Christie Parlamas '09

Major: Business administration
Concentrations: International business and marketing
Internship location: Corporate communications intern, Tommy Hilfiger, New York, New York
When: Summer 2008

Throughout my internship in Tommy Hilfiger's corporate communications office, I was exposed to much more than just public relations and corporate communications. From day one, my business skills and professionalism were put to the test as I was truly treated as the "bottom of the barrel." With roundabout tasks and angry directions, I definitely learned not to take things personally in this fashion-oriented business.

From others' comments, such as "Always walk in here with a pen and paper" and "Oh no, I changed my mind, do it over," the concept of a hierarchy was more than evident at all times. From business ethics to communications, I was able to display my classroom knowledge in an everyday work environment.

With all the different departments, I soon learned how each one played a role within the company. Working closely with Andy Hilfiger, Tommy's younger brother, I was able to get a fresh new outlook on how an older generation viewed fashion and music of today's world.

Often asked to sit in on meetings for a "young and fresh perspective," it was interesting to learn how other people's minds worked when discussing current people and events from a more distant point of view. Here I was able to practice my communications skills in a professional environment, always taking down notes and being as useful as I could be. Only speaking when I was asked to, I was once again reminded how the hierarchy worked, but was more than happy to be the one intern within those glass walls for such meetings.

During my three months at Tommy Hilfiger, I learned more than just the intricacies of my responsibilities. I was taught how to take direction when completing a task and how to troubleshoot any problems I came across quickly and efficiently. I practiced communicating with everyone in the office while learning how each person's position within their department linked together to make the company run smoothly. Within the corporate communications spectrum, I was shown the importance of each type of media dispersed in various locations, no matter how small the mention may be. From working with others in my department, I continued to learn more and more skills, from event planning and logistics to organizing and archival research.

At the same time, I found out that many of the stereotypes about interns and the fashion world were true. It is important to work your way up and never take anything personally. As everyone I know has referenced this summer, the movie The Devil Wears Prada holds an entirely new meaning with me. Practicing organization and efficiency within the company, I was shown how important it is to keep track of everything that is out in the media about Tommy Hilfiger and the company. Professionalism played a huge role in my experience and I most definitely took advantage of the experience from day one, soaking up as much as I could and learning new things about the company and the fashion world on a daily basis.

Overall, this internship at Tommy Hilfiger has been a huge learning experience for me. I now not only have countless memories with new friends and experiences, but also have most definitely solidified my dream of working in the fashion environment upon graduation.

I now know that I can tackle anything thrown at me and look forward to the challenge as an employee with my own interns one day.