Hannah is Fashion Editor and Community Manager at Style Counsel, the app that allows you to get immediate feedback on your outfit from other women, stylists and fashion bloggers and is also the founder of a platform that provides advice to interns so I asked her to share her career story (she completed 7 internships) and her top tips about interning in Fashion.Â
1.What did you study?Â
I have a BA Hons Fashion Management degree from Nottingham Trent University.
2.You have a BA Fashion Management, what did you learn during that course?
What didn’t we learn! The course gave a broad overview into each part of the fashion industry apart from design. I focused on Marketing, PR, Merchandising, Buying and Garment Technology. In my final year at University, I completed a dissertation on the relationship between the fashion industry and feminism.
3.What was your first job experience?Â
My first internship was with Emilia Wickstead in London. I later went on to complete 7 other internships in the fashion industry in London and New York.
4.Can you describe your first job interview in fashion?Â
My first job interview was with Emilia Wickstead, it was in Belgravia in London (which for those who don’t know, is one of the wealthiest areas in London) The interview took place in her atelier underneath her shop. It was in a private changing room, on a gorgeous sofa with fresh flowers. I was interviewed by her lead assistant Rachel. It was nerve-wracking and relaxing at the same time.
5.You have lots of experience in PR, what would you suggest to girls who want to start this career in Fashion?Â
Network! Go to lots of fashion events and talks, get meeting people and building your connections. Successful PR workers in the industry have a contact book the size of the alphabet. In PR, it’s all about who you know, sadly.
6.You’re now Fashion Editor and Community Manager at Style Counsel, what a day in your life look like?Â
Wow. This is a tough question. I was the first employee at Style Counsel and since then it has grown leaps and bounds. This means, I am involved with the majority of the company and no day is the same. I am in charge of all communications, whether that be to our user, Stylists, social media channels or the public. I work with my team on the day to day communications as well as working with other senior management members on the broader communication strategy. I also speak with our Stylists regularly, building relationships with them as well as hiring new talent. I work on product development weekly, meeting with our designers and developers and figuring out what’s next for the app.
7. You also started TheIntern 24/7, why?
I started The Intern 24/7 after moving back to London from living in New York. I was processing all I had achieved in the industry to date and I was sharing this with friends and family. They pushed me to share my experiences online for others to see. The blog started to give young individuals an insight into the fashion industry from someone who had actually been there and done it! I wanted the site to be an honest representation of the industry. The good, the glam, the bad and the ugly! Â
8.How do you manage your job and your project?Â
I don’t… I’m kidding. I dedicate a certain amount of time during my day to my projects. I am a very organised person and live by my physical diary and Trello. If you enjoy it, it’s manageable. I also spend most evenings answer emails. Managing side projects is all about filling spaces your day with productivity and learning when to put everything down and rest.Â
9.You’re an expert of internships in fashion, could you please share some recruiting secrets and give interns your advice to get a job in this industry?Â
Don’t stick with the conventional routes. Most people are being hired through social media these days… so, if you enjoy social media, you have a website or a blog – share it a long with your CV. Give the employer and hiring manager more channels and platforms to see you on. Just having a CV and covering letter is not enough anymore, you need to show your creative side. My advice for getting a job in fashion is start small don’t go big. Everyone wants to work at ASOS, Burberry, H&M etc… look to work for the smaller brands, designers. There is less competition and those brands will grow! I worked with Emilia Wickstead when no one knew who she was… now she’s dressing royals and in Vogue every month!
10.What are your favorite resources to stay updated about the Fashion Industry?
Business of Fashion, British Fashion Council, Fashion Monitor, Fashion United and Glam Observer (Obviously)
11.What are your plans for the future of The Intern 247?
To let it do its thing. The Intern 24/7 isn’t just me anymore… we now have writers and contributors! Other interns, graduates and people that work in the fashion industry who share their experiences, words of wisdom and advice. I would love to hire more writers and continue the conversation! So, if anyone is interested, reach out: [email protected]. The site has always been and will remain a platform that educates, inspires and informs the next generation looking to work in the industry.
