The End of the Coveted Vogue Internship

When it comes to the creme de la creme of internship opportunities, toiling away in the sanctuary of chic for Vogue magazine is the quintessential college fashionista's dream.   I am asked about breaking into the fashion bible's hallowed hallways as much I am about sports internships.

The chance to click-clack your stilettos on the mag's marbles floors is coming to an end. 

Vogue October cover

Conde´ Nast, which owns publications like Vogue, Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, is ending its internship program starting in 2014.  This comes after two former interns, one from The New Yorker and one from W magazine, claim the company failed to pay them minimum wage during their 2009 and 2010 tenure. 

No doubt the former interns were probably overworked, underpaid, underfed and sent to do menial tasks.  Internships are about learning and paying your dues, certainly not to the extent that you are demeaned or marginalized but the grunt work is part of the gig. 

Internship are an essential part of the learning process and are a chance for aspiring Anna Wintours to learn fundamentals of an industry.  They are also a good opportunity to determine if the career you thought was your dream job is right for you.  Turns out it could be a nightmare.  

Personally, I am surprised interns expect to get paid for their time.  Typically, they earn college credit during their internship.  Undoubtedly there are some unsavory employers who might take advantage of this but most employers want their interns to succeed and are willing to do what it takes to ensure they do.

   

In the right setting, interns get credit, invaluable experience and connections that last the duration of their career.  I have written about this at length and it bears repeating: the right internship is the launching pad to a successful career. 

A fashion or sports internship is not easy.  But nothing worthwhile ever is.