08 Jan A Day in the Life: Summer Fashion Internships for High School Students
Imagine stepping into a bustling fashion studio, surrounded by the rhythm of sewing machines and the vibrant colors of fabric swatches.
If you’re a high school student with dreams of making waves in the fashion industry, a summer fashion internship might just be your perfect runway to success. According to a recent study, the vast majority of students believe that internships (even unpaid internships) provide invaluable real-world experience.
Those benefits extend to virtual internships, too. Just because you’re completing the work on your couch doesn’t mean you’re losing value!
So what exactly can you expect from a summer fashion internship? Let’s break it down.
What Are the Benefits of Summer Fashion Internships?
Starting early in the fashion world comes with a host of perks. Embarking on a fashion internship during high school can be a game changer.
For starters, you’ll learn the design skills you need to be successful in the industry, but it goes well beyond that. Textbooks are great, but nothing beats real-world experience. An internship will help you get that real-world experience, often even without leaving home.
In a summer fashion internship, you’ll learn the hands-on skills you need, like fabric selection, sketching, and even organizing fashion shows. However, you’ll also gain access to a vast professional network.
After all, the fashion industry is all about who you know. Those connections matter more than you know! Considering internships in fashion can help you meet designers, stylists, and other industry experts can open doors to future opportunities while also significantly enhancing your college applications.
You may even discover which area of fashion you’re passionate about, helping you shape your career aspirations a little bit better. Perhaps your interests lie in footwear. Or maybe you’d like to explore haute couture. Maybe it’s merchandising. Whatever the case may be, an internship will let you explore new avenues without having to commit to a long-term position.
It’s also important to remember that the fashion industry is a highly competitive one. If you want to get your resume to the top of the pile, you need to have experience – and an internship is the best way to get that experience.
A Day in the Life: What a Summer Fashion Intern Will Do
Get ready for a whirlwind of activity! A typical day as a summer fashion intern is equal parts exhilarating and educational.
Note that if you’re interning virtually, as will be the case with most internships for high school students, your day will look more or less the same (but without the in-person components, obviously):
Morning Routine and Preparation
The day often begins early, with interns arriving at the office or design studio (or the laptop!) to prepare for the day’s activities. This initial part of the day may involve checking emails, organizing scheduling materials, and preparing any paperwork for meetings or presentations.
Design Studio and Creative Meetings
Mid-morning often calls for participation in brainstorming sessions or creative meetings. Interns may engage with designers, providing input or assisting with mood boards and concept sketches.
This is a prime opportunity to witness the creative process in action and contribute to the artistic dialogue. While you might be tasked with smaller roles, observation is a key way to learn how ideas evolve from conception to final product.
Hands-On Experience in Workshops
Following the design meetings, interns might spend time in fabric workshops or sample rooms.
Here, you get hands-on experience selecting materials, assisting with sewing tasks, or organizing samples. Practical tasks like these develop your technical skills and introduce the tactile dimensions of fashion craftsmanship.
Networking Luncheons and Industry Events
Midday often presents opportunities for networking – a cornerstone of career development in fashion.
Luncheons or industry events might provide the occasion to meet established designers, stylists, and other professionals. These settings are excellent for exchanging ideas, gaining advice, and building connections that could be instrumental in your career progression.
Afternoon Assignments and Brand Initiatives
In the afternoon, interns may focus on specific assignments, such as assisting with brand initiatives or marketing strategies. This could include tasks like social media monitoring, drafting content for marketing campaigns, or coordinating logistics for upcoming shows.
Fashion Shows and Event Planning
As the day progresses, interns might also play a role in fashion show planning or execution. This might involve coordinating with stylists, managing backstage logistics, or assisting with model fittings.
Feedback Sessions and Reflection
Before wrapping up the day, interns often participate in feedback sessions with their supervisors. These discussions allow for reflection on the day’s achievements and areas for improvement.
The feedback will likely provide you with a clear picture of your strengths and lay out a roadmap for skill development. It is also here that your mentors might share further insights and advice tailored to your interests and career aspirations.
Team Debriefing and Preparations for Tomorrow
As the workday concludes, participating in team debriefs can be a common practice, reviewing the day’s successes and challenges.
Planning for upcoming projects or preparing for tomorrow’s tasks ensures continuity and a seamless transition from day to day. Remaining proactive and involved shows dedication and a strong work ethic, qualities that are noticed and appreciated in any professional setting.
Do Your Summer Up in Style with Absolute Internship
Summer fashion internships offer a unique opportunity for high school students to step into the dazzling world of fashion. From gaining hands-on experience to building crucial industry connections, the benefits are immense.
Absolute Internship provides a pathway to these experiences, making sure that students are well-prepared for anywhere their dreams might take them in the fashion world.
Ready to get started? Visit Absolute Internship’s website today to learn more and sign up for your first fashion internship adventure. Whether you’re a high school student looking to stay local with a virtual internship or a college student ready to explore the big, broad world of fashion abroad, the fashion industry is waiting for you.
Don’t wait – your future in fashion begins now.
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