9/11/16, 11:09 AMInternships: My Tips and Secrets – Off Duty / On Style

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Off Duty / On Style

By: Kelsey Knepler

Internships: My Tips and Secrets

August 14, 2016August 14, 2016Off Duty / On Style

If you’ve been following along closely then you saw that last week I did a post about tips onnavigating New York and living in the city (see that post here(https://kelseyknepler.wordpress.com/2016/08/07/lessons-learned-my-nyc-summer/)). However, Iwanted to do a separate post about internships in general. I am a huge believer in the importance ofinternships, I am a campus ambassador for the Intern Queen (http://www.internqueen.com), LaurenBerger, who famously had 15 internships in college. She’ll tell you herself that no one needs that many,but that it is critical to have at least two. Internships are great because they give you a chance to seewhat jobs are available in more of a real-world setting than a classroom.

9/11/16, 11:09 AMInternships: My Tips and Secrets – Off Duty / On Style

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If you’re reading this I am assuming you have similar interests to me being fashion, writing, socialmedia, etc., but some of these ideas will likely transfer over to other fields as well. I have had a decentamount of internships myself so I want to help you guys out since I know how stressful it can be. Alittle about me, I have been a Style Guru for CollegeFashionista for what will be my fourth semesterthis fall and an editorial intern for them for what will be my third semester. I interned in New YorkCity with Timo Weiland as a showroom intern and Yumi Kim as a marketing intern this past summer.I also had a summer fellowship with the Tab US. This brings me to a total of five internships, which isnot including my other clubs, activities and running this blog. After those experiences here are mytips.

1. Join CollegeFashionista: If you’re interested in fashion, I absolutely recommendCollegeFashionista. This is a virtual internship so it can be completed anywhere! The workload is notoverwhelming and it helps you gain a lot of courage since you have to go up and talk to strangers.Additionally, I have made some of my closest friends through this internship and the company has alot of awesome industry connections.

GETTING THE INTERNSHIP

2. Be Bold, Apply A LOT and explore your options: These people get their inboxes flooded withemails every single day. Try to find a way to make yourself stand out, but know when you arebecoming obnoxious. Keep in mind that you probably won’t get your first choice, second or eventhird. I applied to over 200 internships for this past summer and it was beyond stressful. However, I

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know that I ended up in exactly the right companies for me because of how much I learned. Wheninterviewing, try to decide what kind of company you want and ask about the work atmosphere. Thismakes a huge difference at your internship.

WHEN YOU GET AN INTERNSHIP (Congratulations!)

3. Go Above and Beyond: If you have any ideas about ways you can help the company, tell them butdo it in a respectful way. Organize a clear game plan or outline and show it to your direct supervisor,not the CEO or your fellow interns. Even if your ideas are not implemented, they will respect the timeand thought you put into your work.

4. Appreciate It: Don’t take even a second for granted. Watch your coworkers around the office andabsorb as much information as you can. Remember how hard you worked to get there and how manypeople you fought for this opportunity. Your Instagram and Snapchat account can wait until you’reon a lunch break. Also, take advantage of the city you are in. I’m from Wisconsin, which isn’t exactlyplentiful with fashion opportunities so in New York I took full advantage of all networking andevents that I could. Use Facebook and find out what’s happening in the city you’re in and meet somepeople. Two great events that I went to were the Intern Queen Party and Her Conference.

9/11/16, 11:09 AMInternships: My Tips and Secrets – Off Duty / On Style

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Me at Her Conference!

5. Don’t Follow Bad Examples: Fashion is more of a laid back industry in some regards concerningwhen people come in, how they dress, etc. Don’t compare yourself to others and stick with what youwere told. If you were told to be in the office by 10, show up by then every day even if no one else isthere. Being the first one to arrive and the last to leave really does go a long way.

AFTERWARDS

6. Stay in Touch: Fashion is an industry that revolves around networking so make sure to preservethe relationships that you make. You never know where people will end up so get their personalemail addresses and phone numbers. Try to check in around three times per year at least. This goesfor your fellow interns as well, you never know where people will end up!

The team at my Timo Weiland internship

Honestly, this post could have been a lot longer but I wanted to keep it short and sweet. If you haveany other specific questions, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments.

xx,

Kelsey Knepler

Posted in: Fashion, New York, Off Duty, On Style | Tagged: #college, career, collegefashionista, Fashion,future, internship, internships, job, New York, new york city, nyc, planning, style, summer, tips, tricks

9/11/16, 11:09 AMInternships: My Tips and Secrets – Off Duty / On Style

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2 thoughts on “Internships: My Tips and Secrets”

STYLELULLABY says: August 20, 2016 at 4:27pm EDIT REPLY

1. Great tips! Thanks for sharing! xo, sharon

http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/sequined-shift-dress/

COURTNEY BENTLEY says: August 21, 2016 at 4:56am EDIT REPLY

2. This is SO true! I did an internship for Boeing when I was a senior in high school and immediatelyrealize what I thought would be my dream job was far from it! Thanks for sharing these tips, I amactually looking for interns for my fitness business so this was helpful for me! xo C

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