How to Stay in Touch with your Boss Long After your Internship Is Over

After an incredible semester, or two, of interning you probably feel like you can take on the world. After my first few internships, working with designers and magazines, I felt unstoppable. But after being in the glitz, the glamour, and excitement of this industry, having it all end so abruptly can be tough. Especially when you’re forced to face another semester of college ahead of you, the thought of losing your connections into the fashion world can seem daunting. So, it's important to stay in touch with your internship supervisor throughout your school year to keep your connection fresh and at the top of their minds without being too eager or annoying. Your boss’s schedule is super busy though, so you don't want it to seem like you are bombarding them with message after message. Instead, save it for a special occasion or moment.

Say, you see something that reminds you of your boss, a restaurant she told you about or her favorite television show you used to bond over, send her a short note. For example:

Dear (Insert Your Bosses Name Here),

I hope you are doing well!

I was just walking down the street and came across (Insert Restaurant Name Here) restaurant you told me to try over the summer and thought of you. I have been following along with the past few (issues/collections) and hope things have been great at (Insert Company Name Here).

All my best,
(Insert Your Name Here)

Something short and sweet, just reminding him/her of who you are and where your connection stems from. I'm sure reading a note like this will make them smile and know that you actually listened intently to everything they were saying. Also, leading up to fashion week, it can be nice to send your boss a note that you’re thinking of the company and want to wish them the best of luck. Especially during fashion week, when things are super busy and stressful, a note like that can mean a lot. These frequently infrequent messages are the best way to stay in touch without over doing it.

Now, after the year has passed, and when the end of your school year rolls around, feel free to shoot your boss another email. If you are looking for either a job or another internship, your past emails have left the doorway open to a message asking if they could give you some career advice when applying, or even pass your resume along. Just being honest and asking can’t hurt, especially after keeping in touch for the past year, your message won’t feel out of the blue and insincere.

The fashion industry is such a tight-knit web. Designers know publicists who know editors who know stylists. Everyone pretty much knows everyone. So when you make that first connection in the industry hold onto it tight and do your best to make the most of it.

For an inside look into the fashion industry follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @cvazzana.

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