Fashion

Recent tabloid discussion has sparked fury over the slave labour like conditions that fashion students face when undertaking Internships. The Guardian has been keen to point out the not so glamorous life of a fashion Intern in a recent article, where reputable fashion house Alexander McQueen fell under harsh criticism for the long hours and zero pay that has been associated with its internship programme.

Here at the RateMyPlacement office we feel that fashion students should in no way, shape or form begin to despair. There are many opportunities both paid and unpaid in the fashion industry and although working for free is not always ideal, there are many advantages in an industry where competition is often fierce.

As Isabelle Perry, employee in Fashion PR at Armani is keen to promote “I was determined and seriously unwilling to keep working for free”. She was awarded her current position last year after spending three months as an unpaid Intern.

“I was at a bit of a lost end after graduating, I was going to go travelling then got a bit freaked out by the credit crunch so started job hunting instead. I spoke to a few places, who all said I didn’t have enough experience. I undertook an unpaid 5 week Internship with Armani while I was completing my fashion course at university, so I got back in touch with Armani Press Office once I graduated and found out that someone had left”.

Now Isabelle has her stiletto firmly placed on the career ladder. It just goes to show that although some of the most prestigious fashion positions are unpaid they can lead to employment opportunities, which is something not to be scoffed at. According to Isabelle “working for free was a good experience as I now have a job. I see this job as a stepping stone as fashion PR is extremely competitive and I’m pretty lucky to have got into it.”

Leanne Dickenson-Fogg who interned at Vivienne Westwood was also keen to share her experiences of an unpaid internship, highlighting that even though times were tough the experience she gained was well worth it.

“I have worked with amazingly talented people who have shared their wisdom and tips with me which are priceless. Also the experience of working with such an influential British icon will stay with me forever”.

Leanne was keen to point out that although the work was not always easy it was the experience that she gained which was most beneficial to her career.

“In the beginning it was really tough, we worked long hours, seven days a week and perfection was key. The hard work was totally worth it when we all got to go to Paris fashion week for the Vivienne Westwood show.”

Obviously, unpaid internships are not for everyone; financially many students simply cannot afford to donate their time for free. However, there are options for those who fear that a three month stint in London unpaid is out of their reach. George, John Lewis, Debenhams, M&S, Next and the Arcadia Group are just a handful of companies who offer paid placements.

So even the most cash stripped of students need not panic there are still amazing opportunities available for everyone.