Intern in Style: Top 5 Global Cities for Fashion Business Internships 

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The cut-throat world of fashion requires ambitious business professionals to drive their brands towards financial success. Fashion business touches on a wide range of career fields, including branding, merchandising, product development, fashion technology, international business, finance, and more—blending creative, logistical, and strategic aspects of the industry. But in a field with many other fashion business professionals vying for the same jobs, how do you stand out? By interning in one of AIFS Abroad’s top cities for fashion business internships. 

Want to lay the groundwork for your future as an industry leader? Explore AIFS Abroad’s top 5 global cities for fashion business internships! 

1. Milan 

Milan is a world-renowned city for fashion and business, making it an attractive option for anyone looking to break into the industry and set themselves up for success. Milan hosts the semi-annual Milan Fashion Week, where the biggest Italian and global fashion companies showcase their latest designs on and off the runway. With a fashion business internship in Milan, you can learn what it’s like to work in a showroom and collaborate with buyers, designers, installations, and clients—a valuable experience for anyone who wants to make it in the industry. Intern here and you’ll be steeped in fashion culture and based in a city that’s home to dozens of world-famous fashion brands like Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Versace, and more. 

When you’re not honing your business knowledge and advancing your career through your internship, you can explore the streets of Milan, enjoy delicious Italian cuisine, or take a train to other parts of Italy or nearby Switzerland, France, Germany, or Austria. For aspiring fashion business professionals, Milan offers career opportunities and a lifestyle that you just can’t beat. 

2. Paris 

When people think of the fashion industry, Paris is always one of the first cities that comes to mind. Paris has a long history of leading the fashion industry with world famous brands such as Dior, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton, among many others. Both global and local Parisian fashion companies require robust fashion business professionals to run their business operations, manage their finances, and oversee manufacturing and distribution. Interning at a small or mid-sized company will give you exposure to the various aspects of the business, including design, marketing, sales, and production—offering a broader range of experience than being just one employee among thousands. You’ll also be able to practice your French skills, as fluency is required for AIFS Abroad fashion internships in Paris. Additionally, you’ll be more likely to take on meaningful projects at your internship and build stronger connections with your colleagues.  

Plus, you’ll be located in a beautiful city known for magnificent art, quaint cafés, delicious food, and an overall rich culture. Prepare for your fashion business workday with a cup of your favorite Parisian coffee or visit one of Paris’ many icons, like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, or the Seine, during your free time. Between the sophisticated culture and thriving fashion industry, you can’t lose with a fashion business internship in Paris. 

3. Florence 

Florence is a globally recognized hotspot for art, design, rich Italian history, and innovative fashion—it’s one of only a few global fashion capitals, representing industry icons like Gucci and Ferragamo, along with countless other small and mid-sized fashion designers. Florence is also renowned for its burgeoning community of startup jewelry and accessories designers who are leaving a lasting impact on high fashion. With a fashion business internship in the birthplace of the Renaissance, you can position yourself at the center of the fashion industry and develop your skills as a business professional.  

In Florence, you won’t just have opportunities for fashion business, you’ll also be able to immerse yourself in the local culture and explore the many museums and landmarks the city is famous for. Also, thanks to its central location in Italy, you’ll have easy access to other Italian cities and the idyllic Italian countryside. Explore Italy while advancing your fashion business career with an internship in Florence!  

4. Sydney 

Sydney is Australia’s financial and business services hub, and it’s home to some of the country’s most notable fashion brands. With a fashion business internship in Sydney, you’ll be placing yourself in a business center that is highly influential in the greater Asia Pacific region. Here, you can build a professional network with fashion brands in various business, management, and operational roles. This city Down Under offers unique fashion business experience you may not find elsewhere—at most Sydney fashion companies, all aspects of design are done in-house, giving you direct exposure to design, mock-ups, production, testing, sales, and marketing! 

The advantages of interning in Sydney for fashion business go beyond its outstanding professional development opportunities. Sydney is famous for its established music scene, sunny and moderate weather, and its dozens of stunning beaches. If you’re looking for a vibrant fashion scene located in a wonderful climate, Sydney may be just the place for you. 

5. New York City 

New York City is a major player in global business and fashion. It’s home to some of the largest companies in the world, and most major fashion brands have an office in this metropolitan American city. No matter which direction you want to take your fashion business career—administration, merchandizing, distribution, operations, finance, etc.—New York City has a place for you.  

Plus, if you’re an American young professional looking to experience a new place but don’t want to go overseas, New York City is an incredible option. Even as an American, you’ll find life in New York is very different than life in your hometown or at your university. A fashion business internship in New York City is a once in a lifetime opportunity to advance your career while diving into its diverse culture. Here, you can grow your career and explore everything New York has to offer.  

Looking to impress employers with a fashion business internship? Connect with new cultures and develop your fashion business career simultaneously with AIFS Abroad! 

Our team began placing students and young professionals in fashion internships more than 20 years ago, so you can rest assured we’ll find you the perfect internship tailored to your career goals. An AIFS Abroad fashion business internship is an incredible way to gain hands-on experience while immersing yourself in diverse cultures across the globe. With internship placements in some of the world’s most fashion-forward cities, we provide unparalleled opportunities for aspiring fashion business professionals. With inclusions such as housing, insurance, excursions and activities, career readiness programming, on-site staff, and emergency support, you’ll have a stress-free professional development experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to stand out in the competitive fashion business world with an internship abroad!