11 Best Fashion Internships for High School Students

Have you ever dreamed of working in the exciting world of fashion? Maybe you sketch outfit ideas in your notebook or religiously follow the latest trends. If so, a fashion internship could be the perfect way to turn your passion into a real-life experience! But for high school students with a passion for style, it can also seem a little out of reach. However, many fashion brands and institutions offer incredible internship programs specifically designed for high school students.

This blog shares the top 11 fashion internships specifically designed for high school students. We’ll explore a variety of opportunities, from design houses to retail giants, giving you a taste of the various careers available in the fashion industry.

Benefits of Fashion Internships for High School Students

The world of fashion is exciting, ever-changing, and full of creative possibilities. These fashion internships are a great way to gain valuable experience, learn from industry experts, and discover your niche within the vast fashion scenario.

• Gain real-world skills: Fashion internships provide hands-on experience that goes beyond textbooks. You learn technical skills like using design software or working with textiles. You may also develop business-oriented skills in areas like trend research, marketing, or production.

• Explore career paths: The fashion industry has many facets, from design to retail to marketing. An internship allows you to test the waters in different areas and discover which ones excite you the most. This can be crucial for guiding their future academic and career choices.

• Build a network: Internships connect you with professionals in the fashion industry. These connections can blossom into mentorships, job recommendations, or even future collaborations. Networking is essential in the competitive fashion industry, and an internship provides a head start.

• Develop soft skills: The workplace requires more than technical skills. Internships help you develop essential soft skills like communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving. These are transferable skills that will benefit you in any career path you choose.

The 11 Best Fashion Internships for High School Students

1. Yocket High School Summer Internship Program

The Yocket High School Summer Internship is an intensive 4-week virtual program designed to propel you into the exciting world of fashion. Gain hands-on experience by working alongside industry professionals on real-world projects. You’ll work in areas like trend forecasting, fashion marketing, or even design with the guidance of expert mentors. They’ll support you every step of the way, from brainstorming creative ideas to crafting a stellar college application that highlights your newfound skills and knowledge.

This program goes beyond just technical expertise. Weekly mentorship sessions, practice assessments to gauge your progress, an official letter of recommendation, and a director-signed certificate will solidify your academic profile and impress potential employers in the fashion industry. With limited spots available for only 50 students and applications closing soon, don’t miss this chance to join a global network of aspiring fashion enthusiasts and take the first step toward your dream career.

2. Gap Inc. This Way ONward

Gap Inc.’s “This Way ONward” program empowers young people, particularly Black and Latinx teens aged 16 and over, to start their careers in retail. Partnering with local Old Navy stores, the program offers first jobs alongside mentorship to guide participants toward achieving their goals. 

“This Way ONward” provides teens with the necessary skills through job readiness training, provides exposure to the world of retail, and guides them through the application and interview process for part-time or seasonal positions. With ongoing coaching and support, the program helps teens secure their first jobs, builds confidence, and sets them on a path to future success.

3. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Freshman Forum

Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s Freshman Forum is a week-long virtual program that connects freshmen nationwide for an introduction to the retail industry. You’ll learn from A&F leaders about their target customers and how their lifestyles and interests shape business decisions.

The program doesn’t stop at theory. You’ll also work in teams on a real-world customer insights case study. By analyzing data, you’ll develop solutions that can be implemented by the A&F brands. You require a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and a hunger to learn.

4. Internships at URBN

URBN, the company behind popular brands like Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Free People, offers a competitive internship program for passionate individuals seeking hands-on retail experience. Held annually from June 3rd to August 9th, the program allows interns to work on a specific area of interest within URBN for 10 weeks.

Interns will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the fast-paced retail world, all while earning a competitive hourly wage. The program is primarily located at URBN’s headquarters in the historic Philadelphia Navy Yard, but there might be possibilities for remote work as well.

5. Land’s End Summer Internships

Lands’ End, a leading retailer in clothing and home decor, offers a dynamic 12-week summer internship program designed to provide students with work experience and career development opportunities. Interns will be fully involved in the company’s culture through mentorship, participation in group projects, leadership workshops, and networking events.

This well-rounded program offers competitive compensation, a generous discount on Lands’ End products and those from partner organizations, and the chance to learn from industry professionals while contributing to real projects.

6. Terry Costa Internship

Terry Costa, a leading bridal and formal wear salon, offers paid internships for students looking to gain experience in the fashion and retail industry. The internship program provides a well-rounded education in various aspects of the business, including business operations, customer service, sales and marketing, retail operations, and social media management. Interns will also gain experience working directly with clients, potentially even assisting in the bridal department.

7. Nordstrom Ambassador Program

Nordstrom offers a virtual internship program, the Nordstrom Ambassador Program, designed for young adults aged 14–22 with an interest in the fashion retail industry. This eight-month program connects participants with mentors and industry organizations in merchandising.

Through the program, interns gain behind-the-scenes experience while developing practical skills in social media, marketing, and design. While unpaid, the program offers a significant perk: a renewable $1,000 scholarship to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, potentially providing up to $4,000 toward a fashion education.

8. Design Hive Program

The Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum’s Design Hive program is an opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to step into the world of design. Over the course of seven months, this program takes students on a journey from initial concept to final design. Through workshops and hands-on experiences, participants will develop design skills and techniques, explore various design career paths, and gain invaluable insights from industry professionals working in fashion. As a bonus, students receive a $2,000 stipend to acknowledge their commitment to the program.

9. Brooklyn Museum Creative Practice

The Brooklyn Museum’s Creative Practice is an eight-month paid internship where you’ll learn about art, design, fashion, and social change alongside like-minded peers. You’ll explore how art can be a powerful tool for social justice, collaborate on creative projects inspired by the museum’s exhibitions, and gain experience working with professional artists and educators. The program runs for eight months, with interns contributing up to 120 hours and earning $15 per hour.

10. MAD Artslife Interns

The Museum of Art and Design’s (MAD) Artslife Internship program is a six-week summer program. It is open to rising sophomores and juniors, offering an enriching experience that blends art, design, and leadership training with museum studies and community engagement.

You’ll gain real-world experience by working alongside museum staff, established designers, and artists. Not only will you hone essential soft skills like presentation, communication, and public speaking, but you’ll also explore New York City’s cultural institutions, all while getting paid $16 an hour. This program is an opportunity to learn, grow, and build a strong foundation for a future career in any creative field, including fashion.

11. The Met Summer High School Internships

The Met Summer High School Internship is an opportunity to gain work experience in the world of art. This program isn’t just about fashion; it’s also about exploring your interests and developing transferable skills like communication and teamwork, all under the guidance of inspiring museum professionals. You’ll build a network of like-minded peers and gain real-world experience that will impress colleges and future employers alike.

From the Desk of Yocket

Fashion internships are opportunities for high school students to test the waters of a dynamic and creative industry. These experiences provide a much-needed bridge between classroom learning and the realities of the fashion industry. You gain practical skills, explore different career paths, and build a network of professionals, all while solidifying your passion for fashion. An internship can be a turning point, giving direction to your academic and professional goals and preparing you to thrive in this booming field.

Furthermore, fashion internships are valuable even if they don’t confirm your desire to pursue a fashion career. The soft skills developed, like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, are transferable to any field. However, it’s important to remember that internships can vary greatly. It’s crucial to research opportunities thoroughly to ensure they align with your interests. Look for internships that provide mentorship and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to projects. By carefully choosing the right internship, you can maximize the benefits and gain a strong foundation for your future in fashion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there fashion internships available for high school students?

Yes, there are many fashion internships available for high school students. Boutiques, established brands, and fashion schools are all great places to start your search.

What kind of experience can I expect to gain from a fashion internship?

Fashion internships can expose you to various aspects of the industry. You might learn about design, production, marketing, or retail. You’ll also develop soft skills like communication and teamwork.

How will a fashion internship help with college applications?

Internships show your passion and initiative in the fashion world. They strengthen your application by showing real-world experience and a commitment to your chosen field.

I don’t have any experience in fashion. Can I still apply for internships?

Many internships welcome beginners! Highlight your passion, willingness to learn, and any relevant skills you possess, like sewing, drawing, or social media savvy.