The Struggle Continues

So it's been nine months since graduation and it seems that my job hunt method is becoming redundant. Cold emailing and applying has gotten me nowhere and while interning is strengthening my skills would it be most beneficial to stay at an internship hoping for a spot to open?

As I contemplate my next move to gain employment, I'm stuck. Mentors will tell you that it will get better and that your start is just around the corner. While that's words are nice to say, they are often not encouraging because they are just words. The reality of it all is scary, maybe I won't find that dream job. Can I spend the best years of my life working for free and not feeling like I've grown professionally?

I'm ready to begin my career, but learning patience is important. I've been looking for more internships (though Sallie Mae is knocking) while searching for my first position. Weighing wishful thinking and reality is my current struggle. Each day I get closer to my dreams and that's the thought that gets me through what seems to be endless rejection emails and no replies to my interview follow ups.

I am a PR girl and soon the world will know. I'm going to do great things!

Dealing with Arrogant Interns at Your Internship

So we have all come across the attitudes that come along with working in the world of fashion. It's something you can either accept and deal with or fall apart and be devastated about. I choose not to stress the small stuff, especially when I have grad school and freelance PR deadlines.

It's natural to feel the need to go off in the face of pure arrogance but remember your purpose of being an intern, your there to receive academic credit, and/or a job. Having a blow up in the showroom while on duty at your internship over some he said she said nonsense just isn't worth it.
This is all part of your training, knowing how to input, return, and ship out samples is part of it, but knowing how to separate business from personal is golden.

Some people are not warm and nurturing, they may never say please or thank you. Maintain the joy you experience by working in fashion public relations because it will be what keeps you from climbing the walls.

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".