With the long term sustainability of the NZ Fashion Industry in mind and providing opportunity to up and coming talent, at JH we are proud to offer an intensive two week paid internship program to individuals who have a passion for working within our industry.

The program involves going behind-the-scenes, and getting an insight into the departments and people who contribute to the success of the Juliette Hogan brand.

This year, our paid internship has been awarded to the winner of the Mindful Fashion New Zealand (MFNZ) Circular Design Award – Creative Excellence.

We chatted to Katherine, the winner of the award and thus our most recent intern, about her experience and thoughts on her time in the program. 

Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.

I did ballet for more than 10 years. I started sewing because I was influenced by movies and TV shows such as The Devil Wears Prada, Clueless, and Gossip Girl. In my spare time I love to find inspiration for my future sewing projects.

What are you currently studying?

I have recently graduated from Whitecliffe College with a Bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Fashion Design.

Why did you want to apply for the paid internship program with Juliette Hogan and what were you hoping to gain?

I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this internship through the MFNZ Circular Design Awards, which was part of the prize package for the Rising Talent Award I received. Through this internship program I was hoping to gain deeper insights into the operations and processes of a successful and sustainable fashion brand.

What is the most interesting thing you have learnt during your time at Juliette Hogan, and any new skills, techniques or knowledge?

My time at Juliette Hogan has been amazing! Super fun! I've found each task I've assisted with and every interaction I've had to be very enjoyable. From learning new skills to gaining fresh perspectives on familiar concepts, my time there has provided invaluable insights into the workings of a fashion brand in a real-world setting.

Were there any surprises during your experience?

I was surprised by the physical intensity of stocktaking - it's truly a workout! Balancing on a step stool, maneuvering through racks of garments, and meticulously scanning each item required considerable effort. Maintaining accurate inventory records proved to be more challenging than I anticipated. This experience illustrated and highlighted the complexity of warehouse management to me.

Would you recommend this internship to other students? Why or why not?

I would 100% recommend this internship to other students! It’s an absolute game changer to those that are seeking insight into the fashion industry in New Zealand. The team at Juliette Hogan are truly exceptional, providing invaluable support and guidance throughout my time there. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and will miss it to pieces when I leave!

How has this internship helped you for your future studies and career?

This internship has shown me various career pathways within the fashion industry. My one-on-one discussions with the team have helped me gain insights into different career options. I have also received guidance on potential starting points for my own professional journey into the industry.

What is your advice for future JH interns?

The advice from previous interns about bringing a notebook and pen is no joke. There are so many things to take note of or things that may interest you and it’s always a good idea to write it down for future references. Additionally, I recommend approaching this internship with an open mind. While certain roles may initially seem less appealing, understanding how each role contributes to the brand can provide valuable insights into the organization's operations.

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Learn more about our Short-term Paid Internship Program by reading what other recent Interns have said here >

To Apply for our Short-Term Internship Program head here >