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!