Fashion Internships

What are fashion internships?

A fashion internship is an opportunity to work for a company in the fashion industry and take on real tasks that a permanent employee would be expected to do. It's also a chance to get real work experience and develop your professional skills.

Internships take place over the summer and can last between one to four months, allowing you to work between academic years. They're generally open to second-year university students, but first and third years are also welcome to apply.

It's the number one way to begin a career in the fashion industry and forge lasting contacts. Several of fashion's hottest names started as interns:

• Fashion's very own “Kaiser” Karl Lagerfeld interned at Balmain before becoming the creative director of Chanel

• Alexander McQueen interned at Savile Row tailors Anderson & Shepard before starting his iconic brand

• Stella McCartney interned at Christian Lacroix at the age of 16.

What do fashion interns do?

This will vary depending on what type of internship you are doing. However, generally speaking, you can expect:

Administrative Work.

• Answering emails and phones

• Scheduling meetings

• Organising files or samples

Assisting with Events or Shows.

• Helping backstage at fashion shows

• Preparing lookbooks or invitations

• Setting up photo shoots or pop-ups

Sample Management.

• Tracking clothing samples (for PR or styling)

• Packing and shipping items to magazines, stylists, or showrooms

• Keeping the sample closet organised

However, if you are doing a more specialised internship in fashion, you can expect the following:

• Design-focused. Assisting with sketching or technical drawings (using software like Adobe Illustrator). Sourcing fabrics or trims. Helping during fittings. Creating mood boards and trend research. Sewing or preparing prototypes.

• PR or marketing-focused. Drafting press releases. Tracking press coverage. Helping manage social media accounts. Creating influencer or media lists. Assisting during campaigns or content creation.

• Retail or Buying. Assisting with inventory or stock levels. Researching trends and competitor pricing. Creating product presentations or reports. Supporting showroom operations.

How hard is it to get a fashion internship?

Getting a fashion internship in the UK can be competitive, especially with well-known brands like Burberry or Vogue. It's generally easier if you have some experience, a relevant portfolio, or fashion-related studies.

On the other hand, more and more clothing companies are opening their headquarters to students like you. There are now opportunities being offered at Primark, H&M and ASOS.

London offers the most opportunities but also the most competition, while smaller cities might have fewer roles but less pressure. There are also many international opportunities to consider.

Summer internships are the most popular and hardest to get, so applying during off-peak seasons can improve your chances.

Do you get paid for a fashion internship?

According to reviews on Higherin, the average salary for fashion interns is £18,000 to £24,000 on a pro-rata basis.

Never be afraid to discuss your salary. Internships are there to help prepare you for your future. So you have every right to find out how much you're going to be paid.

What about unpaid internships?

Unfortunately, unpaid internships still lurk within the fashion industry. 

However, recent years have seen the industry improve at creating paid opportunities for students. So don't accept anything less than a paid internship. You’re worth it.

• Fashion Workie is a great place to look. Like us here at Higherin, they believe in paid internships and placements and only advertise paid roles.

• Business of Fashion is fantastic for international internships. Perfect if you want to get paid work experience in the fashion capitals of Paris, Milan or New York.

• Us! Higherin often advertises paid fashion internship opportunities.

Check your university/course intranets and speak to lecturers or career advisors. Intranets will often advertise internships or direct you to places where you can find them.

How to apply for a fashion internship

You want to do your research. It’s so important for you to know what exactly you want from your internship so you know what to look for. But do remember you will most likely be rotating around a couple of departments. 

Use Higherin to find the perfect internship for you. We usually find fashion internships start going live around September, so keep an eye out for them the year before you want to start your internship. 

To stand out, show your passion through personal projects, a strong CV and cover letter, or a creative online presence. Reach out to brands directly, tailor your applications, and explore niche job boards like Fashion Workie or Drapers Jobs. Networking and starting with smaller roles can help you get your foot in the door.

Ready to start your internship journey? Check out what fashion internships we have right now!