Internships.

Landing one is a mission and a half. Surviving it is the other half. Every Fashionista knows that no matter how difficult an internship is and whether or not you’re doing work that is relevant to your career path (even though fetching coffee and organizing desks is not that bad, guys), you have to stand out. Leave the impression that will make them remember you when they’re actually willing to pay you.

If it’s a fashion internship, get ready to look your best every day.

Nic Screws is the senior associate fashion market editor at Esquire Magazine, and she’s my teacher. She said she doesn’t expect her interns to dress professionally in the sense that they have to wear a suit and blouse every day. However, pieces like trousers and pencil skirts do not go unnoticed.

I once read in the Teen Vogue Handbook that stylist Jullian Davison left her lasting impression at Harper’s Bazaar by spending big money on a pair of fuchsia shoes. She said that to this day she is still remembered for them.

An eye-catching tone like fuchsia was the basis of the outfit I created with fellow J-School gem, Alexa Asendorf. A pop of pink doesn’t even begin to describe the brightness that characterizes this transfixing blouse.

We paired it with a voluminous blue patterned skirt with a high-waist yellow band at the top. The bright pink needed to contrast with an equally saturated bottom so it wouldn’t just hang there. And look at those pockets!

Alexa slipped into some suede black heels, tied on a beaded necklace and a gold watch, and with her favorite sunnies, the look was ready to go.

Brining your internship look to life with a creative and colorful outfit can mean the difference between “We want you back next summer!” and “It was nice working with you.”

This is not to say that clothes are all that matter at a job, but a bright and cheerful outfit can set the tone for good work ethic and help you acclimate better. And hello! Who wouldn’t want to be the best-dressed intern in the room?

For those of you interning this summer, here are Nic Screws’ tips.

5 Things I Look for in *Star* Interns:

1. Punctuality. You should always be the first & last person on set. Give yourself time, always, to get to locations you are unfamiliar with … like shoots, studios, etc.

2. Never act above anything. Attitude is everything. We can tell when you think something is not “your responsibility.” It is. We need you.

3. Show a want to learn. Encourage conversations with your supervisor. Express wanting to know about what they do, how they got there, etc. If you show you are there to gain something, we are usually more open to wanting to mentor you.

4. Figure it out. Unless you are seriously confused on the request. Never ask questions you can figure out on your own, like phone numbers and tracking numbers. Be proactive and just make it happen.

5. Reliability. Make me/us feel like you are always there to lend a hand. You will make yourself available for after hours/off days, etc. The more you success makes me feel that you are trustworthy & capable, the more responsibility I will give you!

Make sure to check out Alexa’s look on Campus Sartorialist!

Always Deviate,

Jen