An Intern Has No Name: An Inside Look at the Fashion Industry

Most people’s perception of the fashion industry has been built around the multi award nominated 2006 film, The Devil Wears Prada. Starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway the film chronicles the success and failures of an entry-level position in the cutthroat fashion industry.

With Kent State being ranked third in the nation on a list of fashion programs, we interviewed one Kent State student to describe her personal experience in the cutthroat fashion industry.

Alexandra Guzma, a Senior Kent State fashion student, has spent the last seven months interning and studying in New York City through the Kent State study away program. She knew from a young age that she wanted to be a part of the fashion industry after years of shopping with her mother.

When asked how closely her experience has mirrored The Devil Wears Prada she responded “I have to say no, but it is by no means glamorous, our tasks are very much more attainable, but it is not as hard as the movie makes it seem.”

While Guzma admits that the movie seems exaggerated she has heard “horror stories” from her friends who have also interned in the city, reporting late nights and seemingly impossible tasks.

Guzma, having interned within the heart of the fashion industry, has several pieces of advice to those hoping to one-day join the fashion ranks.

“I would not treat this internship like an internship, I would treat it like a job” she advises. “Always be cautious of what you’re doing, you don’t think that your boss is noticing how much time you are spending on your phone, but she is.”

Guzma encourages future interns to not be afraid to ask questions, and to ask your supervisor to tailor your experience to your needs.

So while the fashion industry is definitely one that sets high expectations in their workers, it appears to not be quite as harsh as what The Devil Wears Prada may seem. Future interns can rejoice and not be left quaking in their boots at the thought of a future Miranda Priestly asking you to nab the newest Harry Potter book before it hits the shelves.