Things an Intern Should Know.. and Do!

I made a list of the top 10 Most Helpful Tips for interns. If you are coming to NYC this summer and working in the magazine or fashion business, use these tips to help you stand out from the crowd. An internship can be the gateway to a job after graduation, so every impression counts!

10. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes earlier than asked. This way you are prepared for the day when your boss gets in. The 15 extra minutes really comes in handy when you are running late, want to eat breakfast, or the metro's having problems.

9. Remember what you are told the first time. Business in New York is very fast-paced. Editors don't want to have to take the time to tell you twice. They will notice you can keep up to their pace, and may reward you later.

8. Look for ways to improve your job. If you notice that packing trunks a certain way keeps the clothes in better shape, suggest it to your boss, and if they approve, tell the other interns. Your boss will notice you care about your work, and the interns will respect you making their job easier. Be careful to not take on a know-it-all tone, this only makes you disliked.

7.Know how to get around the city. You may be asked to run errands all over town on the first day. It will make your day so much more stressful if you don't know where you are going! So before you start work, take the time to learn the metro system and your specific route from home to work.

6. Do your work without being asked. If you know that your boss reads her mail every morning, put it on her desk for her so she doesn't have to go get it. If you notice the fashion closet is almost out of hangars, put in an order before you are out. If you notice that your boss is private about certain things, like her mail, make sure you don't invade on his/her privacy.

5. Save your receipts. Most magazines and PR firms I have heard of pay interns' lunch expenses. The cap is normally $10 per day. And they should pay for your travelling expenses if you go on errands. So make sure to save your taxi and metro receipts as well. Your boss might forget to mention that on the first day, so don't be afraid to ask him/her what their policy is.

4. Stay on good terms with people you meet. The fashion industry is not that big. And sizewise, neither is New York City. You are likely to run into the same people throughout your career, so always be nice and stay in contact with people you meet. You never know who you will need a favor from.

3. Dress for the job you want. Most magazines have a laid back dress code, but everyone dresses stylishly. This does not mean you have to go buy a new wardrobe (I know one girl who bought a full closet of Chanel because she thought she could only wear their brand at her internship at Chanel). Just know that your boss will notice if you have good taste. Note: Don't wear short dresses, you will be picking up stuff all day! Don't ruin your nice shoes on the metro either, wear flip-flops to get there, then change shoes a block from the building.

2. Bond with the other interns. You never know when you will be running late and need someone else to get your boss' coffee. (yes, you will most likely do this) Plus it makes work so much more fun if you enjoy the people you are with! They might be your future roommates for when you get your first job, or even your future boss!

1. Be happy! Even if you are having a long day, have a positive attitude. No one likes to work with complainers. And no matter what you say, your attitude shows to your boss what you really think of your job!

Accessories Intern Gives Advice

I did a Q & A with my friend Hilary McCanse that was one of two accessories interns at Glamour last summer. Curious to see what it was like? Read below!

Q: What did you do as Glamour’s accessories intern?
A: I was in charge of sending all the purses, belts, shoes (loved the shoes) and such back to the designers. If an accessory was needed urgently at a shoot I was sent to the designer to pick it up and drop it off at the shoot. I also created accessory storyboards and organized the closet. And I must be honest, many many Starbucks runs.

Q: How did you get your internship at Glamour? Friend, connection or through an application? When did you go in for an interview?
A: The accessories editor is from my hometown. My dad mentioned to a coworker that I wanted a magazine internship and the coworker is a family friend of the accessory editor's family. I asked my dad to get me her email address and phone number. At the time I was interning at Chanel and my bosses there were friends with the accessory editor. So I called her and we chatted about her job, Chanel, etc. She told me to email her my resume. It took many many email follow-ups but eventually I got the internship. And I actually did not interview. Honestly, I think I slipped through the cracks.

Q: What most surprised you about working at Glamour?
A: Everyone is so busy at Glamour; it took awhile to get into the groove of things. At Chanel the office was small I got to know my bosses well. While at Glamour I only got to know my 2 editors well. Otherwise, Glamour was how I expected it to be.

Q: What do you recommend future interns wearing to work?
A: Dress nice. We were told we could wear jeans but I would only try to wear jeans on Fridays, which were half days. Usually I wore a dress or a skirt. You are in the fashion industry, dress like you are. That does not mean your clothes have to be designer or expensive but get creative with what you wear. I love thrift stores and had many vintage outfits. Also, NYC has glorious sample sales. What ever you wear don't look sloppy.

Q: What advice would you give to future interns?
A: Make connections where you can and always follow up with your contacts. And do not be shy. You want your bosses to take notice of you. That does not mean you have to suck up. But really attempt to convey your personality.

Q: What is your most embarrassing or funniest story about working at Glamour?
A: Well it is not about Glamour, but while I was riding the elevator in Conde Nast, Anna Wintour came on. And I literally could not stop staring at her. I think I tried to say something to her and just froze. I came across as such a creeper.

Q: What was your most memorable experience at Glamour?
A: I was featured in the magazine for how to dress a petite. Being at a professional photo shoot was a surreal experience. When I remember the Glamour experience as a whole, I smile. I had such a good time and loved working with the other interns. There is no need to compete or be snooty to the other interns. You are all there for the whole summer, make the most of it.

Q: What's your major? Did you get school credit for the internship?
A:I am a journalist major with an emphasis on strategic communication. No, I did not get credit for this internship but I did for Chanel.

Hilary’s final bit of advice:
No matter how outrageous a contact is, make sure you e-mail or call that person. For example: if your brother's girlfriend's dog-walker's cousin works for a fashion magazine, contact her. And have fun. You are in the best city, working in fashion. Don't stress out but enjoy yourself!