Quick question, my friends, how many of you read The New York Times? or The New York Daily News? or The New York Post? Metro? AM? (you know, the free papers you get on the way to the subway?) Or any newspaper for that matter?

Not many, right? I can’t really blame you, not many people my age read them either. But, the thing is, I do. Not as much or as thorough as I should, but I’m working on it. So, here’s my idea. When I come across an article that may be of interest to some of you, I’ll mention it here and give you the link so you can go skim read it for yourselves.  And if you read something- either online, in the paper, or wherever- that you think is interesting, you do the same. Fair enough? I say we share and share alike.

So, I read something last week (I know), but it’s still relevant. Anyway, I read an article in the Times called, “Looking for a (Long) Leg Up” which gives advice for aspiring fashion and/or style interns from the professionals at Teen Vogue. Apparently applications to fashion schools (like Parsons, Pratt, and F.I.T here in NYC) are up and the job market for graduates isn’t quite as bleak as one might think. Who knew?

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A lot of the advice seems fairly obvious- expect to work hard, and to work your way up the ranks, do your homework (know about the industry you want to work in. That means familiarize yourself with  trends, design houses- who owns what, designers, and pop culture), be prepared for the rough road ahead, be creative, be prepared and be optimistic.

I’ll save you my jaded “it’s all about who you know” speech because, honestly, your experience is ultimately what you make it. And yes, know it now, there is a fair amount of nepotism and whoIknowatism in NY fashion, but if you want it, I say go for it. Let people tell you what are aren’t and can’t do and do it anyway. It’s the American way.

Besides, you live in New York, so take advantage of it. You’re young (so expectations, believe it or not, aren’t that high), inexperienced (so you can work intern for free), and most importantly LOCAL! (that means, you can intern during the school year and get the jump on all the summer internships before all those out-of-towners). Now, I know a lot of places look for interns who are in college but if you are a serious-minded, hard-working, organized high school student, and you really want this (or think you do), I say apply for it anyway. You never know what can happen. Be persistent. Be creative and go get ’em.

Definitely rooting for you!