When the 12 month J1 Student Work and Travel visa came into play we knew this was an awesome opportunity for Aussie tertiary students to experience the culture and lifestyle of America and maybe even gain some career experience as well.
For five IEP Work USA participants who share a love of fashion, this visa opened the doors for them to work at the world famous New York Fashion Week.
Mareesha of Victoria had contacted IEP from New York, in an effort to reach other IEP members who were interested in volunteering at the Fashion show where she had already lined up work.
You’ve got to love the speed in which social networking can work. A short message sent out over Facebook about the chance to volunteer with top Aussie designer Kit Willow led to a group of our IEP girls gaining some pretty incredible experience in both fashion design, creation and fashion photography.
Mareesha enjoyed working alongside other talented Australians at such a prestigious event but admits it wasn’t all lights, camera, action.
“Although our roles weren't glamorous, I was mainly hand sewing and beading, and Caroline (another IEP participant) was often sent on 'Devil Wears Prada' missions, it was great to see the organisation of the show: casting the models, fittings, seating arrangements, and juggling the creative side versus the selling side.” Mareesha said.
Another Work USA participant, Chitti, had embarked on her American adventure with the hope of working in photography. Their contact at Willow introduced her to friends who worked for Fly Productions and they offered Chitti an internship to work with them on four shows during Fashion Week. Chitti worked the door at two shows, giving her plenty of opportunity for celeb spotting, but it was the backstage and runway photography work that provided her with a real taste of working in fashion photography.
The Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2010 took place from the 10-17 September 2009 at locations throughout New York including Bryant Park and New York Public Library.
Apart from Kit Willow, other Australian designers on show this year included Toni Maticevski, Anaessia (Michael Angel) and Lisa Vanikiotis.
It was not just the hands on experience that proved worthwhile for the IEP participants, but the opportunity to network with people within the industry, leading to other possible internships and even paid positions.
The pilot visa, which was recently extended for another year, has provided hundreds of eligible Australians with the opportunity to pursue their professional career, while travelling throughout the United States.
Australians or New Zealanders interested in the 12 months Work USA program need to be full time tertiary students who have completed at least a year of their course already or recent graduates who plan to enter the USA within 12 months of finishing their degree.
If you’re interested in working in the USA and think you might be eligible, feel free to email me at naomi.joyce@iep.org.au
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