[This post was written by Danielle Meder of Final Fashion and was originally published as "Career Karma: Michelle Reagan" on Final Fashion - Thanks Danielle!]

Michelle Reagan is a Fashion Communications student at Ryerson, but she’s already a total pro – working PR for Toronto Alternative Fashion Week, AIME Luxury, and Catherine Malandrino in New York City. She’s got all the qualities you would expect in a PR star – watch her go far! Besides that, she’s a stellar human being, positive and supportive. I asked her a few questions about work and school.

You just spent the summer in NYC interning for Catherine Malandrino. Do you have any tips for fashion students on getting a New York internship?

Start well in advance. Most companies start looking for summer interns as early as the New Year. Research different companies, see what others are saying about them and determine where you think would be a good fit. Find the best person to talk to – if that means picking up a phone and calling reception, don’t be afraid to do so. Finally, don’t give up – it can be frustrating when people don’t respond but eventually someone will and then that’s where you’re meant to be. If you get multiple responses, you are in the best possible situation – you have options! Get as much experience as you can beforehand so you’re prepared. Internships, especially ones in New York, are challenging and will push you to your limits – you need to be ready, have a thick skin and be able to work through the toughest situations with a smile on your face.

Once you have your internship, make the most of it! You never know what can happen or whom you’ll meet. Don’t be afraid to break out of your comfort zone – you might be surprised at how much you’re capable of and what doors will open as a result.

What did you do in your job at Malandrino? What did you learn?

I think a more realistic question is what didn’t I do?! From creating the run of show for an out-of-town event at midnight to modeling shoes for the production team (also at midnight, it’s a popular time to work before events!) to booking 34 models for our Spring 2010 presentation, you name it, I did it!

Officially though, I did In House PR and worked with the Director of PR & Marketing. That meant fulfilling editorial requests, tracking samples, doing pulls in the showroom with editors and stylists, tracking press coverage and working on events. It also meant trying on the most unbelievable pieces (thigh high purple suede boots and an ostrich feather/sequined skirt were fast favorites), going on photo shoots and working with some of the most amazing, creative, talented and hilarious people I’ve ever met.

If I listed all the things I learned this summer it would be an extremely long list! During the time leading up to Fashion Week I learned what my limits truly were and pushed myself emotionally, mentally and physically harder than ever before. I learned how to deal with desperate situations (like when a confirmed model gets pulled from your show the day before) quickly, efficiently and with minimal freaking out. I think above everything I learned that I truly love this industry and wouldn’t want to do anything else.

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