Ryan Park has gained valuable skills in design and fashion production as a fashion design intern for Yuasa Studios.
How did you get your internship?
I applied to over 80 different internships and got to the interview stage for about 10 of those internships. Like most people I had applied for these internships through LinkedIn, Handshake, and Indeed. After going through multiple different stages of the interview process with different internships it was between Yuasa Studios and another offer, and I ultimately decided to move forward with Yuasa Studios. I was able to secure the internship with Yuasa Studios through being able to showcase my creative thinking, and intentions with the company if given the opportunity.
Why did you choose this internship?
I chose this internship for many different reasons, the main one being how easy it was for me to build a relationship with my site supervisor and the other staff workers throughout the interview process. It felt like a great sign that this was a company that has a good workplace environment. Also, when talking about what I would be doing throughout the internship they assured me that there would be a wide range of activities I would be able to do, thus expanding my knowledge and skill set. This was a huge pull factor for me, as other internships were only focused on a more narrow part of the fashion industry, while Yuasa Studios offered to show me almost every different part of the industry.
What is unique about your situation that influenced your experience?
What made my situation unique was that my internship was remote, so I also balanced working another job simultaneously. This experience helped me develop strong time management and organizational skills. This flexibility allowed me to gain practical industry experience while being able to support myself financially. Through this internship, I was able to explore different areas of the fashion industry including the design, manufacturing, and sampling processes, all of which showcased how a concept becomes a finished product. This unique experience was something that many other companies could not offer me.
What new knowledge and skills did you develop in this internship?
During my internship, I developed valuable skills that are both specific to the fashion industry and universally transferable. I gained experience in pattern making, which enhanced my technical understanding of different garment constructions. I also learned how to effectively source fabrics, balancing quality and cost-efficiency. Additionally, I built my communication skills by coordinating with overseas manufacturers, navigating time zones, cultural differences, and technical details to ensure the best product. These experiences not only deepened my knowledge of the fashion industry but also improved my problem-solving, adaptability, and collaboration skills.
How was the internship related to your Applied Humanities degree?
My internship directly connected to my Applied Humanities degree by integrating the creative, technical, and communication skills I learned through my Applied Humanities coursework. Applied Humanities emphasizes understanding diverse perspectives and solving real-world problems, which I practiced while collaborating with overseas manufacturers and sourcing different fabrics. This experience confirmed just how much my degree prepared me to navigate complex industries like fashion.
What is the impact of your internship experience?
My internship experience had a big impact on my professional growth and career aspirations. It provided me with an understanding of the fashion industry as a whole, from design to manufacturing and sampling, while sharpening transferable skills like communication, organization, and problem-solving. Working remotely while balancing another job also strengthened my time management abilities and work ethic. This experience not only solidified my passion for fashion design, but also gave me the confidence and skills to pursue a career that integrates creativity, innovation, and team collaboration. It has been a huge stepping stone in shaping my future in the industry.
What advice do you have for other students as they search for and begin their internship?
Some advice I have is to always do research on the company you are applying to and interviewing for. Also, make sure not to limit your search when applying to internships. Even if the internship does not fully align with what you imagined yourself doing, that internship can give you a foot in the door in a certain industry or company. When in the interview process, you should always have different stories to tell and examples to give that showcases your talents and transferable skills. Lastly, when in the internship, never be afraid to ask questions because that is how you learn and grow and it is also a way to expand your network.