thanks

 

[Cicciolina]

OhJane I don't think I'm an expert in it at all, these are all just from my own experience and what I think of it so hopefully they'll help you somewhat

I think it's easier to get a fashion internship at a magazine rather than a writing internship at a fashion magazine, if that makes sense, so that makes it easier for you at least. Find the contact details of the magazine, specifically for actual people rather than the general email. I've found it most useful emailing the fashion assistants (like the fashion editor's assistant, fashion director's assistant, etc) rather than the actual fashion editor/director/etc themselves because they'll most likely just ignore you. Fashion internships at fashion magazines will just involve (usually) receiving and sending out (returning) items (you have to keep track of what goes in and out, make sure nothing is lost, etc) and sometimes helping out on shoots (basically standing around making sure everything has what they need, ironing, getting the looks ready, doing errands, etc). Doing a fashion internship at a fashion magazine to me has always been for those who are more interested in the styling aspect rather than the writing. Hope this helps

 

[OhJane]

Thanks for answering!

I was considering writing to someone before so I think that will be my course of action! Fingers crossed.

 

[Cicciolina]

Yep definitely just write to someone, you have nothing to lose. Could be a case of right place right time and they just need someone straight away to intern

 

[thefrancofille]

Just applied for an internship. I tweaked my cover letter a bit. (I had applied earlier this year to the same brand, but I think I applied too late for the summer internships!)

 

[thefrancofille]

Another question: what's the shortest length of time you could do an internship? Is a month too short?

 

[weirdolove]

when should i start applying for summer internships? and what else do you need beside a resume for a fashion magazine? what's a cover letter??

so many questions, i know

 

[gia0202]

I am wondering waht to do in this situation. i have ben offered a chance to intern for a mid-career stylist. Not as big as liebermann, but she still has credits on major editorials in a wide range of mags. this is freelance, and unpaid until i prove i should be paid--i suppose. i was also offered a full-time internship at a top fashion mag... like REALLY BIG NAME. it son the same level as vogue (kinda). i would get to work with some amazing editors---- it seems.
the monkey in the wrench is I need to save money for school., so i am planning on hosting at a tribeca restuarant, from 5-1am, 4 nights a week. do you tink i should still push for the mag internship (the connections would be ridiculous), or go with the freelance--since that would be easier.

 

[dazed&confused]

I
(the connections would be ridiculous)

you said it yourself..having connections is a priceless asset. Sure the mag will be more work but it will pay off and look great on your resume!

 

[BetteT]

It would depend on what you want to do in your career. If you want to be a freelance stylist ... then the stylist can teach you a lot you need to know and might even eventually throw you some work to get you started in your career. If being a stylist is not specifically your goal .... then I think the magazine is clearly the better opportunity ... it can open doors for you in many different related careers if it's the level of Vogue.

 

[gia0202]

yeah--i have been thinkig about it ... and the mag is better. the stylist is not paying me in the begininning anyway, and she actually was a fashion assistant at this mag--- so i would be working for her boss (literally her boss is the one that is calling me in for an interview) so it is better.
they said 'winter' internship. is that just winter, or winter &spring?

 

[gia0202]

when should i start applying for summer internships? and what else do you need beside a resume for a fashion magazine? what's a cover letter??

so many questions, i know

you should start researching now, requesting info from firms/mags in dec, then applying wen they recommend.

google cover letter. you are going to have to getused to that. you will have to center each around the wants of that company, and thoroughly research the company . i am going in for that mag---and i will literally have to house up in the public library, and readas many of hteir issues as possible--taking notes of htins , so i have EXACT references and comments i can make on EXACT details. that is what hgets you a good internship and job.

 

[gia0202]

also try applying to showrooms and pr firms. judge by the brands they carry if they are up to YOUR standards. this is will go on your resume....
plus firms and showrooms are less selective and top magazines request experience before allowing youto intern for them. also, the connection to a good firm will stick for a long time.
try inhouse for top designers, and then apply to connecte but lesserknown mags, like wwd. allus fashio lovers know it, but the typical girl wants to work at glamour or vogue. this is a good opportunity.