On this evening’s panel we had Gap Inc.’s, Simon O’Mahony, John Caruso and Jane Ebara. They were joined by Jasmine and Issy, two recent interns who discussed their experiences with Gap Inc.
Founded in 1969 by Donald Fisher and Doris F. Fisher, Gap Inc. became a global brand operating Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta, INTERMIX and Weddington.
Simon O’Mahony, the Recruiter for Banana Republic, asked the panel what they look for in a portfolio and an interview. “I love when students come in with their perspective of the brand” said John Caruso, who works on the men’s design team for Gap.
Simon went on to add that we should “keep in mind the ease of your portfolio. These huge displays are a distraction. It is great to see a sense of the hand. Maybe bring a sketch book to supplement the digital work”.
John said that “people like to touch and there is an emotional aspect to that”. He went on to push the importance of the presentation, “be early, set up before your interview, wipe your iPad”.
Talking about what they look for in a person, Simon said a “strong left brain, right brain. You need to have a balance when working for a corporate company and be organised”.
Simon then spoke to Jasmine and Issy about their experiences interning at Gap Inc. Issy told the audience that she was on the “denim team with Gap and it was really beneficial”. Jasmine told us she worked on “womenswear concepts”. Issy told us that she “felt like an employee, like [her] voice was heard”.
Issy and Jasmine gave fellow students advise on securing an internship. They suggested keeping “in mind the brand you’re applying for but don’t lose yourself”.
Written by Chloe Ford
Photography by Becky Mukerji