Stay Connected Until Something Happens

As I finished my first semester of my MBA program and my time at Gucci ended I wondered what I would do next being that I hadn't received ONE job offer. I worried about paying school loans, putting gas in the car, and buying groceries. Stress didn't begin to explain what I was feeling.

Does it hurt to stop interning while looking for a job in fashion PR? I asked the advice of PR pro __________ who told me the best advice she could give me was "keep on interning and gaining your experience the job WILL come!" I thought "I can't do that, I have to get a real job" although I am working two jobs to stay above water I hate the idea of maybe having to do this for even another week. I've thought over and over and over about what my choice would be and I chosen future. I know it won't be easy and I will have to sacrifice many things but the real prize will come with a career that will allow me to grow personally and professionally.

Being that I am single (not married) and do not have children this is something that I can do. If your responsibilities make it a bit more difficult for you seek the help of your friends and family. Explain your intensions and be clear about your desires to be a better you. I vow to chase my dreams at all costs. Even if it means working for free. It is so important to make sure your expletive is fresh and valid in the eyes of future employers.

Working My First Sample Sale

I was stationed in the Lobby of the tower in order to mandate the guest list of fashion gods, also known as Editors. As they lined up for the 9:30 sale I thought to myself "This is some crucial semi-networking time". I made it a point to introduce myself where appropriate provide a swift transition from checking in to hitting the sales floor of the sample sale.

Being an intern your not at the top of the priority list but eloquence and organization will often get you noticed. Being in charge of "the list" gave me the power to see who these editors were face to face. I engaged them with small talk about the weather and jokes about the rush that comes with some sample sales. Like the fights that were created for films like 'Confessions of a Shopoholic". I was doing it! And without even trying...I made them smile and a few even laughed and took the time to wish me look with my endeavors as they left the building. To think that I was once a shy girl.

A great quality to have as an intern is pride. Now I don't mean the kind of pride that causes you to be a complete jerk but the kind that is noticed in everything you do around the office. It's seen in the precision that you possess when sending out samples or calling the messenger center to check on a package. Have pride in your work and you'll begin to see the trust that your supervisors develop in your abilities. Some might say that being the door woman at a sample sale isn't a glamorous role. I would have to say that if your going into PR for the glamour...maybe you should choose another career.

My time interning has always been hard work and justly so. You have to put in your time and realize that everyone over you has once been where you are now and no one can respect someone who hasn't paid their dues. From the moment I entered the doors of my last internship I have enjoyed every moment. From the mistakes to this sample sale. Today was a good day! Remember that your dreams are attainable if your willing to get your hands dirty.

My Time at GUCCI

In September of 2012 I began a PR internship at Gucci in Manhattan. As I send out my last Gucci samples I wonder what great things I will move on to next.

Today is my last day as I ride on the train to the corporate office for what will be my last time as an intern I reflect on the enter experience. Some would say that days here were boring. I'd say you didn't look for things to do. Some would say they didn't like the atmosphere. I say you had too much time to care or notice. My main focusing walking through those doors was to become a sponge at every given moment. Ask questions you don't know the answers to and know that it's ok to mess up as long as your willing to keep working on being a better you. The PR team at Gucci is comprised of hardworking people from various backgrounds and places in life that know and understand the hard work that comes along with being a PR Girl/Guy. I was never made to think the job was easy but always felt that it was rewarding when I saw the delight each employee displayed when discovering a credit in a major magazine. It was all exciting to me.

I began to envision myself as a part of this team. When Hurricane Sandy hit all I could think about was how much I wanted to get back to work. To be back in the showroom being productive and not feeling like what I do for a living doesn't have purpose. I began to build relationships with everyone that include. The receptionist was a cool laid back New Yorker at heart that gave me some great advice on finding work in this crazy competitive environment. The guys from the mail room understood my position on employment and constantly handed me information on how to better my chances of finding work. The gentleman in the Lobby was just as ambitious as I am and he made it a point to tell me to never let go of my dreams because they will be what contributes to a combination of happiness and financial stability.

My time at Gucci will always be remembered as the doorway to my future happiness. I don't regret a moment of time in that PR department. It gave me "life".

The Pros and Cons of Interning In - House

So you got an internship in the PR department of a major fashion label. What does this mean experience wise?

In house PR focuses on one brand. While at Gucci the team I worked with focused on all Gucci divisions from menswear,womenswear, and jewelry. The pros are being able to focus on pitching on brand to the press at a time, planning for one brand and be able to put all of your creativity towards that brand. I also hear that in-house salaries are higher though I wouldn't know personally.

All events will be focused on the brand your working for whether it be fashion shows or charity events. You'd meet with the same people and would be relatively close to them because they just may working down the hall or in the cubicle next to you.

The cons of working for an in-house agency are the lack of diversity in your skills and performance. At a PR agency which caters to a variety of brands your abilities are tested and put to use. Receiving a call from glamour requesting dark wash denim for a grunge James Dean inspired shoot and a request from Vogue for Bridal can come in all at once when working at an agency. I find this to be much more exciting and due to high product volume interns are often allowed to pull from samples closets themselves which is all that a true aspiring PR wants, to be hands on! To open up the pages of Vogue and see a Vera Wang gown that you pulled is breathtaking.

Interning and gaining real world fashion PR experience is important in any form. But it is valuable to have experience in both divisions. Send out your emails and put yourself out there. Your dreams are waiting to come true!

Finding a job in New York Public Relations in the Year 2012-2013

Difficult would be an understatement. I have been searching for a job in PR for the past six months. Asking for advice and interning in the process. My desire to be a part of this industry is what keeps me off the ledge. But what are the guidelines to achieving this goal (if any) and how do i follow them in such a competitive environment  inflamed by the recession?

I am a recent college graduate majored in Business Marketing with a second degree in Fashion Design. Yes. I have submerged myself in the world of fashion. However, on this journey I've come across what seems to be nothing but road blocks and a never ending stream of politically correct rejection letters and promises to "keep you on record, should another position open up". At times this was disheartening but what I try to keep in mind is the euphoric vibes I experience every time I enter a showroom or open the pages of a magazine to see an editorial spread that I was a part of creating. That's it! That feeling is all too real. Something I could never see myself trading for a boring life of folding sweaters at the local mall.

But is it enough to get you the job? This is my burning question. I've been able to obtain some of the top in demand internships in the country but have yet to turn those into jobs. Some blame it on the market. I just think its about strategically planning around the loop holes of this industry.

Being in school is what gets you to the internship and maybe even the interview but it often doesn't get you the job. I've found that real world (industry) experience yields returns on interviews that turn into job offers. Experience also gives you room to network and this is equally as important as interning. Speaking to any and everyone has given me so much insight on the industry and contacts to people who could possible help me obtain my first job in fashion PR.

So what is this purpose of this blog Joi?

Even though you may be frustrated with your job hunt regardless of the industry. Determination and persistence will yield returns. I have created this particular article as the beginning of a documentation of my journey through my career in fashion PR. Come along for the ride!