Internship Overview
Dana-co offers a supervised educational internship for students interested in intimate apparel and loungewear design. Through observation, guided practice, and regular feedback from experienced designers, participants will explore the design process from concept development through sample review.
The program is designed to complement classroom learning and develop skills applicable across the fashion industry. Interns will follow an individualized learning plan, with activities tailored to their academic background and educational goals.
Learning Activities
Under the close supervision of a design mentor, interns will have opportunities to:
- Observe model fittings and practice recording fit observations for discussion and feedback.
- Learn how style summaries, features and benefits pages, and presentation boards communicate design concepts.
- Explore how designers organize and reference garment samples throughout development.
- Review sample technical packages and practice preparing selected components as educational exercises.
- Learn garment measurement techniques using practice samples and compare findings with a mentor.
- Observe pattern reviews and discuss how construction and fit concerns translate into pattern corrections.
- Follow a style’s development to understand sample stages, approval processes, and collaboration among design, technical design, and product development teams.
- Complete a supervised learning project demonstrating the concepts explored during the internship.
Educational Background and Interests
- Currently enrolled in Fashion Design, Intimate Apparel Design, or a related educational program.
- Interest in lingerie, loungewear, or swimwear design.
- Foundational coursework in garment construction, patternmaking, or textiles.
- Basic familiarity with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft Excel.
- Curiosity, attention to detail, and willingness to ask questions and incorporate feedback.
- Interest in learning about patternmaking software, including Lectra; prior experience is not required.
- Prior professional experience is not required. Selection will focus on educational goals, relevant coursework, and alignment with the program’s learning opportunities.
Mentorship and Learning Outcomes
Participants will receive:
- A designated design mentor and scheduled learning discussions.
- Guided instruction and feedback on practice exercises.
- Exposure to intimate apparel construction, fit, and development methods.
- Opportunities to connect classroom concepts with professional design practices.
- A final review of progress toward agreed learning objectives.
Program Structure
- Duration: A defined educational term, with start and end dates established before participation.
- Schedule: Coordinated with the student’s academic calendar and coursework.
- Academic coordination: Learning objectives and any credit requirements will be coordinated with the student’s educational institution. Academic credit is subject to the institution’s approval.
- Compensation: This is an unpaid educational internship; no wages are offered.
- Nature of participation: Activities center on observation and closely supervised educational exercises. Interns do not replace paid employees or assume responsibility for routine administrative tasks, production deliverables, or business deadlines.
- Future employment: Participation does not guarantee or create an entitlement to employment with Dana-co.
