Erika Gay gained experience as an editorial intern for a fashion and lifestyle magazine where she contributed to the publications’ research and writing on current trends, fashion, and lifestyle.
Fashion Editorial Contributor
Erika Gay gained experience as an editorial intern for a fashion and lifestyle magazine where she contributed to the publications’ research and writing on current trends, fashion, and lifestyle.
How did you get your internship?
I got my internship through using job platforms like Handshake, Indeed, and LinkedIn. I spent a couple of months applying to many internship opportunities across all platforms and finally landed my internship through a posting on LinkedIn. I was open to different types of roles but I needed a remote position because I was already working a part-time job and finishing my classes on campus.
Why did you choose this internship?
I chose this internship because it allowed me to utilize my creative skills and also grow in fashion and trend researching. This is something I wanted because I hope to pursue a career in styling where trend forecasting and knowing what is popular is very important. The interview process also was a good fit for me because I got to propose potential article ideas and talk about where I gather my trends and social media knowledge from. Posting on social media and content creation was another part of the role which is something I enjoy and a good skill to have since social media and technology are marketing tools used across industries.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience?
I researched and wrote articles that would be posted to the magazine and social media. After I was assigned the article topics that I was given to choose from, I began doing research on online articles, by watching fashion shows, and strategically searching social media. Once I compiled my research, I spent the majority of the time on actually writing and editing my work so it was ready to submit for review. The topics I chose gave me the opportunity to research independently and find relevant, reliable information, which was especially for my fashion week article. Overall, this experience showed me the work that goes into writing articles and keeping up with content creation.
How was the internship related to your Applied Humanities degree?
My internship was a great fit with my Applied Humanities degree because it allowed me to put so many of the skills I’ve developed into use, especially in communication, cultural awareness, and creative thinking. Writing about fashion, trends, and pop culture isn’t just about style; it's about understanding people, identities, and how culture shapes the way we express ourselves, which ties directly into what I studied in the program. I believe what I learned in these four years helped me be successful at my internship.
What is something you think was unique about your internship experience?
I think I have a sense of creativity and expression that enabled me to write freely and create articles that were engaging. Also, having the freedom to choose fashion-related topics that I enjoy motivated me to write more passionately and integrate my personal experiences into my work. Also, as an avid social media user, I would often find article ideas from what I saw trending on my feeds even when I was scrolling for personal enjoyment and not purposely seeking out research.
What new knowledge and skills did you develop during this experience?
I learned a lot about writing in a real-world setting. I got to write articles on fashion, pop culture, and current trends, which helped me find my voice as a writer and understand how to connect with different audiences. I also got a better feel for how to write catchy headlines, do quick but thorough research, and meet fast-paced deadlines. On top of writing, I worked on the magazine’s social media, which taught me how to create content that’s both eye-catching and on-brand. I learned how to plan and schedule posts, track engagement, and adjust strategies based on what was working.
How did your Applied Humanities major coursework give you unique insight for the internship experience?
My Applied Humanities coursework really helped me approach the internship with a broader perspective. Classes that focused on communication, cultural studies, and decision-making gave me a strong foundation for understanding the purpose behind the content I was creating. Instead of just writing about trends, I was thinking about what those trends say about society, identity, and values. Creative writing allows a lot of freedom, but it is also important to understand your own core values and those of the organization to be able to stay true to them.