Pamela Pekerman, who holds a degree in Journalism from the College of Arts and Science, is the owner of P Squared Productions and has a fast-moving career. With her passion for accessories and style, she hosts segments for PIX Morning News and Accessorize For parties, in which she invites a group of 35 editors and TV personalities. She sat down with WSN to give some advice on entering the fashion and media industries, and also to share her entrepreneurial insight.
Question: What is your favorite part about being an accessory expert?
Answer: Running my own business is very fulfilling, but it has not been easy. I have owned P Squared Productions for almost a decade, and I have created something from nothing. Being self- made is a thrill. My mother has joked that if I was a Hilton, I would have had a bigger boost and gotten farther faster. It hasn’t been the most glamorous journey. My path has been trial and error, but your failures are your lessons. The fashion and media industries are extremely cutthroat and are not financially lucrative unless you work extremely hard. Going independent is a great way to go especially if you’re the entrepreneurial type. Nowadays, it is very plausible to start a business on your own, whether it is a clothing brand, styling or online, don’t be afraid to start it now while you’re in school because you have time to make mistakes. It is important to work hard and to love what do, and I truly love my business.
Q: What internship experience did you gain through NYU? Where do you recommend looking for internships?
A: Most of the internships I found were through a great, and at the time new, website called ed2010. It stood for editors by 2010 and was a wonderful resource. I also liked mediabistro.com. I would check both sites daily. In total, I had nearly a dozen internships by the time I graduated, including accessories intern at InStyle, beauty intern at YM Magazine, accessories intern at Cosmopolitan and intern for the style editor of NBC’s “Today Show.”
Q: What skills from the journalism program at NYU did you acquire that helped you for your television segments and accessorize for parties?
A: I was on the print path, so I didn’t take any of the broadcasting classes. One class that I enjoyed was Interview 101 with professor Lambeth Hochwald. It’s essential to know the art of asking and answering questions, and it is a course I’d recommend for any major.
Q: How did NYU launch your start into the fashion and journalism industry? How did it help launch P Squared productions?
A: NYU is an amazing resource, and being part of that community is the biggest asset anyone can have. The biggest tip I would give is to make connections with your classmates and professors. I had strong connections with certain professors, like professor Hochwald. I took at least two classes with her, and I am still in touch with her until this day. Furthermore, I had professors that were editors for The New York Times and writers for Marie Claire and major publications. Having such established professors and connections really helped launch P Squared Productions.
Q: What advice would you give NYU students who aspire to a career in the fashion and media industries?
A: For students who aspire [to have] a career in the fashion and media industries, the first tip I would give is to utilize your classmates. The person sitting next to you in class can be your future boss or business partner. Your classmates are your biggest network going forward after graduation. Furthermore, dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Even though you may be an unpaid intern, you should dress like you’re Anna Wintour. As an intern at InStyle, even though at times I had to do mundane tasks, I still was dressed like a rockstar. Every industry is visual. You are a walking résumé, so it is important to always look and act professionally. In addition, figure out how to get a lot of internship experience and try different things. Don’t be afraid to do a PR internship even though you might be interested in fashion writing. It is a gift that you have to live in New York, and don’t just use the resources that NYU has to offer. Use New York City.
A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, Nov. 29 print edition. Email her at [email protected].