Advice To The Intern

I was recently contacted by a young reader of The Pocket Guide To The Fashion Media, seeking advice on working within the fashion media.  Now, this isn't my area of expertise but the information I gained whilst writing the new guide enabled me to offer her a few tips.  Here's what I said.

The Question

"I am 22 years of age and graduated in summer 2009 with an English degree. Since then I have completed a years worth of experience across 7 renowned publications (and still have 3 more booked). I am so passionate and really do want to get my first foot in the door, however obviously realise how difficult and competitive it can be. This is why I am writing to you with regards to the mentoring to see what is on offer and perhaps get some tips with applications, etc. Whenever I have recently applied for a paid intern or junior position, I try to get some feedback but noone is ever willing to do so."

The Answer

"I’m presuming, armed with your English degree, you are wanting to become a fashion writer. Are you currently writing? From your own point of view you must be nurturing your craft, staying up to date with your industry and writing about it wherever possible. Even if your writing is never read (for the time being), it helps you to establish a pattern of observing and commenting – meaning when you finally do get a job in the industry, the dedication and time management skills will not be entirely new to you. Acting as though you are already in the industry, being paid to write, will make the transition from intern to employee much easier.

You say you are passionate. This is exactly what the press want to see. But your passion has to have a focus. As an intern you need to be jack of all trades but consider the areas of fashion in which you hold the most interest and establish a few key areas on which you are really well informed. It will undoubtedly be the instance in which you can assist with knowledge/experience (of a trend/brand/genre of fashion) that will make you stand out from all the other interns. As much as you need to know a little about a lot to get on in the industry, it is key knowledge and expertise that will make you stand out.


Do you have a blog? This seems to be so vital in today’s industry and ensure you are conversing with other bloggers/twitterers etc. Build up a presence, make connections and start creating a name for yourself. You never know who is listening, reading or popping on to your blog.


Re getting feedback, perhaps focus less of the feedback from those not looking to take you on, instead garner feedback from those you have already worked with. If possible, try to get a quote or two from a Fashion Ed or stylist to add to your CV, along the lines of “she was really great at ....” When you are on an internship, make sure you are networking, taking names and email addresses and building up a database of potential colleagues/future employees. This should hold weight for future publications."