This summer, I interned at Abercrombie & Fitch as a Merchandise Planning Intern in the A&F men’s woven tops department. My main role was to help plan how much of each item in the department we expected to sell each week across all regions and channels. This included planning how much inventory to send to stores vs save in our distribution center to sell online, as well as how much inventory to send to each region (North America, Europe, and Asia). To do this, I would hindsight how the department performed in the past, using both the previous week’s performance and the performance during the same time period last year, and use that information to make predictions for how the department is expected to perform in coming weeks. I would then analyze the previous week’s sales to assess the department’s performance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and use those to determine strategies for improvement and future success.
During my summer internship, I experienced a transformation that not only expanded my professional horizons, but also helped develop a better understanding of myself and my abilities. As someone who had never worked in a corporate setting before, the idea of a 9-to-5 workday was initially daunting. As a student, I am used to managing my time independently, so the shift to a structured office environment with a mentor guiding my daily tasks presented a new challenge. In the first few weeks, I was faced with a steep learning curve as I struggled with adapting my time management skills to align with my work. I had to find a way to utilize my evenings efficiently to balance both personal activities and prepare for the next workday. Through trial and error, I improved my ability to create a work-life balance, something that is very important to me. This newly developed skill in managing my time not only helped manage my initial stress, but also is something I will use toward maintaining a balance in a future full-time career.
Another significant transformation during my internship was the growth of my self-confidence and independence. The overwhelming amount of information I received during my first few weeks at the company left me feeling uncertain about whether I could ever fully grasp my role. However, as time went on and I gained exposure to various tasks and recurring meetings, I began to feel more confident. I became comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification, and I gradually transitioned from a heavy reliance on my mentor to completing tasks independently. This increased self-confidence is a skill I plan to carry forward into the future, enabling me to thrive when faced with uncertainty and challenging situations. In conclusion, my summer internship provided me with valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth. I learned to manage my time effectively, strike a work-life balance, and cultivate self-confidence and independence. These transformations have not only enhanced my capabilities, but have also prepared me to navigate the challenges of a full-time career, allowing me to feel optimistic and hopeful about my abilities in the future.
My summer internship was a transformative experience that allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. Several key aspects of my internship contributed to this transformation, including group meetings with all other interns, classroom training with planning interns, and my close relationship with my mentor and department team. At the start of the internship, I, along with the other summer interns, had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the company’s culture through group activities and orientation. Abercrombie places great importance on maintaining a strong company culture, and they ensured that we all got to know each other well and even housed us together in the same dorm which helped build connections outside of the workplace. These initial group activities, ranging from collaborative projects to office tours, allowed us to build strong bonds with one another. As a result, I felt more at ease in the office and the transition to a new company became significantly smoother. Having a network of peers I could turn to for support, guidance, and casual conversations greatly boosted my overall confidence in the workplace.
After the group orientations in the first week, I then went on to classroom-style training with the other planning interns. This smaller, more intimate setting really helped focus our learning and provided many opportunities for asking questions and seeking clarification, and helped bring us planning interns closer together as we spent many days with just each other. Not only did I gain the technical skills required for my role, but I also formed lasting friendships that extended beyond the internship. These relationships served as a support system throughout the program and beyond.
The most essential phase of my internship was working closely with my assigned mentor within the department. My mentor played a crucial role in my personal and professional development. He patiently guided me through my daily tasks, offered pre- and post-meeting briefings, taught me how to navigate various programs and software, and introduced me to new colleagues around the office. The pairing of mentors was done very thoughtfully, which led me to feel very comfortable working with my mentor all day and approaching him with questions and seeking guidance. He encouraged my curiosity and ensured I fully understood the ‘why’ behind each task. We had midpoint and concluding meetings that provided me with constructive feedback on my performance and identified areas for improvement that I can take into account for future growth. This mentorshipexperience was pivotal in my transformation, as it provided me with the knowledge, confidence, and sense of belonging that I needed to succeed. In conclusion, my summer internship at Abercrombie & Fitch was a transformative journey marked by personal and professional growth. The combination of group activities, classroom training, and mentorship created a well-rounded experience that brought me valuable skills and relationships for the future. I now approach my future career with confidence, knowing that these experiences have shaped me into a more capable and confident person and worker.
Reflecting on my internship experience, I am very proud of the transformation I underwent. The skills I improved and grew during this internship have become valuable assets that will shape my future academic and professional endeavors. Firstly, my internship allowed me to become more comfortable in a corporate setting. As someone entering this world for the first time, I was initially apprehensive about the structure and dynamics of corporate life. However, the experience of my internship allowed me to become familiar with the corporate environment, including the people and the day-to-day workings of the company, making me feel much more at ease. This comfortable feeling has allowed for a smoother transition into future corporate roles, eliminating much of the uncertainty I once felt.Another essential skill I developed was effective time management. The ability to manage my time efficiently is not only essential for me now regarding success in academics, but also for achieving a satisfying work-life balance upon the start of my career. Balancing school assignments, studying, and personal life has always been a priority for me. This summer, I extended these skills to effectively manage my work tasks and personal life, allowing me to optimize my time outside of work. This new improvement in my time management abilities will be crucial to my success in the future.
One of the most significant transformations I experienced was the boost in confidence I gained when it came to asking questions and participating actively. Initially, I found the idea of speaking up in meetings or addressing higher-ranking individuals within the company intimidating. However, as the summer progressed, I slowly started to understand the company more and gained the confidence to ask questions and contribute to discussions. This new feeling of confidence is a valuable asset in the professional world, where active participation and curiosity are highly encouraged. It is a skill I will carry forward into my future careers. In conclusion, my internship experience has really helped foster growth for my personal andprofessional life. The skills I developed, including my comfort in a corporate setting, effective time management, and increased confidence in communication, are not just something I used for the summer; they are long lasting qualities that will enhance my performance in all future endeavors. As I enter my final year of school and beyond, I now have a new skill set that allows me to be a more effective, adaptable, and confident worker. The transformation I experienced during this internship will continue to shape my journey toward success.
