Land the Internship
By Lily Serero
For many fashion students, the word “internship” carries as much weight as “runway” or “collection.” It’s a rite of passage, a door that can open into the world of fashion houses, magazines, PR firms, and showrooms. But behind the glossy résumés and perfectly styled Instagram posts lies a question every student quietly asks: What’s the real secret to landing a fashion internship?
Unfortunately, the answer is that there is no single formula. Instead, it’s a mix of preparation, strategy, and a willingness to show up—sometimes literally—where fashion is happening. Internships are about more than filling out a line; they’re about proving you belong in an industry that thrives on initiative and creativity.
Step One: Build Your Brand Before You Knock on the Door
Today, a student’s brand begins long before the internship interview. Recruiters and creative directors often look for signs of individuality and passion—qualities that can’t be faked. That means curating a digital presence that speaks to you. A portfolio website or Instagram feed dedicated to your work can say more in one scroll than a résumé ever could.
“Fashion is visual,” says a New York–based recruiter for a luxury label. “If a student can’t show me their eye through their styling projects, sketches, or even street photography, then I have no idea what their potential really looks like.”
Think of your portfolio as your pre-interview introduction. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should feel authentic to your aesthetics. A cohesive presentation helps you stand out in a crowded box.
Step Two: Networking Isn’t Optional
For better or worse, fashion is an industry built on connections. But that doesn’t mean only the well-connected succeed, resourcefulness matters more. Networking starts in the classroom, at school-run events, and at every fashion week volunteer opportunity. A five-minute conversation with a designer assistant or a showrunner can lead to an email introduction, which can lead to an internship.
The “secret” here is to treat networking less like schmoozing and more like relationship-building. Ask questions, listen carefully, and follow up. A polite thank-you email or even a thoughtful Instagram comment can be enough to keep your name in someone’s memory. Internships often go to the student who reached out at the right moment.
Step Three: The Application Is Your First Test
Submitting an internship application isn’t just paperwork—it’s the first creative challenge. Employers notice the details: how you format your résumé, whether your cover letter is tailored, and if you can articulate why their brand matters to you.
“Students often underestimate the cover letter,” says a former HR manager at a heritage house. “We don’t want a generic statement about loving fashion. We want to know why our work excites you and how you can contribute.”
Clarity matters as much as style. Keep it professional but personal, not copying and pasting across applications. If you can connect your own story to the DNA of the brand, you immediately rise above the crowd.
Step Four: Internships Reward Hustle, Not Perfection
Perhaps the biggest secret of all? You don’t need to know everything to land an internship—you just need to show your willingness to learn. Fashion internships are rarely glamorous. They often involve steaming garments, unpacking boxes, or managing backstage chaos. What supervisors notice is how interns handle these unglamorous tasks.
One former Vogue intern recalls: “I wasn’t the most technically skilled person, but I never said no. If they needed someone to run across town with samples, I did it. That reliability earned me trust, and eventually, I was invited into bigger projects.”
Fashion is fast-moving. If you can stay calm, flexible, and solution-oriented, you’ll be remembered long after your internship ends.
Step Five: Persistence Pays Off
Not every application will be applied. Sometimes you’ll send fifty emails before getting one response. That’s normal. The secret is not giving up after the first rejection. Fashion rewards resilience, and many students find that their second or third internship—often secured after plenty of trial and error—ends up being the most transformative.
“Every ‘no’ is redirection,” says a Parsons graduate now working at a Parisian design studio. “I didn’t get my dream internship the first time, but the smaller opportunity I accepted gave me hands-on experience that made me a stronger candidate later.”
The Takeaway
So, what’s the secret behind the internship? It’s not luck. It’s not (entirely) who you know. It’s a combination of branding yourself with intention, building authentic relationships, applying with care, working hard no matter the task, and staying persistent in the face of rejection.