So gosh, I’ve been answering a lot of questions lately! I’m honestly flattered that you’re interested, so I’m more than happy to answer. I waited to round these all up into one post, so here it is.
First, Jessica, a student at Northeastern, contacted me as research for a paper she is writing about the fashion industry. We talked about fashion reality TV, surviving (and not surviving) NYC, and the best/worst of interning. I hope she gets an A+ or I’ll feel a little guilty. Read the Q&A under the cut.
That same day I got some questions for Cory’s blog In His Vogue Eyes. I’m thoroughly impressed by his journalistic attention to detail and truly thoughtful questions. He took the time to read up first which was awesome. Thank you Cory!
Then Sam at Missbehave asked me to do a Q&A for their new Internet Stalking feature, and today it went up (I flinched when I saw my face on the main page this morning haha)! Missbehave as been really sweet to me and I’m still flipping through their last issue for eye candy. Check out the interview here!
These all gave me a chance to reflect, be honest, and simultaneously turn up the fire under my ass. I’ve got so much more work to do before I’m where I want to be. Pressure, anxiety, ah!
Thanks again, Jessica, Missbehave, & Cory! And I guess while we’re at it, feel free to leave a question in the comments.
How many internships have you done? 7
Which one did you learn the most from? definitely Vogue
Were you offered to stay on longer? Yes, I could have stayed longer, but I was relocating.
How do you feel about the shows Stylista, Running in Heels and Fashionista Diaries? Do you think they paint an unrealistic portrait of the fashion industry?
Absolutely, but I watch them all. While they are all highly entertaining, they center entire episodes on what wouldn’t even be a blip on the radar of a “real” fashion intern. It’s reality TV, not reality.
Why do you think fashion interns have been on reality television and not other interns?
The fashion industry thrives on an air of mystery, glamour, and exclusivity. It’s highly unattainable, and yet so many people want “in” or at least want to peek. Money, models, clothes, celebrities, parties, bitchy people… there aren’t too many places you can get all that combined. It’s fun to see the smoke and mirrors.
I know you have expressed this in some blogs, but do you feel the same way about interns being paid?
Yes. I think it’s wrong to take advantage of students and not even give them adequate job training. I’ve had “internships” where I was clearly a full-time employee – minus the pay and company credit card. Interns always want to go above and beyond, which is great, but there is a difference between intern and being an employee, and someone has to draw the line. Or at least buy me lunch.
How did you get your internships?
Every one was different, but the common thread was preparation and ambition. I did my research, and took it from there.
Do you think girls still think that the fashion industry is like Devil Wears Prada and they can become Annie? Do you feel that that movie is to blame for the unrealistic expectations some women have about the fashion industry?
It would be silly to solely blame that film, but it definitely contributed to the “fashion intern” trend.
As an intern, do you feel like you were ever mistreated or used as free labor versus begin there to assist and learn?
Yes. (See above.)
What was the most hands on internship that you have had?
Running in heels at Vogue, followed closely by Teen Vogue (my favorite internship).
How does one survive living in NYC as an unpaid intern?
Daddy’s money? Trust fund? Kidding (kind of). But really, I have neither, so I have no idea. I attempted to balance multiple jobs, a loan, school, and an internship. I don’t even know if i can say I survived, and now I’m in debt… so, ya. haha
What was the best and worst parts of being a fashion intern?
Best: being surrounded by creativity and doing something different every day. The wardrobe I’ve gotten to see in person, the people I’ve met, the talent I’ve worked with, the trust put in my ability. I’ve had the opportunity to prove a lot to myself. The lifestyles I’ve seen in person and can now more accurately aspire to have.
The worst? The expectation to be as bitchy/entitled as everyone else (I fight hard against that). Being treated less than human, or feeling excluded because of my race or tax bracket.
Do you think it is worth it? And when would you recommend people starting?
Was it worth it for me? I don’t know yet! I don’t recommend it for everyone, there are too many interns now who watch the Hills and think “oh, I want that!” and there are easier ways to get “that” than becoming a fashion intern. If you’re prepared to work hard and struggle because you really have a passion for fashion (god, I wish those two words didn’t rhyme), and not just shopping, give it a go!
Tags: features · interview · jazzi mcgilbert · Magazines · Missbehave · q&a15 Comments
You are so awesome & I love you.
beautious
all 3 interviews are cool – you come across as real. I hear you about the unpaid internship thing … that’s probably in the near future for me!
Keep it up, love this blog!
[...] Jazzi answers many intern-related questions and she should know since she’s done seven internships [...]
I really like this interview, it gives a good glimpse into the elusive fashion industry. I really enjoy your blog!
I feel kinda ridiculous that I have never read your blog until I saw it on missbehave.
Thats so wonderful…congrats! Been checking on this site for awhile…love the new look
Very interesting interview. I’ve had a few less than satisfying experiences doing internships at record companies and law firms. I wish I could have your courage, ambition and positivity. I’m thoroughly burnt out from the process.
I was going to link you to an article on my blog, but then I realised it was only published in hard-copy zine format. It may be an interesting view of internships. From my perspective anyway:
There used to be a tremendous amount of romance associated with “the young struggling artist”. The term tends to be slightly reminiscent of a period drama. You know, where the gifted auteur would (with ink-stained writing hand) feverishly write his manuscripts by candlelight. The struggling artist would desperately struggle for his art. He would struggle for patronage, recognition and fame. Needless to say, “the young struggling artist” still exists in a contemporary context. However, instead of feverishly refining their art, they would have to refine their networking skills. The modern day struggling artist would have to be prepared to grasp every third rate opportunity.. and be prepared to be treated like a third rate imbecile if they wish to succeed.
The modern-day paradigm of the struggling artist has managed to legitimise the exploitation of the young and educated. This is echoed in the existence and wild popularity of “volunteer positions” and “internship programs” within almost every creative and non-creative industry. It is widely understood that those who accept these positions will be either overlooked, mistreated or at best, humiliated. They will be asked to do meaningless tasks, such as reorganising 500 CDs into alphabetical order. They will also be asked to do physically taxing tasks, such as cleaning, counting and restacking a basement filled with tens of thousands of CDs. They will be asked to be stupid tasks, such as attempting to return a six-month old stamp to a shop, without a receipt.
The struggling artist would foolishly believe that the performance of these tasks would demonstrate their dedication and strength of character. Instead, such willingness to perform these tasks illustrate a grim reality. A reality where it is acceptable that employers dangle the promise of future employment among the skilled, young and hopeful – all in exchange for free labour.
Great questions and great answers. I’d love to be a fly on the wall for a day in your life. This blog is the next best thing though.
[...] Jazzi McG, serial fashion intern, answers all the burning questions about interning. [...]
awesomtanious reads dear. awesomtanious.
[...] a few weeks ago, but still great – Questions Answered: Missbehave x2 + More! – former Vogue intern & style blogger Jazzi McGilbert talks fashion internships, living in NYC, [...]
I just want to say that this the first time I have ever read your blog or heard of you and I am beyond impressed! I have always loved fashion and I’m doing my first internship this summer in Dallas, TX. Your site really inspired me and made me less nervous about the internship. Thank you so much and your AWESOME!
THANK YOU ALL!
Question:
How can i be an uber cool stylista like you?
and your name is jazz too!! too boss. lol