"My biggest advice tip would be to intern while ur still in school. A degree is no guarantee. It will get you in the running but competition is TOUGH. The reccession has made the job market even more intense. While a company wants you to have a degree they also want someone with 2-3yrs experience. That doesnt have to be paid experience they just dont want to have to spend all their time and energy training someone when there are 10 other ppl who have been interning at great companies since highschool or have been in the working in the field for 5 yrs. So rethink your summers, breaks and even during the semester. Accumualte as much real job fashion experience as possible. And it also a great way to network youll meet so many ppl WORKING in the industry who can refer you to a job. Good luck everyone!"

-Tavoya Conover

 

"Experience is what's putting you ahead of other applicants. And some companies wont even offer internships to people who aren't in school because they don't see them as dedicated. Do as many internships while in school as you can. If you.can't travel for internships, get a job in some sort of fashion. I know there's limited jobs in Statesboro, but think outside the box. a job doing alterations at a dry cleaners is a great way to experiment/nearness about fit. Really think about all your options and think outside the box when of comes to opportunities. Lastly, I know a lot of people toy with the idea of an etsy shop. I would not have received the opportunities I have without etsy, so just do it already! Every little bit of experience helps :)"

​-Melissa Hambrick

 

"Honestly, internship experience should begin from high school and every summer or during the holidays or any chance you get. And not the same type of internship but various experiences so that you're well rounded. Also, I found that whether you're design or merchandising knowledge of BOTH is KEY. We often think we don't need to know a lot from both, but I can't tell you how many times Merchandising terminology and skills showed up throughout daily tasks at Alice and Olivia despite the design work. Oh, and you are NOT going to learn everything in the classrooms. Employers LOVE when it's obvious that you took time to research and complete side projects, showing that you're willing to do more than the average. Last but not least, my internship adviser from Alice and Olivia just sent me this so I'll just paste the quote: "As far as advice goes… FREELANCE! That’s how I got hired. I started out as an intern for A+O actually. And then they hired me freelance. While I was working I consistently reminded Cady and the others that I needed a permanent job. If you prove to a company that you are valuable enough eventually they realize they cannot let you go. So my advice is to intern again if you are able to, and ask if there are any freelance opportunities open. Or just start freelancing right away. 

 

Even if a company does not have an ad out for hiring, send your resume and work sample anyways. That’s how Alice (our sketch girl!) got hired. She just sent her resume and some sketches on a whim and we just happened to be looking to fill that position at that time. A lot of companies hire through friends at other places so they don’t bother to post ads. So I would send your resume out to literally everyone. It takes some time but it is worth it." Half of the time it's not about WHAT you know but WHO you know, so you have to get out there and network and not just within the classroom or the city. Branch out!!"

-Malorie Polk