Aug. 10, 2007

When Presbyterian College junior Janna Cone decided to expand her experience in fashion merchandising by seeking an internship with a professional designer, she chose to dream big.

Really big.

That decision paid off, as she will begin a four-month internship this month at Vera Wang's corporate offices in New York City, assisting with two of the internationally renowned designer's most popular lines.

It's a long way from Cone's hometown of Pickens, S.C. to Manhattan, but the distance is easily bridged by her desire to follow a dream.

"I've had an interest in fashion ever since I was a little girl when I would put on all of my mom's jewelry and play in front of the mirror.  I've just always loved clothes.  It's a girl thing," Cone said.  "Most of my internship will take place at Vera Wang's corporate offices, where I'll have a chance to get my hands in everything to find out what really interests me.  It's going to be a broad experience.

"They told me I'll be going to all of the fashion shows in the fall to get lots of hands-on experience, as well as working with Vera Wang's Lavender label, which is more everyday business wear, and her Ready-to-Wear line, which is more cocktail attire."

Cone, who will earn six semester hours toward her Presbyterian College degree for her internship, said the experience is a natural extension of her business management studies at the college.

"People may wonder how economics and accounting may help in fashion or another field, but every method in class, every way we're taught to think, and the way we're taught to analyze issues and problems prepares us for any field," Cone said.  "Even though PC doesn't have a fashion merchandising degree, my business degree and this internship experience will speak volumes."

It also speaks volumes about the expansion of PC's internship program.

Although PC students frequently study abroad at such locations as China, Korea, Italy, and England, as well as at American University in Washington, D.C., Cone will be the first PC student to enter a full-time internship with a company outside South Carolina.  It is, according to Linda Jameison, director of career services and internships at the college, an experience that will open new doors for students who plan to pursue careers in specialized areas,

"While an element of Janna's career goals can be met through local resources, she is breaking new ground by making a full time commitment to the learning experience that this internship provides.  She is relocating to New York City for the semester to where the hub of the fashion industry resides, recognizing that an immersion experience will be the best way for her to gain skills and contacts that will support her career interests," Jameison said.

"As more students take advantage of doing an internship program, the future will be growth oriented for the PC internship program," she added. "Students have been doing internships all along through relationships that faculty have with employer resources.  With the requirement of doing an internship or intercultural experience, we are building on the relationships established and expanding the types and quantity of internships that students can apply for.  Situations like Janna's, taking a semester away, will increase."

Jameison said many companies recognize internships as a mutually beneficial situation.  Not only are the young workers valuable resources for short-term projects, but they also help interns learn about those companies and available career opportunities.

"In the short term, the student starts to gain transferable skills that any employer or graduate program is looking for in qualified candidates.  Communication, problem solving, initiative, etc. are skills that students start to develop in school and then an internship experience helps a student learn to apply those skills in different environments.  The student also gains some perspective about how their academic and career interests intersect," she said.

"The long-term benefit is that the internship experience can provide career direction for the student.  Sometimes the best internship experience result is when the student says it was great, but not what they want to do for the long term, giving them the chance to reevaluate their degree and career goals.  Equally beneficial is when the student comes back from the internship knowing that they are on the right path and gain confidence in their ability to continue their success after college."

For Cone, whose most recent retail fashion experience has been at Plaza Suite - a Greenville, S.C. boutique - that is exactly the career verdict she is seeking.

"I've loved working with clothing and helping women and teenagers find the right clothes from among so many different lines.  It was not only a learning experience, but it also let me help people.  It's where I found my passion," Cone said. "I've never gotten my hand into designing, so I really don't know if I can design or if I would like it.  One of my hopes when the internship is complete is that I'll know exactly what it is I want to do. I know I want to be in the fashion industry, but I don't know if it's in sales, marketing, design, or the administrative side of it. I hope to figure out what my niche is."

That desire parallels Vera Wang's own path to success.  Following a career as a competitive ice skater, Wang joined Vogue at the age of 23 - the youngest ever fashion editor.  She later was design director of women's accessories for Ralph Lauren and found fame with her luxury wedding gowns.

Wang's interests have since expanded to include such categories as jewelry, footwear, eyewear, fragrances, and even mattresses.  She made headlines earlier this year when it was announced that she was designing a line of affordable clothing for Kohl's department stores.

"When I was in New York in May for my interview, I saw the rough stages of what will become the Kohl's line.  I don't think it really was public knowledge at that point, but I learned more about it and then was excited to see an article in the New York Times," Cone said. "It's for the everyday woman and not just couture for those who can afford it.  I think it's really going to take off and be a hit."

Admitting that she looks forward to experiencing the excitement of New York City, Cone said she will live just a few blocks from two Presbyterian College alumnae and fellow Zeta Tau Alpha sorority sisters - Allison Moeller and Katie Millichap.

"I think you either really like New York, you go there for two days and want to come home, or you never want to go at all. I love it.  I can't wait to not only work in the city but also to live there and experience all it has to offer - especially during the holidays," she said.  "I knew when I applied for the internship that if there was a time to do it - to go for the opportunity to live and work in New York at a dream job - this was the time. I thought 'why not dream big and go for it?'"

Jameison said Cone's groundbreaking internship will undoubtedly lead future PC students to dream big.

Really big.

"We anticipate that students will begin doing more international programs that will include an internship component.  Our alumni have already been supportive, and we are confident that their involvement through providing internships, or contacts that generate internships will assist in the growth of the program," Jameison said. "The internship may be local, regional or national.  Regardless of the location, quality internships will be as unique as our students, so that each individual student finds him or herself an experience that results in a desire for lifelong learning."

Posted by hmilam@presby.edu

News Headlines >>