Meet Our Interns!
Every summer Suzy runs an internship program for students looking to get hands on experience in the fashion industry.
This year we were lucky enough to welcome two interns, Alyssa and Sarah. These ladies joined the Suzy head office team in Montreal for 6 weeks each, where they experienced firsthand what it takes to make a National Retail Fashion brand run.
Alyssa and Sarah had the opportunity to observe and participate in a variety of departments including marketing and buying.
Keep reading to see what they have to say about their experience.
What are you studying?
Alyssa: Fashion Marketing at LaSalle College.
Sarah: I'm studying fashion marketing at LaSalle College.
Why did you choose to study fashion marketing?
Alyssa: I was always so interested in working in fashion since I can remember and couldn’t really picture myself working in any other industry. Being from New Brunswick I realized I’d have to move to a bigger city to follow my dreams so after graduation I packed my things and moved to Montreal to start studying fashion marketing.
Sarah: I was really interested in the fashion design program and had my mind set on pursuing design because I really enjoyed the creative aspect of it all. Until I went to the open house and met one of the teachers. They told me right off the bat that I should be looking into the Marketing program because he thought I would love it even more. So I went home that night and researched everything there was to know about the program and I guess you can say they were right because now I'm going into my third and final year and I absolutely love the program and I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.
Do you have any additional interests outside of fashion?
Alyssa: I’ve always been really interested in videography and creative photoshoots. I’m definitely no professional but it’s always fun to get together with some friends who enjoy the same things and create some mini projects on the side. It’s fun for me because fashion is always usually incorporated into it too. It’s always a good way to get the creative juices flowing.
Sarah: Yes I’m really into photography it’s a fun little hobby of mine. I love planning mini photoshoots with my friends and just creating.
What’s the best part about interning at Suzy?
Alyssa: For me, the best part about interning at Suzy was just getting to be involved and see so many different aspects of the company in action. It was really interesting to see all the things you’ve learned in school but actually being used in the real world, it definitely gave me a lot to refer back to. I really loved interning at Suzy because it was so hands on and I even got to be involved in the campaign and weekly e-commerce photo shoots.
Sarah: The best part for me would have to be how hands on it is and you’re not doing the same thing every day which is really exciting because you get to learn a little bit of everything.
What is something you have learned on your Internship?
Alyssa: From my internship, it really solidified to me that the fashion industry is really where I want to work in the future and that I’ve made the right decisions so far for me. I also learned that just being yourself and working hard will really get you where you want to go and make great relationships along the way. Finally, this internship really helped to integrate the things I learned in school to the real world.
Sarah: Something I learned during my internship is that this experience really confirmed to me I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. I’ve also learned to not over stress about trying to be perfect and not to constantly worry about making a mistake because it’s all part of the learning process. And like Alyssa it has been a great way to see the things I have learned about in school in action!
Has the internship helped you decide what sort of job you want to do after school?
Alyssa: This internship has really helped to open my eyes to types of jobs in the fashion industry that I would have never pictured myself doing but now I know are possibilities. Suzy helped me to realize I’m definitely more drawn to something that includes creative aspects for sure.
Sarah: I’ve only been here for a short period of time but I’m hoping by the end of my internship I will have a better idea of what direction I want to go into after school.
What advice would you give to next years interns?
Alyssa: Some advice that I would give to any future interns would be to not be nervous or afraid and just kind of let go and jump in and fully immerse yourself as much as you can. Internships don’t last forever so it’s important to learn as much as you can while you’re there and be fully present. Don’t be nervous to ask questions or even ask for advice for your future endeavours. Finally, it’s important to be yourself and be kind to everyone you meet because you never know what someone might bring to your life.
Sarah: The best advice I can give is to not be afraid and don’t hold back because everyone here at SUZY is like one big family.
