Attention Fashion PR Enthusiasts!

One of the many perks of going to school so close to Manhattan is the accessibility to jobs and internships.  Internships, in their truest form, are a great way to test out different fields of interest that could potentially culminate into a career.  Furthermore, college level internships open up the job market in a hands on manner, which takes class based skills to the real world.  Every Wednesday this semester, I will be working for Ali Fee Public Relations and Strategic Marketing, a boutique agency that represents luxury ready-to-wear fashion designers.  These talented, emerging designers are sold at renowned department stores and boutiques such as Barney’s, Fred Segal, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Macy’s Herald Square.  

Fellow Fordham Intern, Megan, working hard at the office.

Although I am new to the internship, I have heard about many experiences concerning the position from other Fordham students who worked at the agency the previous semester.  It was very encouraging to hear that hard work was rewarded with greater responsibilities, such as sending pitches to editors.  These tasks became especially rewarding when pitches turned into reality.  For example, Willow Shields, Primrose in the Hunger Games series, was recently featured wearing one of the agency’s designers, Katie Ermilio, to the Catching Fire premiere.  I am personally looking forward to the tasks and teamwork involved during Fashion Week, which can include sample trafficking with fashion publications within Condé Nast and Hearst, and sample trafficking with celebrity stylists.  Furthermore, interns can be asked to help with the designer’s social media accounts, and to research bloggers and stylists. 

Willow Shields wearing designer
Katie Ermilio at the
Catching Fire Premiere

I have found that many of the skills the professors at Fordham try to inspire from their students prove useful with the tasks at Ali Fee PR.  For example, when finding contact information or reaching out to stylists and bloggers, interns must be detail oriented, innovative, and diligent.  These skills are fostered by Fordham faculty and staff as they expect students to be professional, proactive, and hard-working.  Similarly, professors like to build a relationship with their students, just like the positive work environment at Ali Fee PR.  The agency requires a team work, where we all help each other with pending questions or tasks.  Along with the opportunity to work hands-on in the fashion industry, I have found that the vivacious setting at Ali Fee is one of my favorite parts of the internship.  I genuinely believe that the spirited attitude promoted at Fordham has helped me in my endeavors thus far as an intern!