18 Places To Find Paid Fashion Internships in the US
18 Places To Find Paid Fashion Internships in the US

18 Places To Find Paid Fashion Internships in the US

The best way to get a head start on your career in the fashion world is to start by looking for internships. However, most internships you come across do not pay or pay you in exposure. Like everyone else, you have bills, possibly school loans, and the commute may not come cheap. To help you out, we've prepared a list of 18 websites and companies that offer paid fashion internships.

Table of Contents

  1. Company Internships
  2. Broader Internship Websites
  3. Exclusively Fashion-Based Internship Websites

#company-internships
Company Internships

1

From time to time, fashion companies need extra hands. You can apply directly but do keep checking in from time to time so you don't miss the opportunity when it arises.

CELEBRITY BIG BREAKS

Tom Ford started his career by taking up an internship with Chloe. After a few years there, he took up a job with Gucci as a creative director. In 2005, he started his firm and created scents, a clothing label, and accessories.

#broader-internship-websites
Broader Internship Websites

2

Sometimes looking for internships from the company website may be very tiresome. There are many companies, and it may be difficult to keep track of all of them. Internship websites offer you a collection of the opportunities – all in one place. You just need to sign up. Some websites go a step further and give you the option of uploading your resume. It allows employers to seek you out themselves.

Be Cautious While Looking for That Perfect Internship Opportunity

  • Do some due diligence about the posts you find online
  • If you have to meet someone for a job interview, meet them in a public place or insist on meeting at their workplace if it is possible
  • Follow your gut instinct when you come across suspicious internship offers. You will always get that feeling in the pit of your stomach telling you that you should not follow through with one or another offer. The bottom line is that if it does not feel right then probably it is not right for you.

Want to learn more about careers in fashion? Check out our Essential Guide To Careers in Fashion!

Tips on Sourcing Internships

1. Decide on a specific area in which you want to work.

2. Research about companies you want to work for and find out if they have a position that suits your interests.

3. Create and customize an outstanding resume. It will bring out your best qualities and addresses your dream company’s pain points.

4. Write a customized cover letter. Remember as a new intern you may not have much experience and your cover letter is your best bet for selling yourself.

5. Apply to several companies, not just one, to widen your net.

6. Attend networking events in your chosen area of specialization. Knowing someone on the inside gives you a higher chance of landing an interview.

7. Research more about fashion-related internship interviews and prepare for them.

8. Ace the interview and land the gig.

#fashion-based

Exclusively Fashion-Based Internship Websites

3

Some sites are exclusively for you, listing fashion internships only and are ideal if the other sites do not provide you your desired options.

Incorrect

When you begin your internship it can be easy to make a few mistakes. A quick checklist of what not to do:

  • Asking little to no questions. This is your chance to soak up the knowledge, ask, ask and ask some more.
  • Go overboard with your outfits. If in doubt dress like the brand and consider you may be working in an office environment.
  • Not asking for feedback. When the internship ends feedback is imperative to helping you to improve.

Correct

At you internship try to make as many positive strides as possible, here's a few:

  • Research, research, research. Learn the names of the key players in the company, their competitors and the company's opportunities and threats.
  • Use your initiative. Internships require you to be adaptable, one moment you may be locating different wardrobe pieces for your supervisor the next you may be on the phone to another department. Jump on tasks that need help.
  • Be punctual. The fashion industry can be touch and go at points but handling time is key to having everything flow. A late intern can delay more than you realise.

Several factors play into the process of searching for paid fashion internships. The most important being whether you are looking for intern opportunities for credit or gaining experience.

Traditionally, students sourced for opportunities in their senior years to act as a stepping-stone to landing their dream job. As the job market became saturated, that changed and many students took up internships earlier to increase their chances. Always try to be specific about the area in which you want to work.

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