Let’s be honest. Fashion internships can feel a bit vague. Everyone talks about “getting your foot in the door,” but no one really explains what that door actually opens onto.
The Sussan Group Internship Program is different. Based at their Head Office in Cremorne, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at how a fashion powerhouse operates. This isn’t just about the clothes; it’s about the people planning ranges, working through data, and making the decisions that shape what ends up in store.
What Internships Are Actually Available?
The Sussan Group offers unpaid, work-integrated learning (WIL) internships across almost every department. And no—this isn’t limited to creative roles. You can intern within:
- People and Development (HR)
- Buying & Planning
- Marketing & Digital
- Visual Merchandising
- Finance & Store Leasing
The Day-to-Day: Real Work vs. Observing
This isn’t a coffee-running situation. The most important part of the program is your learning. Before you even start, the team asks what you want to develop, and they bake that into your personal internship plan.
Depending on your team, your day might include:
- Supporting team projects and admin.
- Diving into data work or trend research.
- Sitting in on meetings to see how decisions are made.
- A “holistic” mix of real-world tasks and observing how work flows between departments.
The Logistics: When and Who?
The internships consist of 80 hours of work-integrated learning. Most students knock this out over 8 weeks (usually 1–2 days per week), making it easy to balance with your uni schedule.
The Eligibility Check: To apply, the placement must contribute toward your course credits (like RMIT’s Bachelor of Fashion Enterprise). You’ll need to check with your course coordinator first to make sure it forms part of your studies.
What Should You Be Studying?
You don’t need to be a fashion student to work in fashion. Sussan Group accepts a huge range of degrees. Whether you’re at Uni or TAFE, they look for students in Fashion, Design, Business, HR, Marketing, or Finance.
Specifically, if you’re doing a Bachelor of Business, these specialisations align perfectly:
- Accounting, Banking & Finance
- Economics
- Human Resources
- International Relations
- Supply Chain & Logistics
- Business & Data Analytics
- Business Administration
- Marketing
Example: If you’re an HR student, you’ll join the People and Development team to learn the ropes of recruitment, onboarding, and health/wellbeing initiatives.
Why It’s a Smart First Step
This is a rare chance to see how an iconic Australian brand actually cultivates and creates its products. You’ll meet buyers, planners, and industry experts who are kind, driven, and ready to mentor you.
Beyond the “vibe-check,” you’ll gain the practical skills employers actually look for:
- Technical Knowledge: Industry standards and workplace expectations.
- Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, and time management.
- Confidence: Taking on real responsibilities and showing initiative.
- The X-Factor: The main thing they look for? Enthusiasm to learn.
Can It Lead to a Job?
Short answer: Yes. If a suitable graduate or entry-level role opens up, interns are absolutely considered for permanent positions. Even if there isn’t a role immediately, the team encourages past interns to stay in touch and express interest when opportunities arise later.
Ready to apply?
If you’re curious, organised, and ready to get stuck in, reach out to the team. Check with your course coordinator first, or email lilly.vlassopoulos@sussangroup.com.au directly.
