Whether you were inspired by Lauren & Whitney, "Running in Heels", or your childhood aspirations, I'm sure you have come to the realization that getting an internship isn't as easy as it seems. In my opinion finding your dream internship is like finding a needle in a haystack, however it is possible, and once you do find it you will notice the search was well worth it.
During the process of internship hunting several steps have helped me get an inch closer to where I want to be.
Step One: Research the company you want to be apart of. I had my eyes on Conde Nast, specifically WWD and Teen Vogue. I cannot tell you how many videos of editors I watched or message boards I stalked, or how many I emails I sent in hopes of reaching past interns or current editors to get an understanding of what they were looking for. Although, the answers were pretty generic ," Someone who is nice polite and interested in fashion", it still helped to get in touch with them.
Step Two: Get experience, although it isn't required Editors or employers like to see it on your resume. This often brings the question "How do I get experience if no one will hire me because I don't have experience? ". In my case I was able to do this by working on my school newspaper. If you aren't in the journalism field try volunteering at any establishment that can help you in your quest. I volunteered at Teen Vogue events. Although, I didn't have a specific title, everyone seemed to be interested in the fact that Teen Vogue was listed on my resume. During an interview I was always asked this "So what's this about Teen Vogue?". It's an attention getter at the very least but it works.
Step Three: Build relationships as opposed to networking. When you get to know someone they are willing to help you out. Who knows the girl your sitting next to in class may help you land your first internship, as it happened in my case. Or your former boss may help you find other internships. Once someone has helped you return the favor, or at least try.
Step Four: Look for an internship early. Whether your using a website to help you find internships or your cold emailing people by looking up titles in the masthead, do it months before you think they are hiring for interns. If you get a call back, don't hesitate to set up your interview as early as possible. Last semester I set my appointment for the following week. A few days later I received an email that read "all the interns have been hired". The old saying "The early bird gets the worm" is very true.
Step Five: Ace the interview by dressing appropriately, arriving early, bringing your portfolio, and sending a thank you note. Although the idea seems aged, suits really do the trick but remember to add a little bit of your personality if the position isn't too serious. If you aren't comfortable with wearing a suit wear a black skirt. For a recent interview I wore a black pencil skirt with a black and white Tweed Jacket. I'm not sure if the outfit helped any, but it didn't hinder me from getting the job. Second arrive early and never late. Third, bring in a portfolio to show what you can do, this should include clips if you have them, your resume and cover letter. Finally, Send thank you notes. If you can try to incorporate something unique about you that your interviewer will be sure to remember you by. Recently an interviewer and I had a small conversation about my cover letter, and in my thank you note I simply said "Thanks for your cover letter advice".
Step Six: Wait patiently. Once you've sent a thank you note and followed up that's way more than enough. Don't harrass anyone with questions about whether you got the job or not. I used Robin Given's "Grace will Lead Me Home" and the film "The Fall" to keep me sane during the waiting period.
Good Luck and if you have any questions shoot me an email.
Best,
PS
