Summer Internship Takes Student to New York Fashion Experience
March 26, 2026
With support from the Lagniappe Internship Fund, Olivia Pistone spent the summer in New York City as a Wholesale Intern with French Connection, earning academic credit through LSU’s Textiles, Apparel Design, and Merchandising (TAM) program.
Behind the Scenes
Olivia’s internship began in the New York City office, where she supported day-to-day wholesale operations and helped the team prepare for Market. Her responsibilities included organizing samples, preparing line sheets, and assisting with systems like AS400 and Sparkle for order entry and product tracking.
Working closely with sales and merchandising teams, she played a key role in ensuring the showroom was organized and ready for buyers. This hands-on experience complemented her coursework in the TAM program, allowing her to apply classroom concepts directly to industry practices.
Olivia Pistone at the French Connection office in New York City.
Stepping Into the Spotlight
Impressing the team at French Connection, Olivia was invited back for two additional Market seasons to support the brand's efforts.
During these peak selling periods, she transitioned into a more client-facing role, assisting with, and even helping lead, buyer appointments. She presented collections, answered product questions, and contributed directly to the sales process in a fast-paced showroom environment.
“I became more confident speaking to the collection and supporting buyers,” Olivia shared. “It was rewarding to see my growth from working behind the scenes to playing a more active role.”
One experience stood out as a defining moment. During a client appointment, Olivia was actively helping lead the conversation when a buyer assumed she was a full-time team member rather than an intern.
“That moment showed me how much I had grown,” she said. “It made me realize that when you are prepared and confident, you can show up in a way that others take seriously.”
Olivia Pistone at the French Connection showroom.
Shaping Future Career Goals
Throughout her experience, Olivia strengthened key professional skills, including client-facing communication, organization, technical proficiency in wholesale systems, and adaptability during demanding periods.
Olivia’s time in New York confirmed her interest in pursuing a career in wholesale, buying, or merchandising. Experiencing both the operational and client-facing sides of Market gave her a clearer understanding of where she thrives.
“I really enjoy working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and being directly involved with products and buyers,” she said.
Earning course credit through the TAM program further reinforced the value of the experience, connecting her academic work with real-world application.
Now, Olivia is continuing to build on that experience. She is pursuing a full-time opportunity in New York City through a connection she made during her internship.
Advice for Fellow Tigers
Being invited back by French Connection was a testament to Olivia’s initiative and her ability to step in wherever the team needed her most. She encourages other LSU students to stay open and proactive when pursuing opportunities:
“Say yes to opportunities, even if they are not exactly what you expect at first, because they can lead to something bigger.”
The Lagniappe Internship Fund
Olivia credits the Lagniappe Internship Fund with making her experience possible. By supporting travel, housing, and other costs, the fund allows students to focus on gaining valuable professional experience, building networks, and exploring their future careers.
“Being able to spend time in New York and gain real, hands-on experience was something I would not have been able to do otherwise,” she said.
Her experience at French Connection pushed her out of her comfort zone and helped her define her future path.
Apply to the Lagniappe Internship Fund
The Fund is now open for applications through March 31, 2026. If you have an internship this summer and could benefit from additional support, please apply through the general application on Blackbaud Award Management.
Support the Lagniappe Internship Fund
A student’s financial means shouldn’t limit their career potential. The Lagniappe Internship Fund helps students offset costs so they can accept unpaid or out-of-state internships. These opportunities are essential for building experience and launching careers.
About the LSU Career Center
Our team is committed to ensuring every student has ample opportunities to gain experience, grow their network, and communicate their aptitude for a chosen career long before graduation. We believe LSU students are unparalleled in their potential to step into leadership, solve problems, and elevate the workforce for the benefit of all.