I recently sat down with Morgan Daniel, one of our fashion editors for the Manor, about her experience interning at the IVY Showroom in Atlanta this summer as a stylist.
Morgan, better known by her pen name Morgan McKensey, is a junior fashion marketing major at SCAD. I wanted to get to know Morgan a bit better, so we chatted about our go-to outfit staples. As described by herself, Morgan is a creature of habit, and particularly loves tailored goods: corsets, flared leg pants, blazers and, of course, a good pant suit.
After getting to know each other a bit and talking about our deepest fashion desires, we talked about her summer internship.
After learning about the showroom via a grade school acquaintance, she wrote the showroom expressing her hopes to land an internship. Receiving a response within a week, she responded to their questions and sent over her resume and cover letter. She also made sure to include photos and files of collaborative projects and shoots she had been a part of in various facets. From there, she was asked to set up an interview with them and began working a week after that.
Her day to day was a lot like a retail job, she explained. Her tasks ranged from tidying up from the day before, cleaning display cases and making sure everything was absolutely perfect for the client’s experience. She also did returns, went over schedules, and, of course, helped style clients.
I made sure to ask Morgan about her everyday work outfit. At any job, you want to look your best, especially in a showroom. She told me there was no dress code, but if you are going to be a stylist, you better look good while doing it. Her go-to was a crop top with jeans and a blazer layered on top to add a touch of sophistication and professionalism. “Make sure to be comfortable and able to move. Some of the garments I was carrying were heavy and I couldn’t wear heels for that. Be professional and polished, but stylish to make your look simple, but impactful.”
No one knows what to expect going into a new job, but confidence is key when taking an internship. “My dad works for human resources, so we would go through basic interview questions and see how I would answer them.” The more you practice getting comfortable talking about yourself, the more you’ll be able to veer off script into more natural and organic conversation with the employer. After getting the job, Morgan said, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
“It’s better to ask the question, rather than trying to wing it yourself, and then embarrass yourself.” It also makes you look actively engaged in your work. Be confident in yourself but ask for help when you need it.
Morgan also discussed with me the importance of building your personal brand and how you want to market yourself. “Once you have your brand down it will be second nature to answer those ‘What do you do? Tell me about yourself?’ questions.” She also emphasized the importance of business cards and using LinkedIn to market yourself. When it comes to networking and making connections, be organic and put yourself out there. “If there is a brand you really want to work for, find their information and reach out”.
For her final bits of advice, Morgan left me with a couple of things. Always have a positive attitude, even if you don’t get the job. People are always collaborating and in need of others for projects, so you never know who will refer you based on a smile.
“What will happen in the future relies on your attitude now.”
She also emphasized working in an internship position that you are truly passionate about that you can learn and thrive from. And finally, “no experience is a bad experience.” You’ll learn that if you didn’t like a particular job, then steer away from it in the future. “Always keep your mind open and make sure to try everything. Be a well-rounded employee. It speaks to your experience. You never know when you will need the skills.”
And in her parting words, “Be a unicorn.”
Words by Emma Mai
Photos by Lance Langel