How to Turn Unpaid Internships into Paid Opportunities in Fashion & Beauty
By Julia Peterson
The fashion industry is fiercely competitive and challenging to get in. An internship is the most recommended alternative. Most internships will have you buzzing about filling up coffee orders and getting people lunch. This isn't appealing, but it gets you into the room. Take that time to learn people's names and build future connections. Though many of these opportunities are unpaid, they can lead to career opportunities in the beauty and fashion world.
Understanding the Intern Landscape
The idea of an internship is to gain exposure and first-hand experience. This will help you secure a job later on. It allows you to be taught by the company and figure out what you like. In fashion and beauty, many types of internships are provided. But they are all unpaid for the most part. You can get a good job after your internship due to your contacts and experiences. Employers will feel at ease to hire, knowing that you have internship experiences to provide. It could give you an edge over other candidates who lack experience. Consider unpaid internships as an investment for a future career.
Setting Goals Before You Start
Always set goals for your internship, such as what you want to learn or skills to acquire. This can help you in achieving them through the internship. If there is something that makes you curious, don't hesitate to ask. What you know is essential to landing that great job. Learning extra skills can provide additional boosts and diversify career choices. Keep track of your skills, achievements, and goals. The internship provides you with the opportunity to gain valuable information. It helps to prepare you for future employers and clients. Keeping track of a file can be used to fill in your resume after your internship ends.
Building Relationships
You're entering a world where who you know can make a huge difference. These internships provide a landscape to meet future bosses. Some internships have worked directly with clients. These are the times to take liberty and network. Form friendships and relationships with colleges and industry professionals. Starting a conversation may feel daunting, but it isn't. First, there is already some common interest in fashion or beauty. That makes it easier to know what topics to start engaging with. No one likes a phony, so be yourself. Believe it or not, people would instead settle for something weird or at least genuine. It is important to make contacts, but don't force things. Forming genuine contacts will benefit you even after the internship is done. The connection could be your next boss or help you secure one.
Documenting Your Achievements
Keeping a file helps make it easier to translate your work history. Employers would find the information valuable when evaluating. A portfolio is essential when working in design, fashion, and beauty. It helps beyond the typical resume. A portfolio can showcase work samples and contributions that you have made. Use social media to advertise your internship experiences to recruiters and employers. LinkedIn and Instagram provide the perfect outlets. Sharing your experiences can help you get noticed.
Transitioning to Paid Opportunities
After taking the time to do the internships and gaming the experiences, it is time to go for a paid opportunity. Make sure to research the position you want to receive. Find the average salary for the position to advocate for yourself. Send emails to your previous internship supervisors about recommendations for you. During this time, you can ask if they have any paying positions. It is expected to work at the same place you intern for. You can get hired by showing initiative and bringing fresh ideas to the company. That is because you have a value that they see. If a position is open, they can be used as references.
Learning from Challenges
Internships are not for the weak, especially when they are unpaid. There is always the possibility of not liking the tasks or, even worse, the people near you. That can make it hard to accomplish your goals. It may cause you to want to quit. It might determine you’re fit or unfit for the industry. It is up to you to make each experience count for the future. If it doesn't actively benefit your long-term goals, it is unnecessary to suffer in vain. Think about your professional development and block out all the excessive noise.
Conclusion
Unpaid internships may not seem ideal, but they hold great value while offering incredible opportunities. The fashion and beauty industry has always been a place for creatives to thrive. These internships allow connections to be established, which can ultimately lead to paid opportunities.