2024-2025 Leadership Development Program – Merchandising Summer Internship

** To be considered for the role please apply to the external website link, Thank you!**

Job Description 

The A&F Leadership Development Programs are highly competitive initiatives, unique for their entrepreneurial structure, and provide immediate exposure to senior level leaders. With a “promote from within” mentality, these programs have been designed to shape top candidates into the future leaders of our company. We want students who are motivated, creative, and strategic – natural leaders seeking to drive results in a team-based environment. 

 
The comprehensive programs will include: 

Combination of classroom sessions and on-the-job training 

Relationship with a mentor to guide learning in the new role 

Interactive presentations from a variety of senior leaders in the company 

An open and inclusive learning environment with fellow associates 

Integrated social activities to help transition to Columbus and the unique corporate culture at A&F 

Preparation to effectively manage a portion of the business in one of our critical areas at Home Office 

Merchants are the leaders of the business, managing the strategy for millions of dollars of product each day. Entrepreneurial in nature, Merchants lead a cross-functional team to maximize the financial success of their product line and must possess the unique ability to be both analytical and creative daily. Merchants are the experts on our customer, understanding their lifestyle, behaviors, and preferences to predict and capitalize on market trends. From working with our designers to identify the next styles and trends for our stores, to analyzing sales and identifying growth strategies for the business, our Merchants are involved with every aspect of the product and the customer. 

What Will You Be Doing? 

Analyzing the customer through market, field and relevant social research to inform business & assortment actions 

Driving the financial success and profitability of your product category 

Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop business strategies and react to change while making calculated decisions based on current sales information 

Dissecting the competitive landscape and identifying emerging trends in the global market to deliver product that is aligned with the customer and market perspective 

Developing the assortment architecture for your given category while managing multiple product seasons  

Providing comprehensive support of the product development process from sketch to finished product 

Presenting the product line and strategies to senior leadership, leading and contributing to selling analysis, customer insights, and trend ideas 

What Do You Need To Bring? 

Junior status working towards a bachelor’s degree 

Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA 

Passion for the A&F brands, customer and the role 

Proven leadership experience 

Ability to thrive in team-based settings and a collaborative approach to working with cross-functional partners 

Desire to take on the responsibility of running a portion of a multi-billion-dollar business 

Capability to translate emerging fashion trends into the brand handwriting and heritage 

Strong presentation skills and the ability to communicate confidently with senior-level leaders 

Ability to balance between robust analytical capability and an interest in the creative process 

Ability to adapt and work in a fast-paced environment 

Desire & curiosity to learn more! 

Our interns are compensated $9,000 for the 9-week summer program. Other benefits of the program have historically included housing provided by A&F for the duration of the program, merchandise discounts at all our brands, use of the A&F gym, and organized social events throughout the summer. Our interns end the summer with a thorough understanding of the Full Time Leadership Development Program and have early access to full time job opportunities. 
 
To be eligible for consideration, students must also submit their unofficial transcripts and resumes, complete with cumulative GPA. 

Additional Information 

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER