Interning at a fashion public relations agency doesn’t start or stop with fashion week. After all, publicists do way more than just event production: They are working with their clients on press days, editorial placements, media opportunities, product launches and celebrity loans. Meaning, interns are needed year-round.”In an industry like this, every day is different,” Savannah Engel, founder of New York-based PR firm Savi, tells Fashionista. “You could be running returns, handling a fitting, executing an event or even finding a very specific poodle for a client’s runway show (A real task from this week). The possibilities are endless.”Which is why the application and interview process tends to be rather rigorous. Though every publicist has their own unique needs and characteristics they look for in an intern, there are many commonalities: Being coachable, proactive, organized and curious are just a few of the key traits needed to land a fashion PR internship in 2026.Ahead, four New York-based publicists who founded small-to-medium-sized agencies share everything they look for in a fashion PR intern — from resume requirements to cover letter tips to crucial hard skills.Finding Internship ListingsFashion PR firms share hiring 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 utilizes TikTok to find potential candidates. Lindsey Solomon, founder of Lindsey Media, gets so much organic traction from his internship posts that he does minimal promotion; they often get reposted across platforms including WhatsApp, Instagram, email and group chats, he tells Fashionista. “Interest tends to come in regularly and consistently. My goal is to make sure I’m selecting the best candidates without overwhelming myself with too many applications.”Internship hiring timelines vary by agency: Solomon hires on a rolling basis, taking on interns throughout the year as needed. “I also tend to slightly overhire, as I’ve found it increasingly difficult each season to confirm interns’ availability and commitment levels,” he adds. “This isn’’’t meant as a slight, but I often need to be prepared to pivot mid-season if schedules change.” Hinton hires ahead of every school semester (he’s hiring for summer now!), but he also takes on recent graduates looking to gain experience on their resume. Savi’s internship program runs during fall, spring and summer. It begins the hiring process two-to-three months in advance for its fall and spring cohorts and five-to-eight months in advance for its summer intern class.
Lindsey Solomon speaking to his staff of publicists and interns.Photo: Courtesy of Lindsey Media
Perfecting the Resume and Cover LetterWhile prior internship experience is always helpful, it’s not a requirement to land the job. Extracurriculars and volunteer work count as other ways applicants can showcase what they have to offer. “I look for candidates who have a clear understanding of both wanting to work with me specifically and having an interest in PR,” Solomon emphasizes. What is non-negotiable on a resume is a clear demonstration of key soft and hard skills. For the former, time management, problem-solving, adaptability and communication are crucial. Hard skills-wise, interns must be technologically adept, ideally with proficiency in Google Sheets, Microsoft 365 and media tracking platforms. “Some of our clients still use Excel and other traditional administrative and office platforms, so it’s really refreshing to have an intern who is technologically experienced and can write well,” Hinton explains. Engel adds that a resume’s format is just as important as its content. She expects it to be concise and legible and not exceed one page. “Your resume is not the place to get creative; don’t use color, and you definitely don’t need to add a photo,” she emphasizes. “Let your dedication and experience speak for itself.”A cover letter is an added bonus, according to the publicists. It’s a place for applicants to expand on their experience and why they’re interested in fashion PR, which otherwise couldn’t be fully addressed in a resume. “For instance, if you work at a restaurant but have no fashion experience, what context am I getting aside from the fact that you are enrolled in fashion school?” Charles explains.Engel adds that they serve as a first introduction. “Your cover letter convinces the reader that you are the best candidate for the position,” she says. “We need to understand that you really want this opportunity.”References Are EverythingReferences can also determine who moves forward or is rejected for a position. “I always check references, even those not listed,” Engel shares. A strong reference letter should clearly outline the applicant’s skills, work ethic and character. (The more specific the examples, the better.) Candidates who don’t have prior internship experience can still submit a reference letter from professors, club advisors, mentors or previous employers.”References are key when it comes to internships,” Solomon shares. “Given the volume of applicants, I’m often looking for reasons to move forward and meet with someone. A strong reference — especially from someone I know — can make a big difference in helping an applicant stand out and move across the line.”
Fashion PR interns at Sandrine Charles Consulting.Photo: Courtesy of Sandrine Charles Consulting
Bring Enthusiasm and Curiosity to the InterviewThe interview stage is when the applicant can finally show off their personality. This doesn’t necessarily mean being an extrovert (though, given how social the PR world is, it’s best to be a people person), but rather showing a lot of eagerness for the role. “I’ll be the first to admit I’m a personality hire,” Engel confesses. “I look for a go-getter, a ‘hustler,’ someone who gives their all and is in it for the long haul.”More than anything, publicists want applicants to walk into an interview well-researched. They should understand how the industry works; be up to date on fashion news, designers and trends; and know details about the company they’re interviewing. “Applicants should absolutely research the company, the person they are speaking with and what relevant projects might align with their interests,” Charles says. “A common interview mistake is when candidates have nothing to talk about.”Hinton adds, “Ask questions that are relevant to the job. I just offered to hire an intern because they were the most inquisitive out of the bunch, but asked questions that showed they were curious about the work and not from ChatGPT.”A candidate should also be knowledgeable when it comes to their own background, and prepared to speak on anything included in their resume and cover letter — and to sell themselves. “I’ve seen candidates lack creativity in explaining how their life experience so far has prepared them for this moment,” Hinton continues. “Just because you don’t have job experience doesn’t mean you don’t have experience. […] Being well-spoken, confident, intelligent and charismatic is key.”When in Doubt, Send the ‘Thank You’ EmailIt’s not always a deciding factor in getting the internship, but a post-interview email does leave a positive impression. “Because my attention is limited, I need interns who are proactive, focused and able to work independently without constant guidance,” Solomon shares. “Even small gestures like a ‘thank you’ note can make a big difference and prevent someone from fading into the background.””Thank you emails or letters are essential,” Charles says. “It is an acknowledgment of someone’s time to connect with you.” Engel adds that candidates who go the extra mile via handwritten letters never fail to get her attention.They don’t have to be long, but they should briefly touch on specific interactions throughout the application process that stood out, and reiterate why the applicant is interested in the position.
Nate Hinton with his staff of publicists and interns.
Prove Yourself Throughout the ExperienceOnce a candidate lands the internship, then comes the task of (positively) standing out. That’s because, in a best-case scenario, the internship can lead to a full-time position. Solomon appreciates interns who are willing to do every aspect of the job and are not only interested in fashion shows. “I’m turned off by anyone who isn’t willing to help with office prep,” he says. “For me, the prep work that goes into a show is far more important than the event itself. I’ve had interns in the past who treat it as ‘busy work,’ which doesn’t align with how I operate.”Hinton says interns who are eager, punctual, teachable, receptive and efficient always catch his attention. “Come in as the intern but learn the job of the PR coordinator,” he explains. No intern will be expected to come in knowing everything, but as long they put in true effort, they’re set up to succeed.”Give 110% everyday, be the most willing, the most curious and always say yes,” Engel adds. “This industry values dedication and hard work. If you want to stand out, give it your all.”Do you have an emerging brand you want to share with Fashionista readers? Jumpstart your business with our affordable digital offerings.
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