What not to do on a fashion internship

A few little mistakes, now lessons, which I've learnt during my time interning. I believe it's only fair to share!

1. Avoid all white outfits

Lets just put it like this, the world is a dirty place and interns don't sit around doing 'F' all. I'm not saying you can't wear white, I'm just saying maybe avoid turning up like your ready to appear on the Ariel advert.

2. Delivering post without a witness

Yes I innocently put a girls post down on her desk and then the next day it vanished. Turned out to be flowers for her wedding rehearsal in Spain for that weekend. Moral of the story: always make sure someone's watching guys!

3. Heels

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As an intern most of your time will probably be spent rolling around  in the fashion cupboard, running up and down to the post room, maybe picking up a cheesecake for the office... You get the idea -  heels are a no-go.

4. Keeping quiet about shit you aren't sure about

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If you aren't sure about something... Speak. Up.  Fashion assistants would rather you ask them about something until you fully understand, than sending props off to the wrong shoot location.  Even though it feels horrible asking someone something 100 times it's better than getting it wrong.

5. Giving up

Again you're thinking pretty obvious - WRONG!

When the going gets tough some people have just had enough and don't rock up. When I was interning one girl decided to cut her internship short saying she was only in for a week (even though at the beginning she said it was two) and the second girl stopped turning up after three days. No matter how hard it gets never do this.

6. Constantly asking for jobs

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Initiative is key. Fashion assistants are extremely busy and while they are super grateful for your help they don't have time to babysit you. Use your beautiful brain, look around and do some research. The more you want to be there the easier this will be.

7. Phone obsessed

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You may not be at school, but you're still in an office. The rules are usually pretty relaxed, but texting on your phone constantly? Watch out... Others are allowed to do it, they actually have a job there. Just don't forget your place.

8. Be on time!!

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Especially on the first day! I think the worst time I rocked up late was when I realised I hadn't brushed my teeth and had to email the assistant telling her and asking where the nearest Sainsburys was. Don't ruin your chances before they've even started.



Want to know what it's like on a fashion internship? Read here.