Emily Griffin interned with Saint Laurent to support visual merchandising across distinct New York City store locations.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience?
Throughout my internship, I implemented merchandising standards across stores and learned how decisions are made based on sales performance, store needs, and brand standards. I also assisted on projects that connected corporate planning to in-store execution, working directly with products and displays to help drive sales and productivity.
How was the internship related to your Applied Humanities degree?
My internship connects to my degree in many ways, especially in understanding people, culture, and sustainability, and in applying them to the real world. One of the strongest connections to my degree was the relationship between the visual merchandising team and the in-store associates--it was almost like intercultural communication. Working closely together and maintaining strong communication was important because each person brings their own vision and representation of the brand. Sustainability was another connection to my degree from my Fashion Studies emphasis, especially because Kering and Saint Laurent placed heavy emphasis on it. This internship has allowed me to see how the topics I have learned in the classroom are applied in industry.
If you worked on a big project, describe it.
This summer, Kering introduced a new Kering Summer Internship Program that brought together interns from across its Maisons, including Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Boucheron, and Kering Eyewear. Our assignment was to create a project reflecting our summer, outlining our role and business challenge, our approach and outcomes, and our personal insights and reflections. At the beginning of August, we presented to a panel of interns and leaders from across each Maison. It was a rewarding experience to share what I learned about Visual Merchandising at Saint Laurent.
What did you find most challenging about your internship and what did you learn from it?
The most challenging part of my internship was honestly being one of the youngest people there and adjusting to the professional environment. Saint Laurent is a highly respected and iconic brand, so walking into the office felt surreal. It felt like a movie, with everyone collaborating and looking so chic; it was very intimidating at first. As the summer went on, I was able to build individual relationships with the people on my team who all became mentors to me in their own ways. I learned that you would find yourself within the walls of Saint Laurent, and that having a strong, impactful support system behind you will make all the difference.
What was your favorite or most satisfying part of your internship?
My favorite part was getting to visit different stores across New York. Beyond the product itself, there's a whole culture that exists between corporate and in-store teams. Each location has its own distinct environment, but every store carries an energy that fits its neighborhood and clientele. Everyone I met was welcoming and open, and it was a privilege to see what inspires them and how each person represents Saint Laurent's vision in their own way. It helped me process what Saint Laurent means to me, with a real sense of brand loyalty and pride, and gave me the confidence to represent it in my own way.
What impact did your internship experience have on you?
Working at Saint Laurent completely changed my perspective on the fashion industry and what I'm looking for in my future. I already knew I loved fashion, but experiencing it firsthand showed me how connected every team is in executing Yves Saint Laurent's vision; from corporate strategy down to the in-store display. It's given me a much clearer picture of how much collaboration that takes. This experience confirmed that I want to build my career in the fashion space, and it gave me a stronger sense of the kind of work environment and brand values I want to look for moving forward.
What advice do you have for other students as they search for and/or begin their internship?
My advice is always to be yourself and stay confident, even when the environment feels intimidating at first. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Everyone there wants to help you and see you succeed, and asking questions early on will save you time and show that you're engaged. I'd also say to take the time to build genuine relationships with your team, not just for networking purposes, but because those people can become real mentors and make the experience so much more meaningful. Finally, stay curious and pay attention to the small details. Much of what I learned came from simply observing how experienced people made decisions.