2025-2026 Leadership Development Program - Merchandising Internship

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.

Responsibilities

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

Requirements

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; Submission of unofficial transcripts and resumes complete with cumulative GPA

Benefits

Compensation of $9,000 for the 9-week summer program; Housing provided by A&F for the duration of the program; Merchandise discounts at all brands; Use of the A&F gym; Organized social events throughout the summer; Equitable compensation and benefits; Flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off; Education and engagement events; Associate Resource Groups; Volunteer opportunities and additional time off to give back to global communities