The Intern Experience: Colleen Evers
written by Caitlin Peshek (@cpeshh)
Retail Merchandising and Product Development. Most of us have heard of the major or even know someone in it, but aren’t quite sure what it means. I interviewed Colleen Evers to learn what its like to be a RMPD major and intern at Coach in NYC.
Spirit Animal: Bald Eagle -- it represents the greatest country in the world, America and it is quick, brave and strong -- all things I aspire to be.
Daily caffeine: One bottle of the vanilla Starbucks Frappuccino on the way to work and a Diet Coke after lunch.
1. Could you tell us a little bit more about the RMPD major at Florida State?
“RMPD is really cool because you get the background of a “fashion” degree, but you’re learning the business side of it as well. The major itself is very unique because it is the only “Business Fashion” major in the state. Every one of our teachers has a background working in the industry, so it really prepares you for the real world.
The range of classes really helps you hone in on what you want to do afterwards as well. During your last semester you’re in an internship block. All of the classes are condensed into two months, January and February. After finals, you go off into your required internship for the next two months. Getting that real world experience before graduating is really helpful.”
2. What drew you to the major?
“The week before my freshman orientation I sat down on my family room couch with my parents and we pulled up the list of majors available at FSU. Going down the list, RMPD was the one that stuck out to me the most. I’ve always loved fashion, but never had the artistic ability to design, so having the business background of it was perfect.”
3. Describe a day in the life of a Coach intern.
“It’s nothing like what you’d expect. The first day I got here was two days before a huge deadline, so I was completely thrown into everything. It was amazing.
I was able to sit in on one of the color review meetings, which was insanely cool. You know the part in The Devil Wears Prada where they’re talking about cerulean blue and “how very different the two belts looked?” That is what a color review meeting is like, but in the coolest way. To know that I am a part of the team that completely decides all of the colors for everything that goes through production in Coach is phenomenal.”
4. What do you believe is the most valuable lesson you have learned from your internship?
“Expect the unexpected, be a sponge and go above and beyond.
Things change around here constantly, so you’ve always got to be on your feet ready for the next task. Learn everything that you can while you are in an internship. I’ve remembered the color names from the amount of times I’ve organized them and people notice. Being able to be the person that people come to even though you’re “just an intern” is a pretty awesome feeling.”
5. Do you have any tips for students trying to get internships, especially in the fashion industry?
“Apply everywhere! I probably sent 30 emails throughout Christmas break and the beginning of the semester. Don’t get discouraged if they don’t email back, but be persistent as well. If you really want it, follow up with an email a week or so after. People notice that and like they that are being pursued.
Network. Networking is key in any industry, but especially the fashion industry. Many people intermingle because they’ve moved from this company to that one or they’ve worked with this vendor. You never know who people may know.”
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