Internship Spotlight: Kaitlyn Burgess

Name: Kaitlyn Burgess

Major: Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles

Expected Graduation Date: May 2017

Internship Location: Showroom Delfina, New York, NY

Please describe your typical day as an intern:

My typical day as an intern begins with making sure that the lines in the showroom are in order for any appointments that day. After that, I will check in with my mentor for the week and assist them with various tasks, such as calling for approvals and sending out email blasts. Throughout the day I may be given other tasks such as picking up/dropping off samples around town or doing research on stores that could potentially be picked up as accounts. Depending on my mentor for the week, I attend buying appointments, both inside and outside of the showroom.

How are you using and applying classroom knowledge in your internship?

I am using knowledge about wholesale that I learned in MAT 315 to better understand the role of the showroom in the retail distribution chain. I am also using knowledge about fabrication I learned in MAT 120 as a tool for understanding what the upcoming trends are and what particular accounts are seeking.

What is one key thing you have learned during your internship?

One key thing I have learned during my internship is there is no job too small because everything you do helps contribute to the success of the company.

If you could share one piece of advice for other students who are preparing to complete an internship, what would it be?

Don't be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone because that's where true growth happens.