YAY! So you know how after you get home from working all day and you are too tired to do anything? Well... this was me on Thursday, but I did not feel like sitting home alone so I went to dinner with my Paris roommate,Savannah, and her friends from the South. And oh how glad I am that I went!
We went to Paradou's over in the Meatpacking district and I met some guys who work on Wall Street. (all those guys who work in finance get amazing tickets to stuff!) One guy happened to have an extra ticket to the Peabody's.... and I finangled my way into receiving that ticket! Ahhh I am so excited.
Skipping work is not acceptable, even to go to the Peabody's, so I am going to skip my lunch break and come in an hour early in order to go.
NBC's Nightly News anchor Brian Williams is the emcee of the 67th Annual Peabody Luncheon luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. Even though I am only going for an hour of it, it should be pretty exciting! I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow.
Oh and the point of the story? Make the most of your summer and be social! Go out (I don't mean get drunk and make a fool of yourself) and have fun! In New York City, you are surrounded by the most interesting mix of people in the world; you never know where you will catch your big break!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Style.com's Intern How-To
Style.com collaborated with editors, designers, and PR firms to bring this summer's interns a list of what to and what not to do. This slideshow gives tips on what to wear, when to give your opinion, and what they don't want to see you doing in the office (is that your phone I hear ringing?).
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
What to Expect at Your Summer Fashion Internship
Finals are over and many students are looking forward to the next challenge: a summer internship. Internships are a great way for students to learn if a job or professional field is right for them. A job in the tough and competitive fashion world is no different: Some students realize they are on the right track. Others learn that this isn't the industry for them.
Hilary McCanse, a senior journalism major at the University of Wisconsin, realized she was going in the right direction after her internships. McCanse spent her 2007 summer as an accessories intern at Glamour magazine. It was her second internship in the fashion industry. She worked at Chanel in London in 2006.
McCanse’s job as an accessories intern involved returning purses, shoes, and jewelry to the designer after the magazine had used them. She also organized the fashion closet, a room where the magazine holds all their samples, delivered accessories to photo shoots, and did many Starbucks’ runs.
McCanse got the Glamour internship by asking a friend of her dad’s for an editor’s contact information. Several e-mails and one phone interview later, McCanse got the job. She didn’t even have to interview.
“Honestly I think I slipped through the cracks,” she said.
The application process starts early for students who don’t have connections to help secure an internship. Some students start applying for summer internships in the fashion magazine industry in December. Conde Nast has a January 31st deadline for its summer intern program. Others are able to find internships at the online site EdBoard2010.com a month before it starts.
Some professionals warn that students who really want the job need to step up to the plate, get their paperwork in, and be persistent.
Nick Axelrod, a fashion assistant for Women’s Wear Daily, is surprised by how many students don’t follow through with the application process.
“I only ever actually got responses from people after following up at least two or three times,” Axelrod said.
Axelrod recommends that intern applicants follow up at least once a week with the editor responsible for the hiring. This shows the editor how much you are interested in the internship.
Don’t worry if your boss has not told you the details about your job in the days leading up to your internship. Editors have busy work schedules and sometimes don’t have time to answer e-mails. They are used to receiving new interns and will answer your questions, but it is better to wait until the first day of work.
People in the fashion industry dress stylishly, but appropriately, while on the job. Interns wear summer dresses or jeans with a cute top and flats or comfortable heels. Male interns should pair a nice shirt with jeans and either open or closed-toe shoes. You will spend the most of the day on your feet, running errands and making copies, so be comfortable. Many New Yorkers wear flip-flops on the metro and when they are a block from work, change into their dress shoes.
If you are wearing a dress, make sure it is long enough because you may find yourself working on the floor creating storyboards. Storyboards are made up of the looks editors want their assistants to get samples of to use for a photo shoot. When you are working on storyboards, the last thing editors want to see is your underwear.
McCanse said she wore a skirt or dress to work almost every day.
“You are in the fashion industry…get creative with what you wear. I love thrift stores and wore many vintage outfits. What ever you wear, don't look sloppy,” she said.
Holly Bauman, a senior at the University of Texas, also spent last summer working at Glamour. After her experience at Glamour, she decided to spend her following spring semester working at D Magazine in Dallas. She was surprised by the casual, laid-back atmosphere.
“At Glamour, we barely had a moment to eat lunch. At D they give us an hour break and let us work from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” Bauman said.
The New York City market is more fast-paced than other cities’ work environments. If you have a job in New York, be prepared to work non-stop. But just because you work hard doesn’t mean you don’t have fun.
Bauman said her most memorable experience was the friendships she made with the other interns.
“We all became so close because we were working on top of each other all day. There is no way we could all have gotten our work done without the help of other interns,” she said.
Whether it is an internship in the Big Apple, or in the Big D, make sure to enjoy your experience for what it’s worth. Before you know it, the summer will be over and you'll be back hitting the books.
Hilary McCanse, a senior journalism major at the University of Wisconsin, realized she was going in the right direction after her internships. McCanse spent her 2007 summer as an accessories intern at Glamour magazine. It was her second internship in the fashion industry. She worked at Chanel in London in 2006.
McCanse’s job as an accessories intern involved returning purses, shoes, and jewelry to the designer after the magazine had used them. She also organized the fashion closet, a room where the magazine holds all their samples, delivered accessories to photo shoots, and did many Starbucks’ runs.
McCanse got the Glamour internship by asking a friend of her dad’s for an editor’s contact information. Several e-mails and one phone interview later, McCanse got the job. She didn’t even have to interview.
“Honestly I think I slipped through the cracks,” she said.
The application process starts early for students who don’t have connections to help secure an internship. Some students start applying for summer internships in the fashion magazine industry in December. Conde Nast has a January 31st deadline for its summer intern program. Others are able to find internships at the online site EdBoard2010.com a month before it starts.
Some professionals warn that students who really want the job need to step up to the plate, get their paperwork in, and be persistent.
Nick Axelrod, a fashion assistant for Women’s Wear Daily, is surprised by how many students don’t follow through with the application process.
“I only ever actually got responses from people after following up at least two or three times,” Axelrod said.
Axelrod recommends that intern applicants follow up at least once a week with the editor responsible for the hiring. This shows the editor how much you are interested in the internship.
Don’t worry if your boss has not told you the details about your job in the days leading up to your internship. Editors have busy work schedules and sometimes don’t have time to answer e-mails. They are used to receiving new interns and will answer your questions, but it is better to wait until the first day of work.
People in the fashion industry dress stylishly, but appropriately, while on the job. Interns wear summer dresses or jeans with a cute top and flats or comfortable heels. Male interns should pair a nice shirt with jeans and either open or closed-toe shoes. You will spend the most of the day on your feet, running errands and making copies, so be comfortable. Many New Yorkers wear flip-flops on the metro and when they are a block from work, change into their dress shoes.
If you are wearing a dress, make sure it is long enough because you may find yourself working on the floor creating storyboards. Storyboards are made up of the looks editors want their assistants to get samples of to use for a photo shoot. When you are working on storyboards, the last thing editors want to see is your underwear.
McCanse said she wore a skirt or dress to work almost every day.
“You are in the fashion industry…get creative with what you wear. I love thrift stores and wore many vintage outfits. What ever you wear, don't look sloppy,” she said.
Holly Bauman, a senior at the University of Texas, also spent last summer working at Glamour. After her experience at Glamour, she decided to spend her following spring semester working at D Magazine in Dallas. She was surprised by the casual, laid-back atmosphere.
“At Glamour, we barely had a moment to eat lunch. At D they give us an hour break and let us work from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” Bauman said.
The New York City market is more fast-paced than other cities’ work environments. If you have a job in New York, be prepared to work non-stop. But just because you work hard doesn’t mean you don’t have fun.
Bauman said her most memorable experience was the friendships she made with the other interns.
“We all became so close because we were working on top of each other all day. There is no way we could all have gotten our work done without the help of other interns,” she said.
Whether it is an internship in the Big Apple, or in the Big D, make sure to enjoy your experience for what it’s worth. Before you know it, the summer will be over and you'll be back hitting the books.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Get a Career Head Start
I started my internship at WWD last week and have really learned a lot! Working at different publications helps broaden your horizons and better understand different facets of the industry. I've even received some insider tips from other interns. For example, have you heard of Model Mayhem ?
It is a website dedicated to helping new photographers, make-up artists, hairstylists, models, and stylists make connections. You can create a profile and post ads to look for models, photographers, stylists, etc who are willing to work with you to create a portfolio. Some people pay, some people don't. The whole idea is to network and help each other create work to use in your portfolio. (For those of you who don't know what a portfolio is, it is a file of all your work and experience to show to potential employers on interviews)
So! If you are like me and panicking about having a job upon graduation, check out this site. Start creating your portfolio! Find models and photographers who are willing to work for little or no pay and get your name out there. It is never too early to start!
Finally! I'm Back
Ahh I am so sorry about this confusion over the past month. When Blogger (the host of this blog) switched their server over to Google.com, the system wouldn't accept my information. So after many e-mails and help postings to Google, I am finally set back up! Check back for daily posts.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
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!
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!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
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!
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