College Students: On the Hunt for a Summer Job

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Summer doesn't officially begin until June 21st--and Rutgers exams end May 12th--but that shouldn't stop anyone from hunting for a job. Now is the perfect oppurtunity to go after what you want, especially if it's a career in the fashion industry.

Have you always dreamt of working at a major magazine, a la The Devil Wears Prada or Ugly Betty? Right now, tons of magazine publications are on the hunt for interns, including in the editorial and fashion departments. For listings, check ed2010 and Mediabistro. Magazines featured include TeenVOGUE, DETAILS, and W, among others. Keep in mind, though, that most internships are unpaid and that you will probably work long hours.

Want to intern at a fashion house? Assist a stylist? A combination of both? A good resource is freefashioninternships. The site posts listings from major labels, including Zac Posen, Elie Tahari, and Gucci, along with up-and-coming stylists, designers, and PR firms.

Of course, you can always gain experience by simply working in a retail position at a clothing store. Urban Outfitters and American Apparel both have openings in their New Jersey stores--AA even prides itself on frequently hosting open call interview days.

Applying for any of these positions comes with stiff competition. Keep the following in mind:

• Make sure that your cover letter is tailored to the company in question. You want to show your interest in and knowledge of the business.

• Your resume should be typo-free and as up-to-date as possible. Have you held down a part-time job during the semester? Are you familiar with HTML, Microsoft Office, and the like? List your skills!

• If you don't hear back from someone, don't be afraid to send a follow-up e-mail a week later, stressing that you remain very interested in a position. You never know what could happen...

--ZS