Brooke Spencer developed skills in fashion merchandising and social media content management as a sales associate at Swindlers.
How did you get your internship and why did you choose this opportunity?
I got my internship at Swindlers, where I was already working as a sales associate. One of my fellow coworkers had told me she did her internship with Swindlers before. I really want a future career in fashion and marketing, and this experience was a great opportunity for me because I would be able to manage the internship and my job well with my schedule.
Another reason I chose this internship is because I wanted to learn more from my boss. She’s so intelligent and I really admire her work. Someday I would like to run a business like her. I thought that with her leadership, vision, and help, I can receive insight that helps put me on the right path for myself in the future. I also wanted to learn more about what she does with merchandising for the store, and I was glad to contribute as she was able to use my perspective as well. It worked out for both of us!
What new knowledge and skills did you develop in this internship?
New knowledge that I developed from this internship consists of merchandising, buying, and managing social media. Learning how to merchandise a store to make it cohesive is A LOT harder than I thought, but I started to get a really good understanding of it. I’ve learned that what we buy for Swindlers is very specific to our consumer. I have also learned that social media can be very tedious, especially when you have an audience to constantly satisfy.
What was the most satisfying part of your internship?
The most satisfying part of my internship was getting to go on a merchandise buying trip to Las Vegas. It was very fun and rewarding but also tiring and tedious since the days were long. I was excited to have a voice and opinion for the merchandise we were buying - the experience felt really empowering. I also just had a good time getting to know both my boss and manager a little better.
What did you find challenging about your internship?
I think the most challenging part of my internship was managing Swindlers social media accounts. I felt the pressure of needing to constantly push out content. A strategy I used to get around this obstacle was by asking others for ideas I could use. This reinforces the idea that it is important to collaborate with others and seek feedback.
How has your internship experience influenced your plans for your future?
My internship has influenced my plans for the future in many different ways. I plan to incorporate my interests of clothing and social media into my career. I’m very happy that this internship helped me understand how I might apply these interests into my career. My boss has also made a big impact on me because I look up to her as a very successful woman, like I hope to be one day.
What advice do you have for other students as they search for and begin their internship?
You should choose an internship that you really care about and will actually make a difference for you and your future. Also, do not be afraid to ask questions and really learn from your internship. Take advantage of that opportunity to gain as much knowledge as you can for yourself!