Loving Summer

I have just returned from a nine week internship in sunny San Diego. I interned at an agency that represents models and actors. During my time there I kept a fashion-related blog. I focused on counterfeit sales of designer label fakes and knock-offs. I learned A LOT about the business of talent representation and about the fashion industry.

I also enjoyed every minute of being in Southern California. The scenery is beautiful and the Pacific Ocean is about 5 miles away!

I had quite a few mini "revelations" throughout the summer about my future. It is starting to become reality that in December I will graduate college and (hopefully) find a job. I realized that there are so many benefits to doing an internship in an unfamiliar area. I learned so much just through my hours at the agency. But, I also learned a lot about my new environment. I quickly realized that I had to become aware of "San Diego lingo" in order to succeed at my internship. I familiarized myself with surrounding cities and communities, big companies in the area, and certain political aspects of San Diego. Surprisingly, knowing all of these things helped me at my internship.

I participated in the BCEC program to receive credit for my work in California. One of the course requirements is to fill out and evaluate your skills at both the beginning and the end of your internship. When I filled out mine, after I had completed my internship, I realized that some of my skills (ones that I did not use during my internship) had improved! An example is my persuasion skills. I am horrible at negotiating or standing up for myself. I didn't have to do these things during work but there were situations that I encountered outside of work where these were important skills to have.

So, what's my point? Well, for starters, doing an internship will benefit you in more ways than you expect. I was lucky to be able to devote my last two months to this experience. Everything I did was new and exciting. On my days off, I explored new areas and drove to new places. In my spare time, I found a local theater and volunteered, helping the Costume Designer get ready for an upcoming production. So, I came home with much more experience than if I had completed an internship in a familiar place while juggling other tasks like school and a paying job.

Be brave and try new things! I wasn't sure I'd be interested in working in fashion, but exploring new things might lead you to an interest you didn't know you had!