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.

What to Do When Your Contacts Can't Find You A Job!

I've come to a roadblock in my quest for Fashion PR employment. Though I have made many connections it seems that my network of professionals just cannot help me find work. At this point (8 months post grad) it may just be entirely up to me to break my way into the industry.

As per advice given by my career mentor,
I have made contact with a few more recruiter agencies here in NYC. Though it is difficult to think of actually putting your job search in someone else's hands it may just do the trick. Many reputable PR firms and fashion houses use agency recruiters to find the best candidates around.

So as I continue to look on my own I am being represented by an agent who knows my career path, where I have been and how I intend to get there. When you network of contacts seem unable to lend a helping hand consider a recruiting agency.

Interning at an Agency

It's no secret that agency operations are different from that of working in-house PR. In most cases an agency intern is just that...an intern. The office segregation is comical. Interns often inflict it upon themselves by sitting at different tables in the lunchroom. But the scariest part would have to be the separation of simple amenities like bathrooms, which is often enforced by staff and owners of the firm. Agency PR interns seem to be the black sheep of the office. It actually made me laugh when I realized what the too secret agent locks on the kitchen cabinet doors were for ( to keep interns out).

The next 4 months should be interesting and I am so down for the ride. It's important for me to experience all that the world of fashion PR has to offer. Each day is more and more interesting, and getting used to an agency culture has not been easy.

Fashion Interview Attire

So many of us industry newbies wonder what is acceptable when it comes to dressing for fashion interviews. It's easy to look at movies like the Devil Wears Prada and put something together to channel Miranda's style but what do interviewers really look for when it comes to perspective employees?

Research tells me that employers could really care less about what their employees wear as long as their clean and presentable. But how can this be possible when working in an industry that prides itself on what people look like? So as I prepare for an interview today I focused on highlighting my ability to do beyond what the job requires me to do. I kept my attire simple. Replicating the basic corporate suit with a twist of fashion. Make sure that you look as confident on the outside as you feel on the inside. Smile! This is without a doubt the best thing you can wear to any job interview.

Accessories are the pieces you can use to showcase your personal style. Wear a pair of shoes that make you feel tall and confident. Use a handbag that is professional yet screams out "I understand trends and know how to make them my own!" Give it your all. Let the employer know your the one for the job and that your willing to do the work...even before you've gotten the job.

Overcoming Interview Jitters

We all get nervous at some point in our lives. Whether it's that awkward moment right before your first kiss or the morning of your Brand Management exam.

However, there isn't a more nerve wrecking feeling that comes to mind before or even after the all to important job interview. For the college graduate on a mission to begin the greatest career ever it can be a milestone in itself. Conquering the interview stage of the job hunt is all about confidence in knowing you have the ability to do the job beyond the best of your capabilities. Owning the position in your mind before you even walk through this conference room doors is key. See yourself as already being a part of the team and speak to every aspect of the job requirements.

Fear is the moment right before something axing happens that completely changes your life. If you truly desire a career that makes you happy and challenges you everyday. This desire will overpower that fear, making you the top candidate for the position.

Push past your fears and claim what's yours!

The Power of Networking

I didn't grow up a social butterfly that loved to be the center of attention or had the natural gift of gab. When I was a sophomore in college I realized what I wanted to do with my life and fashion just had to be a part of my career.

If you want to be a fashion PR it's very important to know and understand networking. First, ask yourself "What is networking?" You know that awkward feeling being the new kid at school in the cafeteria at lunchtime? Either you decided to remain a wall flower or you made the choice to spark up a conversation. That is exactly what networking is. Finding the courage to start a conversation whether its in person or through social media. No one will know who you are or your intent if you do not make it known.

My experience with networking has brought me to some amazing places. First, it gave me a voice. Which at one time I never had. Speaking to people about the service at the local Starbucks becomes easier when you realize you have much in common with the person on line behind you.

Networking got me my chance at a career I enjoy and love. It will do the same for you. Speak up!

New Year. New Silk to Adorn.

So here we are in a brand new year. The resolutions are strong and the gym memberships are on fire!

I'm pushing forward on the journey to begin my passion. A career that allows me to be involved in fashion and PR. As I'm writing this post I think about how far I've come since my high school graduation.

Accomplishments seem to line up as I recount my past years in college. Yet, being the perfectionist I am, I still have so much more to do. In 2013 I hope to accomplish professional growth and more hands on practical experience.

As I move forward with a new internship I tell myself my dream is a whisper away. I crave to release my creativity which stems from the designer in me, I want to be involved in the making of incredible things. Nothing brings me more joy...it's like being wrapped in silk.