The Importance Of Interning In The Fashion Industry
While some schools offer fashion programs, not many actually prepare you for the realities of the fashion industry. That’s why whether you are attending college or not, it is imperative to intern in the industry because not only is networking of the essence of any career path, but it allows you to gain real, hands-on experience and learn tips and tricks you would not otherwise.
There are many different avenues in the fashion industry, even with styling alone you can choose to be a celebrity stylist, personal stylist, runway stylist, do wardrobe for movies, the list goes on. The best way to find out where your heart really lies though, is by testing the waters. A job description is not enough to know the nuances of it all and whether a certain path will be something you will truly enjoy doing everyday. Try everything that interests you! It can’t hurt. Who knows what skills you may learn and be able to bring to a future job from an internship even if it doesn’t turn out to be your dream career choice.
Another perk of interning is for the invaluable networking opportunities. While working, you will be surrounded by people in the industry who you may potentially work for or with years down the line. Be kind, and make good lasting impressions on everyone you meet. You never know who may offer you a lead on a job!
Working in the industry as an intern will allow you to be more involved and hands on with learning the lingo and the daily nuances of a job that a textbook does not teach. While interning you learn tips and tricks that have either been passed down or that someone has figured out after working for so long in the industry. This information is invaluable because it will give you the upper hand when making it out on your own, you’ll already know how professionals succeed in the industry!
Interning can also boost your confidence. Putting yourself out there and learning something new can be nerve wracking, but getting through it is sure to increase your confidence. Being involved in a company and working alongside professionals will make you feel sure of what you will be expected to do when working as a professional yourself. This also benefits your interviewing skills as you will be more familiar with the responsibilities and industry jargon of the job, and you will already have an idea of what a professional in the industry looks like.
Additionally, internships will help you beef up your resume. While looking at job listings, you may notice a high preference in people who already have experience in the field. Internships look great on resumes, it shows you have some experience level in the industry and offers them references to potentially call upon to get the inside scoop of your work ethic according to past employers. Interning is a great way to make yourself stand out amongst others who are entering the field with no prior experience.
Last but not least, internships are the perfect “in” with companies, who are most likely to hire interns who already know the company culture than someone completely new. It is not uncommon for an intern to be hired by an employer after their internship, especially if you work hard and make yourself so irreplaceable that the company can’t imagine daily operations without the value you bring to the table.
Stay curious, learn everything you can, and work hard. Take internships seriously and you are sure to benefit, because even if you don’t get hired from a current internship, you will be equipped with skills and connections that are sure to get you a job down the line!