October 8, 2007
Fashion Internship Faux-pas: Don’t get caught in one
Fashion Internship - Imagine this: it’s your first day as a new intern at your favorite designer’s office and you’re terrified, but holding yourself together really well. You’ve been given an important file that needs to be hand delivered and you’ve walked through the door, shoulders back, head held high; your heels are click-clicking on the highly polished marble floors. As you approach the office you’re headed to, you overhear two people discussing the head designer; what do you do?
Do not commit a fashion internship faux-pas here; mind your own business and act like you didn’t hear a thing. As an intern, it is never your place to engage in office gossip. An internship is an opportunity that sometimes only comes around once; don’t blow it by committing fashion internship faux-pas. Lucky for you, Fashion-Fox.com has your back and we’re here to help you with a quick list of fashion internship faux-pas not to commit.
Other Fashion Internship Faux-pas to Avoid
∞ Never arrive late to work, a meeting, or anywhere else. This shows your employer that you’re not serious about your job and that’s just in poor taste. The fashion industry is super-competitive, and often times, the way you present yourself might be the difference between getting offered a full-time paid position and them giving it to the “other” girl.
∞ Do not argue with the person you report to, or anyone else. Even if they tell you the sky is purple, agree or don’t respond; just move on. Arguing can be the kiss of death: make sure it’s not your undoing.
∞ Always dress fashionably, regardless of your budget. Now, we’re not suggesting that you blow your budget on clothes for your internship. That would be awfully silly considering the fact that you’re likely not getting paid for your work at the moment. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t pull yourself together before you head in to work.
∞ Never pretend to know more than your boss. This goes without saying.
∞ Always present as confident, even when your knees are knocking. This is so very important, as once again, your image is everything. So, even when you are absolutely terrified that you don’t know what you’re doing, take a deep breath and get focused.
∞ Never do just the basics :: Always go above and beyond. Remember, the way you work now, will be a determining factor when it comes time to hire you or let you go. The reality is, if the designer sees you actively participating in conversations and seeking out new ways to help the company out, you’re going to get more consideration when it counts. Going above and beyond shows a commitment.
∞ Don’t be a “yes” person :: you’ll be respected for being honest about your limits. If you take on more than you can handle, and you mess something up, you’ll look like a failure. If you have a little less on your plate and can go back and ask for more work, you’ll look like a high-efficiency working machine!!
∞ Don’t wear flip-flops. No matter the cost, if they flip and they flop, they’re a flip-flop and they’re distracting everyone in the office.
Fashion internship faux-pas can be difficult to avoid all together because the industry as a whole is such a social arena. You can easily get caught up in office gossip or get talked in to saying “yes” to something when you really don’t have the time to do what you already have on your plate. Remember, a fashion internship faux-pas can be the difference between hearing “You’re Hired!” and “You’re Fired!”
Filed under Fashion Career, Fashion Internships, Fashion News by Fashion Fox














