Kailey Pepin

Major: Apparel, Merchandising, and Design (Fashion)
Company/Organization: The Funky Zebras
Company/Organization website: https://thefunkyzebraames.com/
Destination: Ames, Iowa
Timeframe: Spring 2024
Advisor/Coordinator Email: jgagnon@iastate.edu

Responsibilities

My responsibilities during my internship were planning events, creating social media posts, changing around the store’s floor, changing mannequins, being a sales associate, and helping with buying. I enjoyed the buying aspect because I got to see what it is like to buy for a company, how that works, and the typical turnaround time to put that product on the floor. I also loved changing the store’s floor because it allowed me to use my creativity and create stories through color and outfits.

Accomplishments

My greatest accomplishment during my internship experience was planning an event where we staged a pop-up shop at an event with 200 people.

Learning experience

A lesson during my internship experience was learning the ins and outs of a small business. It was eye-opening to see how a small business is run and all the steps involved, from placing orders at fashion markets to putting those items on the floor to be sold. It takes a lot of hard work and commitment to run small businesses, but if you put your mind to it, it can be done and done successfully.

What advice would you give?

My advice for future students in AMD is to start looking for internships in your sophomore year. You don't need to look for internships for huge companies because interning with small companies can give you more room to learn and grow. If you're persistent with applying and looking for those internships, trust the process; it will all work out for you.

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