IOWA STATE DAILY
Editor: Ainsley Chapman ainsley.chapman@iowastatedaily.com
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Tuesday, September 20, 2011
INTERNSHIPS
FULL SKIRTED DRESSES
Photo courtesy TopShop
By Lauren Lindeman ISD Style Writer
An unexpected yet lovable fashion trend this season is the modern look of full skirts. This was noted to be a very popular trend throughout this years MercedesBenz Fashion Week in New York City. After seeing so many designers showcasing this trend, stores everywhere took off and used this classic look as an inspiration for their collections. Full skirts are a wonderful way to add a chic twist to the dresses and skirts of this coming season. This retro-inspired trend is especially popular and is especially loved by several Fashion Week designers because it is a style that looks absolutely stunning on just about any body type. Full skirts are extremely flattering to curvy figures. The fit and flare shape of a full skirted dress creates a very sexy hourglass silhouette. Full skirts also work well for a slimmer figure. The only rule for the smaller figured ladies is to make sure not to wear a dress or skirt that is too long; this will overwhelm her slim frame. The best way for a women of this shape to strut this look is to find a full skirt that hits right below the knee. Anyone can look like they stepped right off the runway with this fresh new trend that we love. This look can be found anywhere from the ready to wear line of Cynthia Rowley to stores such as Forever21 or TopShop. Keep an eye out for all the fun, full skirted dresses this season so you can channel your inner fashionista with this ever so popular trend!
intern advice Hayley Maisel, Senior Apparel Merchandising and Design Marie Claire, New York City “Always be willing to go above and beyond what is asked of you. It’s what gets you recognized and makes you stand out from the rest.”
Cassy Dittmer, Junior Apparel Merchandising and Design Diane Von Furstenburg, New York City “One of the best things about my internship is the experience and confidence it gave me in the industry. Even though I am a merchandiser, I got experience in production, PR, and design departments. Internships give you real life experiences that cannot be replaced with classroom instruction.”
Mallorie Sheldahl, Senior Apparel Merchandising and Design, Journalism and Mass Communications Nordstrom, Seattle “Take advantage of every single opportunity. Your internship experience is what you make it.”
Chelsey Twedt, Senior Apparel Merchandising and Design BCBGMaxAzria, Los Angeles “It’s all about who you know, so make connections and don’t be afraid to ask questions!”
Lisa Bradshaw, Senior Apparel Merchandising and Design JCPenney headquarters, Plano, TX “Ask lots of questions and absorb as much information as you can. Also, be confident in yourself and be aggressive in your internship hunt.”
Katie Tomlinson, Senior Communication Studies O, The Oprah Magazine, New York City “Don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone by leaving Iowa for an internship. Living in NYC and working at O this past summer was an unforgettable experience.”
Arielle Willis, Senior Apparel Merchandising and Design Kohl’s Corporate Buying Office, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin “Take charge of your life and when in class be a professional. What you do in class shapes your character in the career world. Practice good work ethic, it will be apparent in interviews that you take your work seriously and are ready to work hard! I would also say don’t be scared to ask questions!”
Photo courtesy Cassy Dittmer Networking both before, during and after internships plays a vital role in future career success. Cassy Dittmer, summer merchandising intern at Diane Von Furstenburg is proof of how good networking can pay off.
Network to secure that dream internship
Active pursuit pays off in career experience By Sara Schlueter ISD Style Writer
Finding an internship in today’s world is key to having a successful career. While it can be a challenge for college students to find the perfect internship, there are plenty of ways students can prepare themselves to have a successful internship. One of those ways is to actively look for an internship that is of interest to you. “Many times people will wait on internship searches and take a passive approach,” said Kim McDonough, program and internship coordinator in the journalism
and mass communication department. “To get a fulfilling experience, look for organizations that you are interested in.” Many times organizations or companies won’t post internship opportunities available, and students should contact them and ask in this situation. “Sometimes companies can create an internship opportunity if a student has expressed interest in working for them,” McDonough said. Having experience before you apply for an internship and building a portfolio is helpful in letting companies or organizations know of your experience level. Debra Gibson, clinician and Meredith Professional in Residence, illuminates: “In the magazine industry you need clips to get an internship. They are giv-
ing the most notice to students who have been involved.” Getting a foot in the door in your area of interest for a career choice can be accomplished through the success of an internship, as well as testing out the waters to see if this career is what you want to do. “Many organizations like having young professionals they can train, since they were students once,” Gibson said. “You also make professional and personal contacts at an internship that can help you throughout your career experience.” “It’s so important because it shows that you have hands on experience in the field and to show a work history,” McDonough said. “It is also an issue of professionalism, and employers will then know you have worked in an office setting.”
INTERNSHIPS
Photo courtesy Cassy Dittmer The apparel merchandising and design production department works to provide students with the necessary tools to network and secure highly coveted internship positions.
FASHION
AESHM Week kick starts DOs & DON’Ts career hunting for students of interview attire By Ainsley Chapman ISD Style Writer
The pressure of finding and securing an internship weighs heavy on the shoulders of today’s college student, especially when the job market is at an all time competitive high. So how exactly does one stand out? Ann Thye, academic advisor for apparel merchandising and design has a few words of wisdom for those students starting the daunting internship hunt. “We [the AESHM department] work to provide all students with the tools they need to have a successful internship and career,” Thye said. “However it’s up to students to actually make it reality.” “You can’t expect it to come on a silver platter, you have to work for it if you want it.” The annual AESHM Week in the fall helps to prepare students in apparel merchandising and design, events, and hospitality management, prepare and search for internships. This year AESHM Week kicks off on Sunday, Sept. 25, with Project Runway ISU at the Memorial Union. Events are held each night of the week at various locations across campus. The events include
the AESHM Study Abroad Fair, the AESHM Internship Fair, the Career Fair, AESHM Entrepreneurs Lunch and Learn, and the Scholarship Luncheon for students who earned departmental scholarships. Each event is geared to helping students get as much help as they need to get a head start on a successful career. All apparel merchandising and design students are required to do something outside of Iowa. “Whether that is an internship, study abroad or the field study tours,” Thye said. “It’s important for students to get a full understanding of the industry.” Thye said attending AESHM Week events is the first step for students searching for an internship and aren’t sure where to begin. Thye recommends doing what she calls a “career workout” at least three times per week. “It’s just like you need to do a workout for your body, you need to spend time working out your networking skills and building your knowledge of the opportunities in your field.” For more information on events and resources offered by the apparel merchandising and design department contact Ann Thye at annthye@ iastate.edu, Chris Wise at clwise@iastate.edu or Dawn Fiihr atdmfiihr@iastate.edu.
By Kayla Kienzle ISD Style Writer
AESHM Events Sunday Sept. 25: Project Runway at the Memorial Union, students work throughout the day and the fashion show to reveal their work begins at 7 p.m.
Monday Sept. 26:
AESHM Study Abroad Fair 3 to 5 p.m. at MacKay Hall
Tuesday Sept. 27:
AESHM Internship Fair 4 to 7 p.m. in LeBaron Hall Wednesday Sept. 28: Internship Fair 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for all students
Thursday Sept. 29: Lunch and Learn
Friday Sept. 30: Scholarship Luncheon for students and parents who have earned departmental scholarships at the Tea Room. College of Human Sciences recognition of students who have earned scholarships at the Memorial Union.
Saturday Oct. 1:
College of Human Sciences event for students and families for ISU Family Weekend Throughout the week the colleges are doing “sit-ins” for open option students and high school students. In the sit-ins, students will be able to see first hand what the apparel merchandising program is like, and if it is something they would be interested in. For more information on the sit-ins contact Christine Wise at clwise@mail.iastate.edu.
What you wear to an interview is just as important as what is in your resume. It’s been said that 55 percent of a first-impression comes from non-verbal cues; proper appearance is vital. Create an image you will want employers to remember you by, think of it as branding yourself. Scored an interview? Here are some dos and don’ts to help you dress for success to seal the deal during the interview. DO: Wear hair back and pulled away from the face DON’T: Overdo jewelry; keep it simple with one set of earrings or a statement piece. Chandelier, hoop earrings and large beaded necklaces should NOT be worn. DO: Wear clothing that flatters your skin tone and in-season. Touches of color around the neckline help add to plain suits, jackets and skirts. DON’T: Wear sheer pieces, trendy clothing, or show significant amounts of skin. Anything that resembles a nightgown is NOT appropriate. Make sure cleavage is covered, especially during Skype interviews. DO: Don a well-fitted jacket. Make sure sleeves are proper length. Monochromatic colors like grey, navy blue, brown, taupe and camel are favorable choices. DON’T: Wear open toe heels, sandals or boots. Up to 3 inch heels are best height. Bags and shoes should match. DO: Get a manicure before the interview. Nails should be neatly manicured, medium length, and if painted, have subtle colors. Chipped polish, decals, sparkles or other decals are unprofessional. DON’T: Overdo makeup. Just mascara and lipgloss help make a professional appearance. Lots of eye shadow, bronzers or blushes are not flattering or tasteful. DO: Be confident. Whatever you wear, make sure it frames you.