Intern Queen Inspires ASU

As you may or may not already know, I am a current Campus Ambassador for Lauren Berger, the Intern Queen. I've only been an ambassador for a couple of months, so I was extremely excited when I found out that ASU's Undergraduate Student Government was bringing Lauren to speak on campus.

Though I was looking forward to hearing her speak--I was more excited to get to meet up with her and the other ASU Intern Queen Campus Ambassadors and her ASU Intern for coffee before hand.

CAs & Intern Queen

We had a great time getting to know each other and talking internships, careers, and education. She is not only extremely knowledgeable about all things internships {I mean she is the Intern Queen after all}, Lauren was hands down one of the most friendly and down-to-earth people I have ever met. Her genuine desire to help others succeed is contagious and motivating.

After coffee we all headed over to the ASU campus for the talk. Over 200 students showed up to listen to Lauren give invaluable advice on internships. Students who live tweeted the event couldn't stop gushing about what they learned and how they were ready to put her advice to work!

Lauren and I

One of the favorite quotes from the night was, "Don't go after what is available, always go after what you want." If you weren't able to attend the talk and need advice, if your looking for your dream internship, OR you want to bring Lauren to your school visit www.internqueen.com >> You won't be disappointed!

Ashley, ASU Student

Okay also how cute is this student who attended the talk? According to her this is her "I have three exams tomorrow look," in which I exclaimed, "I wish I looked like that when I have three exams!"

My Teen Vogue Story

If you've read my 'about me' page you know that there was a time when I landed an interview with Teen Vogue. I will admit, stated in such a way it leaves you begging the question, "just an interview?" So here is the story.

After doing all the leg work, making sure I had the perfect cover letter, a proper one page resume, and emailing everyone on the Teen Vogue Masthead, I finally got in touch with the right person. I wanted to apply for a summer internship, but was about 6 months too early. However, my work had payed off--she wanted to interview me for an intern position in the fashion department {at the L.A. office}. I was beyond excited, I mean I was going to interview at Teen Vogue and I didn't have to worry that my application would get lost with the thousands of other perfect cover letters and resumes. We scheduled an interview for that December. 

Photo: Nytimes.com

So it sounds perfect right, I mean what could go wrong? Well it was partially my circumstances and partially fear that stopped this dream from coming true. After I got over the excitement, I started freaking out about how I was going to survive alone in L.A. for 3 months and even more, how was I going to afford living in L.A. for 3 months? {I was attending college in Oklahoma at the time} Unfortunately I let fear get the best of me and a week later I emailed her and regretfully told her "thank you, but at this time it is not financially plausible for me." 

This particular story doesn't necessarily have a happy ending, but I did learn a few things. 

1) Before giving up because you don't have the funds explore your financial options... there are a lot of scholarships, grants, and student loans that you can use for internship expenses. Ask friends and family to help. I know it is not always the favorite or most comfortable option, but you would be surprised how many people want to not only see you succeed, but want to help you succeed. Help doesn't always have to be financial maybe a family friend lives in the city where the internship is located and can offer you a place to stay.

2) Don't give up if it doesn't work out. Although I was extremely disappointed I didn't stop chasing my dream and I've had some very fun and equally worthy experiences since then. 

3) Don't let fear stop you. We all get nervous, doubt ourselves, and think others are more qualified, but the fact is that if you have gotten this far it is for a reason. So be confident and show them how great you are!

Busy but Happy

I apologize for not having posted in almost a week. My semester just started and Oy Vey! Getting books, parking permits, figuring out my new schedule, etc. can really wear a girl out! Ok well enough of that... 

Well sort of, since I'm back at school and juggling a lot of different "projects," for a lack of a better word, I thought I would give some tips on how to stay sane while trying to juggle all  the "projects" you may have: school, work, internships, blogging, and of course fun.

1. Get a planner. My mom buys a planner every year and I used to think it was just another unnecessary thing to lug around in my purse—I mean I have my phone after all. Okay, well when your phone dies, or you drop it in the toilet, or you set it wrong {yes sometimes it is the user that is the problem} it is imperative that you have a backup.

2. Sleep when you can. When pursuing your dream, education, career and maybe even a relationship it seems that there is no time for sleep. My solution is to sleep whenever and wherever you can.  My favorite way to get some extra sleep in is to skip washing my hair and throwing it in a messy bun—an extra 10 minutes right there. Of course coffee always helps too.

3. Choose wisely. Yes, it is important to take many of the opportunities that come your way, but taking every opportunity may result in a lack of focus and therefore a lack of expertise. If you want to be in fashion, then stick with opportunities that relate to the industry.

4. Which leads me to… Know when to say no and of course say it kindly. Saying yes to everyone and everything that comes your way can result in a very sleepy, grumpy, and less productive you. If you want to keep your friends, family, and your job learn to say no to things that won't contribute to your happiness, health, or career/dream.

5. Have fun. I promise that if you don't make time for you that you will come to greatly resent what it is that you are working toward. If you still want to love fashion 20 years from now, take a break and do something you enjoy every once in awhile. Reading, going out with friends, watching a movie, video games, getting a massage, dancing... anything just make sure it's fun! 

6. Exercise. Believe me I am the last person who wants to exercise {I  tell my husband that I will sit in the car until he is done}, but it really does help. It not only gives you an extra boost of energy, but it also helps to release stress and tension. Find something you like, my favorite is TRX classes, but you can even take a few laps around your favorite mall ;)

Photo: She Knows Living

Fashion School Or Internships

"Should I go to fashion school?" I'm almost positive that this is the most asked question among fashion industry hopefuls. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a clear-cut answer with industry professionals on both sides of the fence--while many require a degree of some sort others prefer that potential employees have first-hand experience. 

Having attended fashion school {for a short time} as well as participated in my fair share of interning, I decided to compile a list of pros and cons for each.

 Of course this is only intended to provided you with a bit more information...in the end only you can determine the best route for you.

Fashion School Pros

• Surrounded by like minded individuals who help feed your creative side and encourage you when things get tough.
• Taught by industry professionals {most professors are currently working in the field}.
• Networking potential among peers... you never know if your classmate is going to be the next fashion successes, plus professors may be able to provide you with insider opportunities.
• Career opportunities via the school career center or job fairs {of course the type and caliber of companies that show up depend on each school}.
• Like any other learning environment you have professionals to help you seemingly whenever you need it. This should be taken advantage of because you won't have someone there to guide you every step of the way once you graduate.

Fashion School Cons

• The price tag. Yes, fashion school can cost you up to $40,000 a year {the same as some four year private universities...also happens to be the reason I couldn't finish}.
• Many fashion schools only provide their students with an Associates Degree, but if the type of degree you get doesn't matter then this isn't such a big deal.
• Get ready to compete. You thought the fashion industry was competitive? Try competing with every other person in your class everyday on every project... You are not the only one trying to get a job after graduation.
• Say goodbye to your friends, family, and life for the next year or two. Fashion is fun, but it is also a lot of hard work. Most likely you'll  have to give up leisure activity and family time to finish school projects. I spent upwards of 4 hours a night working on fashion illustrations for one class.

Internship Experience Pros

•  You get to experience the industry first hand and if you are a "visual person," like I am, this is invaluable. 
• For the most part, industry professionals are at your disposal so ask as many questions as you can think of {of course make sure the timing is right... don't ask what their favorite lip gloss is in the middle of a staff meeting}.
• Networking with industry professionals, now is the time if ever to show off your skills and get to know some people.
• Sometimes you get paid and if not you get free stuff! :)
• Nothing looks better on a resume than "I worked for insert fashion company here." Or better yet a reference letter from Ms or Mr Fashion Boss.

Internship Experience Cons

• Getting your foot in the door can prove pretty difficult if you don't have prior experience or know someone who can get you in.
• For the most part you are either not going to get paid or if you do it will most likely require getting a second job.
• Long hours. There is no such things as 9 to 5 with an hour lunch break.
• Don't know the first thing about fabric, trims, buttons, zippers, Microsoft office, PR? If you are even lucky enough to get the position in the first place, there won't be any time to learn and your stress levels may just skyrocket.

One more note on fashion school, if you want to be a designer or do merchandising and you posses no experience or skill in either, then fashion school may be a good route for you.

Fashion School Websites:

www.fidm.com

www.fitnyc.edu

www.aau.edu

I know this isn't an exhaustive list so if you have any further questions please feel free to ask. If I don't have the answer I will do my best to find it for you! 

Fall Fashion Internships

Still looking for a fall/winter internship? They still need your help:

Anthropologie - Fall/Winter Visual Intern, MA

Free People - Full Time Merchandising Intern, PA

Anne Taylor - PR Intern, NY

Fossil - Apparel Design Intern, TX

Chanel - MBA Intern, NY

Chanel - Wholesale Accessories Intern, NY

Christian Dior - Visual Merchandising Intern, NY

Vogue - Fashion Intern, NY 

{contact: Sara Slutsky at sarah_slutsky@condenast.com }

{Note: make sure you qualify first}

Best of Luck!

Endearing Denim

Why do I love the new Gap ad campaign? There are oh so many reasons.

I don’t know if it is my love of reality TV that has me intrigued by the behind the scenes look at the 1969 Denim Studio or my dream to have a career in the industry that drives me to take advantage of even the slightest glimpse.

The short 1 to 2 minute videos take you inside the Pico Loft located in Downtown L.A. where a group of designers, wash specialists, and merchants show you the design processes that go into making a pair of Gap jeans.

The studio itself looks like a playground for any creative type—with computers, drafting tables, art books, mood boards and jeans literally everywhere. However, it is the people that make this campaign so endearing…after watching all six videos I wanted to wear a pair of 1969 Gap jeans simply because Nicole, the women's designer, has such a super-cool vibe about her {she also happened to start out at the Gap as an intern, talk about inspiration!} and because Cale is cute {and his name is Cale, also cute}.

If you haven’t seen the videos I highly suggest you head on over to their YouTube channel {here}.

Getting Started

Fashion is no doubt a competitive industry. With the thousand of other self-proclaimed fashionistas who have internship and work experience applying for the same positions it may seem impossible to get started in pursuing your dream career. 

Don't fret and certainly don't give up. Here are 3 tips that will help you get your start in the industry no matter how much or how little experience you currently have. 

1.Write a good resume, but an even better cover letter. A resume serves to showcase your work experience, educational background, and skills, but what it doesn’t show a potential employer is your personality and passion. A good cover letter should express why you think you are a perfect fit for the position, how your past experiences will make you a good asset to the company, and express your passion for the type of work you are applying for. 

2. Do your research. Fashion tends to be a word-of-mouth kind of industry. Get yourself out there and start networking. Research local fashion events, meet up groups, and make an appearance. Insider blogs, fashion publications, and social networking sites are also a good place to start your search. 

3. Be proactive. My first internship with a fashion designer was the result of searching for local designers and boutique owners, contacting them via email and offering my services. If you decide to go this route, which is entirely worth the effort—be honest. If you have never interned before and have no experience in the field (watching an entire season of Project Runway does not count as experience) then tell them what you can do. Are you great at organizing? Then offer to maintain their office by filing, answering phones, and doing inventory. In my email I even offered to make coffee.

And remember...any experience is good experience.