Do you have a dream job in mind, but you don’t think you have the skills and experience to be accepted? Then the way to work is to look for similar jobs that are on an internship based contract. Many brands, large companies and startups offer internship spots where you can learn a certain job in the industry. Should you stop at one internship or engage in several different ones? Confused about when to quit being an intern and get a real job?
Keep on reading and discover the benefits of an internship, as well as our thoughts on when you should stop doing internships.
It’s the best way to learn how things are done in the industry, where you can get contacts and a possible road to a full-time job. But when should you stop being an intern and start looking for a real and paid job?
Internship Advantages
Let’s start by explaining that an internship is a way to get first-hand experience in a field that you’re interested in, to eventually get that full-time job you’ve always dreamt of. Employers will more easily hire a person with some interning experience rather than someone who has never worked before. The industry of fashion is hard, with a lot of competition and only so many jobs available. See it as your way to get ahead of the others.
In case that you are still unsure about what career path you want to follow, an internship is the perfect way to explore different options. Try to get several internships that involve other work so you can determine for yourself what you are the most interested in.
Usually lasting 6 months, it’s a low commitment way to test out jobs while being able to develop and refine your skills as well as gain some valuable work experience. You’re surrounded by professionals who have been in the industry for years, or even decades, so see it as the ideal situation to learn from them.
Being a newbie in the industry of fashion can be quite intimidating at times, and by doing internships, you can definitely give your confidence level a boost.
Lastly, internships are a perfect way to network and get to know relevant people in the industry, this can help you in your future as well.
When to Stop?
 An internship is like a transitioning period between school and a full-time job, it’s supposed to last only a certain time in your life and not go on for years. There is no right answer as to how long you should intern or how many internships you should engage in, you should decide it for yourself when it’s time to move on.
If you’re a 100% certain about the career path you want to follow, 1 or a maximum of 2 internships are more than enough for a jump start into finding that perfect job. However, if you are still unsure and want to try out different kind of jobs, doing more internships is perfect for you. Again, there’s no right amount here.
All internships are so different from one another, some experiences might be great while others can be horrible. Some companies just hire an intern to do all the crappy tasks such as getting coffee and admin tasks while not teaching the interns anything. Don’t let yourself get demotivated because of an experience like this, and do another internship. It might turn out to be great!
Did you have some amazing experiences as an intern, but you spotted your favorite brand posting an internship opening? Although some internships can lead to a full-time job, the majority does not! Don’t accept another an internship just because you think it might get you a job at the brand, even if it would be your dream job. Many large brands and companies hire interns due to financial restrictions, they see it as a win-win situation: hire an intern to do a full-time job without paying any salary. Of course, you should apply for an internship if you love this brand, but just don’t get your hopes up for working there as a full-time employee.
At some point though, it’s time to let go of the easy intern life and commit to a full-time job and start your career. Internships are mostly unpaid, or very poorly compensated, so you might feel as if your life is on hold because do money is coming into your bank account. It’s a hard situation and believe us, you’ll be so happy to move on to a paid job!
So now the big question: when do I stop doing internships? Our advice is to stop when you feel you have gained enough experience and are ready to take on bigger tasks and more responsibility.
Words by Virginie Dardenne
