Design Training Programs

  • Full-time

Company Description

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is a portfolio of lifestyle brands including Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids, Hollister, and Gilly Hicks. Reaching customers across 120+ countries, we strive to create customer-centric omni-channel experiences for our global customer base. Our core values and standards guide our behavior every day. Whether you lead yourself, a team, or the company, we believe everyone is a leader at A&F.  We believe the people make the place. We are accountable and aim to the highest caliber. We coach, mentor, care, and bring our best selves every day because we are in this together. We are eager to understand and embrace change. We are relentless innovators who dream bold.

Job Description

Based out of our world headquarters in Columbus, OH the A&F Design Training Programs are highly competitive initiatives that offer immediate exposure to senior level management, as well as a carefully crafted balance between classroom sessions and hands-on experience. With a “promote from within” mentality in mind, these programs have been designed to shape top candidates into the future leaders of our company. The Design Training Programs feature an initial comprehensive training program up to six weeks long and continued career development through a custom curriculum. Full-Time & Internship Design Training Programs are offered in Apparel Design, Graphic Design and CAD Design. We also offer a Full-Time Program in Technical Design and Creative Marketing Graphic Design.

 The comprehensive orientation 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
  • 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

What Will You Be Doing?

APPAREL DESIGN:   A&F Apparel Designers create high quality, aspirational product for each of our unique lifestyle brands.  The designer's role at A&F is to take the product from initial concept through the production of the garment.  Designers stay on top of emerging trends through shopping the market, researching vintage, and staying in tune with our customers.  This creative research fuels the big picture trend and mood direction at the beginning of each season. Designers focus on every aspect of product development, from fabric and trim selection to editing how the garment fits on live models.

GRAPHIC DESIGN: A&F Graphic designers bring our brands to life through layout, typography, color, and overall great graphic design.  We have two routes in the design training program for graphic designers, Apparel Graphics or Creative Marketing Graphics.  Apparel Graphic designers develop seasonal graphic concepts for a range of apparel categories. They develop cutting edge print, applique, and embroidery techniques in each brand’s handwriting.  Collaborating with merchants and apparel designers, Apparel Graphic Designers bring our apparel to life through their trend right graphics.  Creative Marketing designers create compelling content to tell our brands story through email design, site design, social media, and in store experience.  Collaborating with design leads, digital strategists, and merchants to create cohesive marketing.

CAD DESIGN:  A&F CAD Designers are responsible for creating seasonal print, pattern and embroidery work (florals, stripes, plaids, repeats, etc.) for use in all product categories. The Print & Pattern Designers collaborate with Design and Merchandising to keep prints and patterns relevant and trend right.  CAD Designers at A&F are highly creative, have a keen eye for trend and color, and possess strong communication and organization skills.

TECHNICAL DESIGN:  Technical Designers at A&F are some of the most skilled, well-rounded technicians in the industry. Assigned to a specific product and gender category, tech designers build detailed tech packs utilizing the designer's initial flat sketch and trim sheet.  A&F Tech Designers also communicate with factories to identify and resolve production issues.  Daily responsibilities consist of creating detailed technical illustrations and specs, editing and correcting patterns using Gerber technology, and conducting fits on live fit models.

 What Do You Need to Bring?

  • Bachelor’s Degree (full time) Junior status working towards a Bachelor’s degree (intern)
  • Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Passion for the A&F brands and the role
  • Ability to identify and interpret relevant fashion trends
  • Solid technical skills with an impeccable taste level and eye for color
  • Detail-oriented with excellent time management and organizational skills
  • Career-driven, strong work ethic and high performance standards
  • Strong communication and presentation skills
  • A Collaborative approach to working with cross-functional partners to achieve the vision of the brand
  • A strong desire for adventure & curiosity
  • Ability to adapt and work in a fast-paced, structured environment
  • Desire to learn & hunger for more!
  • A Portfolio is required with application

The A&F Leadership Development Programs offer highly competitive compensation packages for full time trainees. Other benefits include $8,000 in placement and relocation bonuses, merchandise discounts at all of our brands, use of the A&F gym, industry-leading healthcare coverage, and company matching savings and retirement programs.

Our interns will be compensated $8,000 for the 10-week program, with housing for the duration of the program provided by A&F. Other benefits include merchandise discounts at all of 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, portfolio/portfolio link and resumes, complete with cumulative GPA attached.

Additional Information

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