New York City - one of the most well known places for fashion, design and creativity.
This spring and summer, three students from Auburn's apparel production and design management program will be interning at this global fashion capital.
Senior Caitlyn Doyle is spending this spring semester interning at Oscar de la Renta. Doyle works in the trends department, which she said allows her to do and see many different aspects of the company, from putting together packages to send to factories to sourcing trends.
"I'm there for anyone in the office, doing anything and everything," Doyle said. "I guess the best part is just the spontaneity of everything and getting to do different jobs."
Doyle said it took her some time to adjust to living in the city and a 9 a.m.-6 p.m. workday, but said her biggest challenge has been learning along the way.
"The most challenging part is getting your feet wet and learning everything," Doyle said. "Most of the time they're so busy they don't have time to sit there and tell you, 'This is exactly how everything's supposed to go.' You're learning as you go."
As far as advice for other apparel design majors, Doyle said she thinks networking and location are essential.
"I've heard from so many people that they toss your resume out if it doesn't have a New York address," Doyle said. "Definitely use your resources at Auburn because that's how I got my internship. Networking is essential."
Seniors Carolyn Candler and Lilly Woodruff both have summer internships at Nicole Miller and Theory, respectively.
Candler has always been passionate about fashion, and previously interned with Anne Barge, a bridal designer based in Atlanta.
"When I was there interning, day to day there were only seven or eight people there, so she does everything herself," Candler said. "I did the boring things like sending out packages and I also got to be physically sewing things on dresses. Anything they did, I was doing too."
Candler said her classes at Auburn and her internship with Anne Barge have made her knowledgeable about the industry and given her confidence going into her internship at Nicole Miller.
"Auburn is really unique within our department because at larger schools, all they do day in and day out is garment production, but from what we've heard, a lot of them don't have as well-rounded of an education about the actual industry," Candler said. "A creative job is hard to get, so they want us to be able to get all the other jobs that not as many people want, but that are needed."
Woodruff said she also believes Auburn's program has given her the skills to do well in the industry.
"I think the broad base I've gotten in the program at Auburn just makes me feel comfortable going into the industry because I feel I have a better understanding of a lot of different things," Woodruff said. "I'm not afraid to go into the internship, even though it's intimidating because it's a strong company. I feel like I have a good enough understanding of what I need to do that I can develop skills and continue to learn while I'm there."
Woodruff previously interned with a small designer in Atlanta, where she said she was able to see every side of the industry and will be working on a design team while at Theory.
Woodruff also said she was excited about working for Theory and could see herself there in the future if her internship goes well.
"There was just something about the company and the people that made me feel comfortable," Woodruff said. "The founder and CEO, Andrew Rosen, actually sat down on the couch with me while I was waiting for somebody else to come talk to me. He started flipping through my portfolio and he was like, 'So, what are you doing here?' It was a great experience."
Candler will be interning in the design department for Nicole Miller and said the internship is her dream job.
"Last year, there was an Instagram of her in the studio for a day with the interns, and she was showing them how their prints were created," Candler said. "I think it was really cool for the head of the company to be sitting in the design room with the interns, teaching them how she does it."
Candler stressed the importance of being unafraid and confident when applying for internships.
"I think the biggest challenge, just in general, is being ready and being able and confident to put your head on the line and try for a great internship," Candler said.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
