if i want to have a career merchandising, what internships do you think would be best to get experience in that field ?

Hi Anna,

A fashion merchandiser may have several different duties.

Most fashion merchandisers must be able to predict future fashion and market trends. In order to do this, these professionals will often need to rely on their own research as well as current trend reports.

After predicting future fashion trends, fashion merchandisers will also determine which fashions and garments that a particular store should stock. The type of merchandise that a garment store will stock is not only determined by fashion trends, but also by the type of clientel that a store caters to. For instance, a chic boutique will usually stock high end expensive fashions, while a large chain retailer will typically stock trendy yet affordable fashions.

Buying different garments in order to stock stores is another responsibility of some fashion merchandisers. Buyers will usually need to travel often and interact with suppliers and manufacturers. When purchasing the different fashions, a fashion merchandiser must usually follow a strict budget. Finding the best deals for the merchandise usually requires a certain type of charisma and assertiveness.

Fashion merchandisers will also usually have a hand in setting prices and displaying the different types of fashion as well. Pricing garments can be somewhat difficult, as the prices must reflect the quality of the garment as well as be affordable for the intended clientele Some fashion merchandisers will also help create window displays and direct fashion photography shoots.

In: http://www.theartcareerproject.com/fashion-merchandising-where-fashion-meets-business/248/

In this link you can find some internship opportunities:
http://www.simplyhired.com/k-fashion-merchandising-internship-jobs.html

Best!

Hi Anna,

Also, check and see if your school offers opportunities to do shadow days at companies. Typically a shadow day lets you visit the office and shadow a group for a day or even a week. Nordstroms is one of the companies that comes to mind that opens their doors to future fashion majors. This way you can see first hand how some aspects of merchandising work at a store level.

Use social media to network and learn more about the people working in the industry. You can also find organizations to follow like Merchandising Inc: http://www.merchandisingincorporated.com/networking/

Are you open to relocating even if it is just for your internship? Most of the opportunities you will find are in fashion hubs like New York, Chicago and Dallas.

Best of luck!