Participation
Who can apply for Fashion Draft NYC?
Any undergraduate senior who is in good standing at a fully-accredited college or university and on track to graduate in Spring 2013 is welcome to apply so long as he/she has at least a 3.0 grade point average, has completed at least one internship relevant to business and/or fashion and can demonstrate an interest in the business side of the fashion industry.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
Applicants do not need to be U.S. citizens.
I’m graduating in Fall 2013. Can I still apply?
Only applicants who are on track to graduate in Spring 2013 are eligible to apply.
What if I can’t make it for the full program?
In order to participate in Fashion Draft NYC, you must be able to attend all days and events.
Application Process
Can my letter of reference be from someone other than a current/former supervisor or a faculty member?
No. Your lette of reference must be from a current/former supervisor or faculty member, as they are best suited to speak to your professional and academic abilities.
What’s considered a relevant internship?
Relevant internships are business- or fashion-focused and should have been completed in exchange for either a salary/stipend or academic credit. For example, internships in investment banking, management/strategy consulting or any of the fields listed on our Career Paths page would all be relevant. Fashion design, editorial and PR internships are also relevant, so long as the applicant can demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a full-time business-focused role.
Can I pick the companies with which I’d like to interview?
All applicants must rank the two career paths they’re most interested in. Semifinalists will be asked to rank the participating companies. The Fashion Draft NYC Committee will take these preferences into consideration during the matching process, though no guarantees can be made.
How can I submit my transcript?
You can scan in your print transcript and upload it or submit a screen shot of online versions of this document.
What if my official transcript is sealed?
Often schools only consider transcripts “official” if they’re sealed. For the purposes of Fashion Draft NYC, students can break the seal and scan in their transcripts for upload.
Are unofficial transcripts permissible?
In some cases it might take too long for students to receive their official transcripts or the documents may not be available electronically. In that case, scans of the unofficial versions can be uploaded instead.
Selection Process
How many finalists will be selected?
It is anticipated that approximately 25-30 finalists will be selected. There will also be a small waitlist of candidates.
I’ve applied and haven’t heard back. Now what?
Applicants will receive an e-mail confirming the receipt of their application shortly after submission. Applicants will be notified regarding whether or not they have been chosen as semifinalists by the end of December; semifinalists will be notified regarding whether or not they have been chosen as finalists by mid-January. If you haven’t received notice by the above dates, please check your spam filter for an e-mail from info@fashiondraftnyc.com. Otherwise, please e-mail info@fashiondraftnyc.com.
I applied to the program but can no longer attend. What should I do?
Please send an e-mail to info@fashiondraftnyc.com notifying the Fashion Draft NYC Committee that you cannot attend.
I applied to the program but have since accepted a job offer. What should I do?
Fashion Draft NYC represents an incredible opportunity for students and, as such, we anticipate that many candidates will apply. If you apply to the program and subsequently accept a job offer, please be respectful of other applicants by sending an e-mail to info@fashiondraftnyc.com informing the Fashion Draft NYC Committee of the situation so that your application can be taken out of the running for the program.
Weekend Logistics
How much does it cost to participate in Fashion Draft NYC?
Travel, lodging and meals during Fashion Draft NYC are all offered free of charge to finalists. However, please note that the program does not cover transportation between your point of origin and your local airport/train station. In addition, incidental costs are not covered, so we recommend that students bring extra money for snacks, souvenirs, etc. For complete details, please see the Fashion Draft NYC terms at the end of the application form.
Am I responsible for making my own travel and lodging arrangements?
The Fashion Draft NYC Committee will work with finalists to make travel and lodging arrangements on their behalf. Finalists will need to arrange for their own transportation between their locations of origin (university, apartment, home, etc.) and their local airports/train stations.
Can you provide verification to my school that I am missing class to participate in this event?
If participating in Fashion Draft NYC will result in missed classes, the Fashion Draft NYC Committee can provide a letter to your school or professors verifying that you will be out for job search purposes.
I am not familiar with New York City. Where can I get specific directions to the events?
Transportation to and from New York City-area airports/train stations and between events will be provided by Fashion Draft NYC. Events will take place at Parsons and at venues throughout the City. Further information and complete directions will be provided to finalists.
What will I need to bring with me to New York City?
Please be sure to bring appropriate interview attire as well as business casual attire and copies of your resume, reference letters and statement of purpose.
Interview Prep
How can I prepare to impress the companies?
Before Fashion Draft NYC, research the companies that will be in attendance, including, but not limited to, the ones with which you will be interviewing. Google Alerts are a great way to stay current on the happenings at these companies. Also, be sure to bring yourself up to speed on the latest fashion business news. We suggest you read Women’s Wear Daily, The New York Times Fashion & Style pages and “On the Runway” blog, The Wall Street Journal fashion coverage and The Business of Fashion blog.
What kinds of questions will be asked during the phone and in-person interviews?
Although the format of the interviews will vary by company, be prepared to answer questions about your application, such as your work experience and your interest in the business of fashion, and to discuss current events related to the particular company with which you are interviewing. In addition, be prepared to discuss trends in fashion business and your interest in and suitability for a management-track position at each of the companies with which you are interviewing.
