Fashion merchandising internships offer students the chance to gain experience in different areas of the industry, from product displays to market research. Paid and unpaid internships are available, with preference given to those enrolled in related courses of study. Summer internships are popular, but opportunities are limited, and networking is important for future employment.
The different types of fashion merchandising internships focus on different areas of the fashion merchandising industry. Creating product displays, organizing inventory and samples, placing purchase orders, assisting with market research, and performing administrative tasks can all be part of a student’s work experience. Student fashion merchandising internships can be paid or unpaid. While part-time summer internships may be available, more often than not paid and unpaid internships are full-time during the work experience period.
Fashion merchandising internships give students work experience and help them decide if this career path is right for them. Jobs available in the field of fashion merchandising can include everything from costume designer, buyer, store owner. Other jobs might include fashion editor, stylist and sales representative. Students on summer internships often work on the administrative tasks that accompany these jobs. Those who accept fashion merchandising internships can work alongside a designer or buyer and have the opportunity to attend meetings and help prepare presentations.
Students interested in summer internships must be passionate about fashion and committed to starting their own line, owning their own boutique, or working in fashion in some capacity. Both paid and unpaid internships focus on fashion, and students who demonstrate a commitment to working in the industry are more likely to obtain these plum internships. Hiring companies usually give preference to students who are enrolled in a course of studies related to fashion merchandising. Related courses of study include fashion design, graphic design and marketing.
Fashion merchandising internships usually take place during the summer months, but are also available at other times of the year. Companies offering both paid and unpaid internships often require applicants to be enrolled in college during their work experience. Students must be in their second year, elementary or high school. Depending on the company hired, students may be required to have a minimum specific point average and demonstrate experience in the retail or fashion industry. Students opting for unpaid internships will need to show that they are capable of receiving academic credit for their work experience.
Opportunities for fashion merchandising internships happen quickly. It is critical that students apply for work experience well in advance of the start of the summer months because there are only a limited number of summer internships available. Fashion merchandising internships can lead to full-time employment after graduation in some cases. Students must remain connected to contacts made during summer internships. Networking sites can help ensure that students stay in touch with former co-workers after their work experience ends.
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