How to Get a Job as a Jewelry Design Intern

Every summer New York City swells with the influx of interns in businesses of all kinds. The fashion jewelry business is no different. The process usually begins in March with interviews of potential candidates.

I began my own career as an intern. I was not a part of a formal program but I knew I wanted to be a fashion jewelry designer so I got in touch with a recent graduate of my college, The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She was working for a New York Based company at the time as a full time designer.

She was able to get me an interview with the Design Director. I showed my portfolio, offered to work for free, and ended up with a paying job for the summer.

Every one of the designers I worked with during that summer and the Director who hired me are still working and each one is a part of my professional network and has been for the past twenty years.

The contacts made during an internship are critical.

The impression you make in this initial entry into your chosen field will be with you over the course of your career. I am pointing this out because I think this is an aspect of internships that individuals are currently failing to appreciate.

The way you present yourself, manage your time, execute your work, ask questions, and participate will establish what people like I will say about you once you have moved on. The question you must always keep in mind is, "What do I want them to say about me?" Your reputation begins right away, and can stay with you a very long time. Changing a bad first impression can take a great deal of effort. Be sure to make this the major focus of your goals as an intern.

As the former Vice President of Design at Liz Claiborne, as well as currently directing for lines at Haskell Jewels I have been and am still responsible for choosing and working with interns each summer.

Jewelry Design interns should posses a portfolio that exhibits an ability to draw freehand, work on the computer, execute technical drawings, hand manipulate designs, and create visual presentations.

When you show up for an interview it is always a good sign to arrive on time or a few minutes early. Always introduce yourself clearly, shake hands and smile.

It's a good idea to have done some research about the company you are interviewing with. I am always pleased when students have taken the time to find out what products we make and where they are sold. It shows a real interest in joining the company, not just any company.

I cannot express how important it is to be informed. If you should be asked, "What is it about our company that interests you most?" it is good to have an answer.

Believe it or not I have sat across from people giving me blank stares when I asked this very question!

Top tips for success: Show up on time, don't use your cell phone during work hours, don't stay plugged into your IPod.

Why? Show up on time because there is no reason not to. Don't chat with friends while being paid because it's not what you are being paid for. Please don't make me repeat myself because you could not hear me. I can get that at home from my kids, and you are not a kid-you are a paid designer now!

This is all a part of professional behavior in the workplace, and it will put you way ahead of your competition even if they happen to be more creative than you. At the end of the day it's the whole package that matters.

Creativity, personality, reliability, maturity, hard work, effort and consideration of others.

Finally, make sure that you build good relationships with your fellow interns, designers, and directors. Keep their contact information and keep in touch. These are the people that will be a part of your career for years to come.

Maintaining a network has never been easier. With sites like Face book and Linked in it is easier than ever. Begin with teachers and friends, tap into the people your parents may know in the industry. Never be shy to ask around. Someone always knows someone.

I landed my internship this way and my first full time job as well. One of the designers I had worked with that summer had moved to another company and was the new director there. I got the job because she knew I had experience and that I was reliable.

Remember, your professional reputation is established early, an internship is a great way to get it started right.