We’ve all heard the terrible, heart-clenching and provoking horror stories of unpaid internships in the Fashion industry. Quickly written off as the “you’re doing it for the experience and not the money” understatement for the lives of thousands of hopeful workers, it’s been a huge topic of discussion over the past few years as interns and agencies have fought for monetary rights as a result of long hours and strenuous circumstances.
Experience doesn’t pay bills.
Well, now there’s a gleaming thought of hope for all those wanting to pick up their fashion experience in the Big Apple this summer in an internship. A new initiative, entitled NYC Fashion Forward, will created a variety of paid internships to students aspiring to work in the fashion industry. Backed by the CFDA, Mayor Bill De Blasio and the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the initiative will provide 100 selected high school students and college undergrads with paid internships at a multitude of fashion companies.
The best part? It’s not just one part of fashion, but limitless possibilities with internships ranging from fashion and jewelry design, public relations, manufacturing and much more. Although the list is still growing, companies such as 3.1 Phillip Lim, Diane Von Furstenburg, Opening Ceremony and Kate Spade have already signed up to join the initiative!
Those who are chosen for the NYC Fashion Forward initiative will receive up to 30 hours of preemployment training, and the internship will officially start sometime in July. Students will work around 25 hours per week for a span of six weeks.
Are you interested in scoring a paid internship in New York City this summer? Applications are open until April. 15, and interested candidates can apply here.