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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Fashion Intern

💰 $15 - $25 per hour

FashionInternshipDesignMerchandisingEntry-Level

🎯 Role Definition

As a Fashion Intern, you will be an integral part of our core teams, providing essential support across various functions including design, merchandising, production, and marketing. This role is designed to be a comprehensive learning experience, offering you direct exposure to the fast-paced, day-to-day operations of a fashion brand. You will collaborate with seasoned professionals, contribute to tangible projects, and develop a robust understanding of the industry's inner workings. This role requires a passionate individual with a keen eye for detail, a proactive mindset, and an insatiable curiosity for all things fashion. This is your chance to see your creative and analytical skills make a real impact.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Current students in a Fashion, Design, or Business program.
  • Recent graduates from a relevant degree program.
  • Individuals with experience in high-end retail or styling.

Advancement To:

  • Assistant Designer / Technical Designer
  • Assistant Buyer / Merchandising Coordinator
  • Production Assistant or Coordinator
  • Marketing or PR Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

  • Social Media Assistant
  • E-commerce Coordinator
  • Showroom Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assist the design team in the creation of seasonal mood boards, color palettes, and concept presentations that align with brand identity.
  • Conduct daily market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging trends, new brands, and innovative product opportunities.
  • Manage and organize the physical and digital fabric and trim library, including sourcing new materials and contacting suppliers for samples.
  • Support the technical design team by preparing and updating tech packs, measuring garment samples, and taking detailed notes during fittings.
  • Help coordinate and meticulously track all development and production samples, from initial proto to TOP, ensuring they are properly labeled and organized.
  • Create and update detailed line sheets, product catalogs, and assortment spreadsheets with accurate information and high-quality imagery.
  • Prepare and assemble professional presentation boards and materials for internal line reviews and external market or buyer meetings.
  • Create clean and accurate technical flat sketches and colored CADs (Computer-Aided Designs) using Adobe Illustrator for design and production purposes.
  • Provide hands-on support in preparing for photoshoots, including sample organization, steaming, dressing models, and general on-set assistance.
  • Manage the shipping and receiving of packages, both domestic and international, for samples, materials, and other department needs.
  • Maintain the organization and cleanliness of the design studio, sample closet, and meeting spaces to ensure an efficient and creative work environment.
  • Provide reliable administrative support to the team, such as scheduling meetings, preparing documents, and maintaining department calendars.
  • Update and manage style, material, and vendor information within the company's Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) or ERP system.
  • Liaise with cross-functional partners, including production, marketing, and sales, to ensure seamless communication and project alignment.
  • Participate actively in team brainstorming sessions for new collection themes, product development strategies, and special projects.
  • Assist the merchandising team with data entry, sales report analysis, and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Support e-commerce operations by helping with product uploads, writing descriptive copy, and ensuring visual consistency online.
  • Contribute to social media content creation by brainstorming ideas, assisting with visual asset generation, and researching relevant influencers.
  • Research and compile reports on sustainability initiatives, innovative materials, and ethical manufacturing practices within the fashion industry.
  • Shadow senior team members during key meetings to gain a comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end product lifecycle.
  • Assist with the planning and execution of special events, such as press previews, runway shows, or market week appointments.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc trend research and competitive analysis reporting for various special projects.
  • Contribute to discussions around the organization's seasonal strategy and long-term product roadmap.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional departments (Marketing, Sales, PR) to translate design concepts into market-ready stories.
  • Participate in team meetings, design reviews, and brainstorming sessions, offering a fresh perspective and new ideas.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
  • Strong competency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
  • Knowledge of fashion design principles, garment construction, textiles, and materials.
  • Ability to create accurate and detailed technical sketches (flats) by hand or digitally.
  • Foundational knowledge of the product development lifecycle, from concept to production.
  • Experience with or ability to quickly learn Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software.
  • Basic hand-sewing, machine sewing, or pattern-making skills are a significant plus.
  • Strong understanding of data entry and management within spreadsheets.
  • Familiarity with social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest) from a brand perspective.
  • Ability to conduct thorough online research for trends, competitors, and inspiration.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional organizational skills and a keen eye for detail.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
  • A proactive, self-starting attitude with a strong desire to learn and contribute.
  • Ability to multitask, prioritize effectively, and work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
  • A collaborative, team-player mentality with a positive and professional demeanor.
  • Passion for the fashion industry and a strong understanding of current trends and brand landscapes.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of an accredited college or university.

Preferred Education:

  • Pursuing or holding a Bachelor's or Associate's degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Fashion Design
  • Fashion Merchandising
  • Marketing or Communications with a focus on fashion
  • Business Administration
  • Textile Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-1 years of relevant experience.

Preferred:

  • Previous internship experience within a fashion brand or related company.
  • Experience working in a retail environment, particularly in apparel.
  • A portfolio showcasing relevant design work, projects, or sketching abilities.
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