TIPS FOR FIRST TIME INTERNS
Being an intern is hard work, especially if you're new to the role. After working as an intern for InStyle Magazine, I thought that it would be a great idea to pass on some things you should know if you're starting an internship in fashion. Here are my top tips for first time fashion interns!
1
Don't just sit there, DO SOMETHING
Never just sit there and day dream. Make sure that you're always doing something even if you don't think there is anything to do. If you're not sure what to do then just ask! It's better to ask if editors need any help rather than staying in the background. Fashion magazines operate as a team and you are expected to have a team mentality as an intern. Even if you've asked and they say they don't need help (which is very unlikely), at least look like you're doing something.
2
Practice talking to clients
It can always be daunting when you first pick up the office phone. If you aren't sure about how to answer then there are three ways you can determine what tone or script to use. The first way you could find out how to answer the phone is to look in your internship handbook that you should be given on your first day. The second way is to simply ask or listen to an other more experienced intern answer the phone. Thirdly, think about the general tone of the magazine you're working for. If they're a magazine like InStyle then you should you a friendly informal tone.
3
Dress comfortably
As you've probably seen in the movies... interns run around A LOT. I spend more time on the floor wrapping, writing, packing, folding, pinning, drawing and sorting than I do being sat at a desk. By wearing something comfortable, you allow yourself to relax in your work environment. You don't have to worry too much about wearing fashionable clothing. I always say that there is a difference between being fashionable and being stylish. If you happen to be wearing the latest trends to work then that's never a bad thing but don't fixate on it. Wear something that you feel good in!
4
Bring snacks to work
There will most likely be times when you won't be able to leave the office for lunch until 4. This has happened to me a number of times. If there are less than 3 interns in the office you could end up waiting hours. Not even fashion magazine works in the same way but at InStyle we are given up to an hour for lunch. If each intern decides to take a the whole hour (which is recommended) then that's 2 more hours you'll have to wait. There always has to be at least one intern in the fashion cupboard or office. By bringing snacks to have throughout the day in the office, it stops you from getting hungry or faint.
5
Try to memorise PR's and Brand's Postcodes
The chances are that you will have to write out an address to the same PR company or brand. By remembering the postcode or just some of the address, you will automatically be more valuable as part of the time. Honestly, if you are able to identify a PR name from a label then you'll get a task done twice as quick. It takes an unbelievable amount of time to search or contact the PR's in the first place. This tip is especially helpful for when you're doing returns.
6
Get out of the office as much as you can
If the only time you leave you work space is when you go to lunch then this will eventually catch up with you and cause problems. No matter how committed you are to your role as an intern, it is so easy to get distracted. I take short walks to the bathroom or even just to the door to clear my head. If there's a job involving taking something somewhere like the post room or reception then volunteer to do it. It's amazing how much this can help drive your workflow!
7
Talk to as many people as you can
I'm not saying that you should follow people around all day but at least ask them how their day is going when they walk into the room. It shows that you care and builds trust. Even if the person you're talking to isn't an editor or stylist, it is helpful to know as many people as you can that work in the building. For example, as I go down to the post room in the mornings to deliver/pick up packages for the magazine, I have talked to quite a few maintenance staff members that work on each floor. This was helpful when we urgently needed a 'flying flea' form when we ran out last week and they brought one straight to us as soon as I asked. It doesn't sound like much but without speaking to the maintenance staff that day, none of the deliveries would have been dispatched. This would have caused a whole day of backlash as brands and designers often request for items to be returned from photo-shoots immediately.
8
Always inform people when you're taking responsibility for a task
The last thing you want is to be doing the same thing as an other intern at the same time. The best way to handle emails and tasks set by editors is to take one each. Just let everyone know when you start a task and when you have finished it. We usually have a set of clients we work for and reply to each day. When you're sat at the desk replying to emails, you usually don't interfere if an other intern has already emailed that client. The only time you should get involved with an other intern's client is if you're asked to.
9
Familiarise yourself with dockets
If you're thinking to yourself 'what on earth is a docket??' then don't worry... I had no idea either until about 2 weeks ago. A docket is a form you receive and send out that informs you on the item(s) that are included in a package. You receive them whenever you buy clothing online, it's usually a piece of paper with the names and prices of the items with a few brand details at the top. Many people see no point in them until they work for a fashion institution. Dockets are an absolute godsend... honestly they will save you a lot of stress and panic when an editors asking whether they received something for 5 months ago when you weren't even working for them. By having the docket in front of you, you're able to inform your editors on the exact time, date and brand/PR company they had received an item from.
