How to Get a Fashion PR Internship, According to Publicists

Entry into the fashion and public relations industry does not begin or end at fashion week. After all, publishers do more than just event production: They work with their clients on publication dates, editorial placement, media opportunities, product launches and celebrity endorsements. In other words, trainees are needed all year round.

“In an industry like this, every day is different,” Savannah Engel, founder of New York PR firm Savi, told Ujo Shop. “You could be doing returns, managing a fit, doing an event or getting the perfect poodle for a client’s runway show (This week’s Real Job). The possibilities are endless.”

That’s why the application and interview process is often intense. Although every publicist has their own unique needs and the characteristics they look for in an intern, there is much in common: Discipline, diligence, organization and curiosity are some of the key qualities needed to get a fashion PR internship in 2026.

Ahead, four New York-based community founders of small-to-midsize agencies share everything they look for in a fashion PR intern — from resume requirements to book tips to essential hard skills.

Finding an Internship List

Fashion PR firms share recruiting opportunities across multiple channels. Sandrine Charles, founder of Sandrine Charles Consulting, puts out calls on Instagram, LinkedIn and various school boards, as does Nate Hinton, founder of The Hinton Group. Engel also uses TikTok to find potential candidates.

Lindsey Solomon, founder of Lindsey Media, gets so much from her internships that she makes a small raise; they are often reposted on all platforms including WhatsApp, Instagram, email and group chats, he told Ujo Shop. “Interest comes in regularly and consistently. My goal is to make sure I select the best candidates without overwhelming myself with multiple applications.”

Internship hiring times vary by agency: Solomon hires on an ongoing basis, taking on interns throughout the year as needed. “I also tend to hire less, as I find it more difficult each season to ensure intern availability and commitment levels,” he adds. “This is not a small thing, but I usually need to be ready to rotate during the season if plans change.” Hinton hires before every school semester (he’s hiring for the summer now!), but also takes fresh graduates who want to get experience on their resumes as well.

The Savi internship program runs in the fall, spring and summer. It begins the recruiting process two to three months in advance for its fall and spring cohorts and five to eight months in advance for its summer student class.

Perfecting the Resume and Cover Letter

Although previous internship experience is always helpful, it is not a requirement to get a job. Extracurriculars and volunteer work are listed as other ways applicants can show what they have to offer. “I’m looking for candidates who have a good understanding of both who want to work with me directly and who have an interest in PR,” emphasized Solomon.

Whatis somethingA non-negotiable on a resume is a clear demonstration of key soft and hard skills. First, time management, problem solving, adaptability and communication are essential. Hard skills wise, interns should be tech savvy, ideally proficient in Google Sheets, Microsoft 365 and media tracking platforms. “Some of our clients still use Excel and other traditional office and management platforms, so it’s really refreshing to have an intern who is tech-savvy and can write well,” explains Hinton.

Engel adds that the format of a resume is as important as its content. You expect it to be short and readable and not exceed one page. “Your resume is not a place to be creative; don’t use color, and you don’t really need to add a picture,” he insists. “Let your dedication and experience speak for themselves.”

The cover letter is an added bonus, according to the publishers. It’s a place for applicants to expand on their experience and why they’re interested in fashion PR, which wouldn’t be fully covered in the resume. “For example, if you work in a restaurant but have no experience in fashion, what context do I get unless you enroll in fashion school?” Charles explained.

Engel adds that they serve as a first introduction. “Your cover letter convinces the reader that you are the best person for the position,” he says. “We have to understand that he really wants this opportunity.”

References Are Everything

Referrals can also determine who gets promoted or rejected. “I’m always looking for clues, even the ones that aren’t listed,” Engel said. A strong reference letter should clearly outline the applicant’s skills, work ethic and character. (The more specific the examples, the better.) Students with no prior internship experience can still submit a letter of reference from professors, club advisors, counselors or previous employers.

“References are important when it comes to internships,” said Solomon. “Because of the volume of applicants, I often look for reasons to go ahead and meet someone. A strong reference – especially from someone I know – can make a big difference in helping an applicant stand out and get across the line.”

Bring Enthusiasm and Curiosity to the Conversation

The interview stage is where the applicant can finally reveal their personality. This doesn’t necessarily mean being an outsider (or, given the way the world of PR is, it’s good to be a people person), but rather show a lot of enthusiasm for the role. “I’ll be the first to admit I’m a mercenary,” Engel admitted. “I look for a go-getter, a ‘hustler,’ someone who gives it their all and is around for a long time.”

Above all, publishers want applicants to come in well-researched for the interview. They must understand how the industry works; know about fashion news, designers and trends; and know details about the company they are interviewing with. “Applicants should thoroughly research the company, the person they are speaking with and what suitable projects would fit their interests,” said Charles. “A common interview mistake is when candidates have nothing to talk about.”

Hinton adds, “Ask job-related questions. I recently asked to hire an intern because they were the most curious on the team, but I asked questions that showed they wanted to know about the job and not ChatGPT.”

A candidate should also be knowledgeable when it comes to their background, and be prepared to talk about anything included in their CV and cover letter – and sell themselves. “I’ve seen candidates lack the wisdom to explain how their life experiences up until now have prepared them for this moment,” continued Hinton. “Just because you don’t have itworkexperience doesn’t mean you don’t have itexperience. […] Fluency, confidence, intelligence and interest are important.”

If in Doubt, Send a ‘Thank You’ Email

It’s not always the deciding factor in getting an internship, but a post-interview email leaves a good impression. “Because my attention span is short, I need trainees who are active, focused and able to work independently without constant supervision,” said Solomon. “Even a small gesture like saying ‘thank you’ can make a big difference and prevent someone from hiding behind their back.”

“Thank you emails or letters are important,” said Charles. “It’s about agreeing to time for someone to contact you.” Engel adds that candidates who go the extra mile with handwritten letters never fail to catch his attention.

They don’t have to be long, but they should briefly touch on certain interactions throughout the outstanding application process, and also state why the applicant is interested in the position.

Express Yourself in Every Experience

If the candidate gets an internship, then comes the (good) job to shine. That’s because, in the best case scenario, an internship can lead to a full-time position. Solomon appreciates trainees who are willing to do all aspects of the job and are not only interested in fashion shows. “I am turned off by anyone who is not willing to help prepare the office,” he said. “To me, the prep work that goes into a show is more important than the event itself. I’ve had interns in the past who treat it as ‘busy work,’ which doesn’t fit the way I work.”

Hinton says interns who are motivated, punctual, teachable, receptive and efficient always catch his attention. “Enter as a student but learn the work of a PR consultant,” he explains. No student will be expected to come in knowing everything, but as long as they make a genuine effort, they are destined to succeed.

“Give 110% every day, be very determined, very curious and always say yes,” Engel adds. “This industry really values ​​dedication and hard work. If you want to stand out, do your best.”

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