Observations On: Unpaid vs. Paid Internships

Someday I should probably have quality photos of myself taken. Today is not that day. I get to weird and to shy when somebody else turns the camera on me. Side note: This is like my go-to interview outfit, that is probably bad and probably needs to change. Somebody please employ me long enough so that I might purchase a more appropriate outfit. This was yet another rather uneventful week. 3 interviews, one job offered but, it turned out to be a paid internship instead of an assistant position like the original posting said, one was a follow up interview from a group interview the week before - and this is the one I really hope works out, and the last one was a place I never gave much thought to but, the fabulous man who interviewed me made it sound very appealing and like it would be the most educational of the 3. So.. Dear World, I have been waiting and waiting and waiting for a job please let one of these workout already!

Things your college programs/internship instructors might not tell you: After you've had at least 3 unpaid internships it actually seems harder to get a paid position. The company knows you were willing to work for free in the past and they also know you want to "learn more" about your given choice of field so they will continue to offer you unpaid positions because, they know they can get you with the whole you'll get more experience and be more hirable blah blah blah. Hold out. I am holding out. It might not work out for me in the long run but, I refuse to be a dish washing sample checker-inner anymore. At least an unpaid one. When you are looking for your first internships look for paid ones, if you have some retail experience and skills that pertain to the internship you might be more likely to find a paid one. Based off of my own experiences I feel like companies have more respect for you and will be more likely to want to pay you if you've had paid internships vs. unpaid ones. Or maybe I am completely wrong, who knows but, this is what I have observed.

I will however be making some money this glorious week of February 2nd- 6th as I will be freelancing with One Kings Lane. I am sure I will develop some very strong opinions on freelancing here soon and will post about them accordingly.

This City.

(The view from Milk Studios, 8th floor)

It's absolutely wonderful but, at the same time so unforgiving. After completing an internship that looks wonderful on my resume but, left me emotionally drained and a feeling under appreciated I have been desperately seeking a paid position. I have only been looking very hard for about a month now. I've had interviews every other week, sometimes multiple interviews. During winter break from about the December 19th-January 5th the fashion industry seems to shut down so that cut out a huge amount of time in my hunt.

I cut a lucky break in the first week of January when a Facebook friend whom I've never actually met asked me if I was interested in freelancing for Lanvin the 10th-15th. I eagerly said yes since it was paid. Working as a freelancing sales assistant for Lanvin was exactly what I needed. As a PR intern working for a large agency you are so disconnected from the brands and the culture behind the brands that goes into creating a RTW (ready to wear) collection. The account executives just see you as the eager, young girl-boy who is going to archive their 102+ piece fall collection for 5 hours and then run across the city to pick up some matte black envelopes, make a stop at the magazine store for an issue of a magazine that the store said they had on the phone but really doesn't, and then stop by the cute french bakery to pick up some pastries for an office party that you aren't invited to because, you have to finish doing 15 large returns in the next 30 minuets or you are going to get home an hour and a half late for the 5th time this week. Don't get me wrong, I love working as a PR intern, it can be an absolute headache and when you finish a task or do something right a thank you or smile can be in short supply but not getting told to re-do the project is the ultimate sign. It means you did it right, and if you can stick out this internship you are a step closer to being an account executive yourself.

But being at Lanvin reminded me why I switched my major. The very first day of my 6 days with them involved the Women's Wear Market Director breaking down the 96 piece collection and giving a State of The Union address on the state of the fashion industry. It was inspiring and so insightful. I couldn't help but quickly type away notes on my iPhone. I felt like I was listening to something meaningful for once. Someone was laying down the truth and I was learning. I haven't been learning about anything fashion related since I left the classroom last spring. I then spent the week working with a very nice freelance sales rep and meeting with our daily buyer appointments. Hearing what the buyers like and dislike about the collection as well as their methods for buying for their customers was very informative. It was everything we learned about in the classroom about buying put into action. Except with a lot more cursing, Hermes bangle wearing ladies, and sassy gay men nit picking the collection. It's good to know my friends will get even sassier with age.

All in all I am slowly coming out of my rut. While I haven't yet secured a long term paying job and haven't even been paid for my freelancing work yet, I have high hopes. And at least hope that my inspiring week can hold me out for awhile longer.

Winter Wants.

I'm so poor it hurts. To be living in one of the most fashionable cities in the world and feeling sub-par and frumpy every single day hurts. I've got 4+ inches of nasty brown grow out going on, my bangs are long and stringy, and I don't even want to talk about my eyebrows. #thatunpaidinternlyfethough. So while I most likely won't be buying any updates for my closet for fall/winter, here is a list of the things I would buy if I could buy. Maybe a few of these things will end up in my possesission if I am really lucky. 

1. Thermal Rollers.

I want to try thermal rollers so bad! I have not so awesome memories of rollers from my childhood but, after watching and reading several how-tos I want to give them a try. I can always use some easily obtained added bounce.

2. MAC Rocky Horror Collab.

I accept literally anything from this collaboration. Particularly the nail polishes. 

3. Mid sleeve button ups. 

I want ALL of the neutral/stripe button ups, silk preferred, polyester accepted. 

4. Gap Jeggings. 

I tried on the jeggings at the Gap factory store over here in Bay Ridge. Instantly fell in love but, couldn't afford $35 on sale pants. THEY WOULDN'T ACCEPT MY ONLINE COUPON. 

5. Navy Parka.

I just really want a navy parka.

6. Swanky Heeled Boot Thing. 

I'm not sure of the formal name for these shoes, but I want them. Preferably in some kind of grey metallic color.

7. Creepers.

I've been dying for a pair of creepers ever since I saw the administrative assistant at Yigal Azrouel wearing a pair every day with cuffed skinny jeans looking chic as fuuuuuuk. I want in maroon or navy. Would look awesome with my new Gap jeggings. 

8. Chelsea Rain Boots.

Probably the most useful thing I could order. I might actually splurge and buy a pair from Target.com right now.. I've ruined so many flats here in the rains of New York. No more!

How to feel like you are getting something when you're broke and love to shop? Buy the rain boots, if your parentals ask what you are spending your money on you can justify this one. Especially if your parents are concerned with you getting sick. 

Rain+Flats= Wet Toes, Wet Toes=Wet Feet All Day, Wet Feet All Day= Some kind of sickness/virus/death.