What to do now?

This is the question I've been asking myself since leaving The Trend Boutique. I am revved up and ready to learn more - there are just so many ways for me to get experience - it's hard to choose which direction I want to go in! So I've just been applying for as many internships and placements as I can, in all different areas, from writing for magazines, to e-commerce on websites. I feel as though I need to really build up my portfolio in terms of written work, as magazines and fashion blogs always ask for "examples of recent work". I am definitely going to get in touch with Dusted magazine (the University of Derby student mag) when I return after the summer, as it would be excellent to get some of my work published. I've also been looking into any creative Derby based magazines, and am going to set myself mini-projects for the summer period.

UPDATE:

All that writing of cover-letters and endless emails have paid off! I have been offered a PAID placement at Young Ideas Fashion, based primarily in Ashbourne. The owner, Anne Wright, got in contact with me inviting me for an interview. It went wonderfully, and the shop in Ashbourne is simply stunning. So many beautiful clothes, bags, shoes... It reminds me a little of the shopping experience you would get in L.K. Bennett, where I worked for over a year. I could see myself fitting in at Young Ideas, but I didn't want to get my hopes up. I'd also heard back from the Glass Boutique, London - I received this email:

Hi Alice,

Thank you for very much for showing interest in our position for an Online Fashion Intern. If you are receiving this email..smile as it's good news because it means you have been shortlisted.

The next stage is for us to get a feel for your writing skills and tone as well as a chance for us to get to know a bit more about you.


1.In no more than 750 words who is your favourite designer and why?

2.Pick any product from the Glass Boutique site and write a blog post on it.

3.In no more than 750 words take a look around the Glass Boutique site and tell us what you like about it and any improvements you think can be made.

Deadline: 19/04/2011

We look forward to your reply and good luck!

P.S Nice C.V layout!

Regards,

Melissa

When I had applied for the Glass Boutique, I desperately wanted to get the placement as it seemed perfect for me - it would be a little bit of e-commerce along-side updating their blog and undertaking some other editorial work.

However, after two interviews and Anne advising me she had lots of applicants, I was told that I had got the position of the e-commerce intern at Young Ideas!! I had to take it, as not only was it a great place, an easy bus ride from my flat in Derby, but it was paid, which is very unusal for a placement. I wrote to the Glass Boutique as I felt there was no point in wasting their time as they needed someone ASAP, and then gratefully accepted the Young Ideas position!