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Last Updated on July 7, 2023
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of fashion, internships have become an invaluable stepping stone for aspiring young minds seeking to make their mark in the industry. While fashion may often seem like a distant dream for high school students, the truth is that the journey to a successful career begins early, and what better way to start than by exploring the world of fashion internships? Fashion internships for high school students not only offer a sneak peek into the glamorous realm of design and style but also provide practical experiences that can shape a future career. These internships are designed to immerse young enthusiasts in the inner workings of the industry, from fashion houses and design studios to fashion magazines and retail outlets. As a high school student, participating in a fashion internship can help you gain invaluable insights into the industry’s diverse facets and help you cultivate skills that will help you compete in the job market effectively. In this article, we guide you through the whole topic to ensure you have the best understanding of the programs, including the best options to go for.
How can high school students learn about the best fashion internship programs?
One of the greatest hurdles when it comes to the topic of fashion internships for high school students is being able to find accurate information about the programs. Here are some of the techniques you can employ to ensure you get the most reliable information:
- Personal research
One of the most crucial steps for high school students is to conduct thorough research. Start by exploring fashion-related websites, industry publications, and fashion blogs. These platforms often feature internship opportunities and provide insights into the industry. Researching fashion schools and programs can also provide valuable information about internship opportunities affiliated with those institutions.
- Networking with other fashion students and professionals
Networking is another valuable tool for discovering fashion internships. Attend industry events, workshops, and conferences where professionals and students gather. Engage in conversations with individuals already working in the fashion industry, including designers, stylists, journalists, and entrepreneurs. They can offer guidance and insights, and may even recommend internship opportunities or connect students with relevant contacts.
- Consult school guidance counselors and career centers
High school students should utilize the resources available at their schools. Guidance counselors and career centers often have information on internship programs, including those in the fashion industry. Schedule meetings with counselors to discuss career aspirations and inquire about available internships. They can provide guidance, suggest reputable organizations, and help students navigate the application process. If you’re pursuing a fashion-related course this might be easier since you can access the career coaches within the department or talk to one of your instructors to get a heads up on the best internship programs to apply to.
- Attend open days for fashion industry associations and organizations
Many fashion industry associations and organizations offer internship programs tailored for high school students. Examples include the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM), and the Costume Society of America (CSA). Exploring their websites and reaching out to these organizations can provide valuable information about internship opportunities, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
- Social media and online fashion communities
Social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn can be powerful tools for discovering fashion internships. Follow fashion brands, designers, fashion influencers, and industry professionals on these platforms to stay updated on internship openings and opportunities. You can engage with fashion content by cheap paper writers to ensure you have a deeper and professional understanding of the available options. In addition, join online communities and forums dedicated to fashion internships to connect with like-minded individuals and access exclusive internship leads.
- Alumni networks and mentorship programs
Connecting with alumni from fashion schools or individuals who have previously interned in the fashion industry can be invaluable. Reach out to alumni associations, connect with former students, or inquire about mentorship programs at fashion schools or organizations. Alumni can provide firsthand insights into their internship experiences, offer guidance, and potentially recommend internship opportunities or introduce students to industry contacts. As a result, you can easily land an internship program or get a heads up on some of the options to choose from.
10 best fashion internships for high school students
The following list contains the best internship programs for high school students. We have provided the location of the program, duration, and the cost/salary. The list contains two categories, internships and courses/programs. It has been highly curated to ensure you get the best option to pursue and be able to gain the most as you work toward building a successful career in fashion.
Fashion internships for high school students
- URBN internships
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Paid?: Yes
URBN internships are offered by URBN Inc., a renowned fashion company with major outlets around the world. The internship program allows students to experience the glamorous industry through the wide networks and to build portfolios that can enable them to enjoy the best of the fashion market. The internship program runs in Philadelphia at the company’s headquarters, even though they can accommodate virtual interns.
- Belk internship
- Location: Various locations
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Paid?: Yes
Belk internship is offered by Belk Inc., a chain of stores for women’s and men’s clothing. The internship program allows students to experience the true definition of professionalism when it comes to the fashion industry. The program allows them to work in groups and develop projects that can help set them apart in the industry.
- Land’s End summer internships
- Location: Various locations
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Paid?: No
Land’s End, a clothing and decor retailer, offers a twelve-week internship to high school students pursuing fashion-related courses. The program presents an opportunity for the candidates to immerse themselves in the company culture and be able to grow with industry knowledge. It is one of the performance based fashion internship opportunities any student looking to understand the operations of the sector can pursue.
- Intern Abroad HQ Fashion Marketing Internship
- Location: Virtual
- Duration: 100-350 hours
- Paid?: No, intern pays $948-$1,648
If you are stranded from getting an internship opportunity, there is the chance to pay a private company to offer you the chance. Intern Abroad HQ gives you the opportunity to train as a fashion marketing intern, enabling you to gain the best skills that can help you succeed in other ventures. The company has a good reputation as a fashion trainer, making it a suitable choice for students.
Fashion programs for high school students
- LIM College Fashion Lab Program
- Location: New York. NY
- Duration: 2 weeks
- Cost: $400 per week
LIM college focuses on fashion and business majors only. Its fashion lab program allows students to learn critical areas of fashion such as fashion photography, celebrity styling, event planning, and marketing communications. These ensure the student is fully prepared for the industry and is able to breakthrough as an all-rounded professional.
- Rhode Island School of Design’s Pre-College Program
- Location: Providence, RI
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Cost: $10700
RISD’s six-week internship program offers you the chance to understand what it is like to work in the fashion industry. The program gives you the option to specialize in one of the 20 majors, including fashion design, jewelry, and even furniture design. Further, the program gives you the chance to showcase your designs and gain recognition for your work.
- Fashion Institute of Technology’s High School Summer Live Program
- Location: New York City
- Duration: 10-11 days
- Cost: $445
FIT is one of the premier fashion schools in the country. It has managed to build a reputation as one of the most ideal fashion training destinations for high school students. The program gives students the opportunity to learn about the core aspects of the fashion industry while at the same time providing a chance to specialize into one of the many fashion majors in the institution.
- Banson NYC Fashion Summer Camp
- Location: New York, NY
- Duration: 1 week
- Cost: $1975
Banson NYC gives students the real-world tour of what it feels like to be in the fashion industry. It is a detailed program that allows students to explore different things in the sector, including how buyers make their decisions when it comes to the purchase of fashion merchandise. As a result, it prepares high school students to be great marketers as well as designers.
- Parsons Online Summer Intensive Studies
- Location: Virtual
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Cost: $4675
This online summer program gives students the chance to interact with some of the best teachers in the fashion industry. It presents a chance for peer learning while setting the stage for successful careers in fashion. Hence, it’s a good choice for high school students looking to venture into fashion but are unable to attend physical sessions.
- Abercrombie & Fitch Freshman Forum
- Location: Columbus
- Duration: 1 week
- Cost: N/A
This is a performance-based internship program that amidst students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. It is one of the most detailed and week-long virtual internships that can empower high school students to gain the skills necessary to succeed in the fashion industry.
Summary: Pick the best fashion internship for high school students
Choosing the best fashion internship for high school students can be a daunting task, given the vast array of opportunities available in the industry. Here, we have highlighted ten exceptional fashion internships that offer unique experiences and valuable learning opportunities. With dedication, passion, and a willingness to learn, high school students can make the most of their fashion internships, gaining invaluable insights, skills, and experiences that will shape their futures. So, seize the opportunity, explore the diverse avenues within the fashion industry, and embark on a transformative journey through a fashion internship—setting the pace for a successful career in this exciting and ever-evolving field.
