By Austin Moss
NFL Player Engagement
Brad Smith is a quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and return specialist for the Buffalo Bills. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, Smith played college football at University of Missouri. Smith reflects on his internship experience at Men’s Health Magazine during NYC Fashion Week.
PE: How was this internship experience for you? What did you do and what did you like most?
Smith: My internship with Men’s Health Magazine was an awesome experience. I had the opportunity to do a little bit of everything during my time there. I shadowed the style director Brian Boye throughout the week.
I also had the opportunity to interview designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Chris Cox from Nautica, Billy Reid and a litany of other great designers. I was able to meet many of the influencers within the fashion industry, I worked with buyers from companies like Macys, Saks, and Nordstrom’s in addition to the PR and the bloggers who help create the images and set the fashion trends.
PE: What intrigues you about the world of fashion? When did you decide that fashion was an industry that you wanted to explore?
Smith: Well, I always liked to dress as nice as I could. My mother always said that you always want to present yourself as professional as possible, and to be aware that you are always representing someone. That may be family, your team, your church, your close friends, etc.
What intrigued me the most was the time, dedication and money that goes into the fashion shows. Countless days and millions of dollars are spent from the marketing and PR to venue costs and all the logistics that go on in between for an event that lasts seven minutes long. That was really shocking to me.
PE: What are the similarities ‘if any’ in the world of fashion as it’s compared to the world of football?
Smith: One major similarity is the competition. On one side you have the designers who are competing as they are trying to sell their clothing, and then there is competition between the people who report on styles and fashion with the magazine editors. It’s constant competition. Everyone’s trying to see who’s wearing what and who has the best looks. Who breaks the story and who gets the photos online the fastest are huge and it gives those publications credibility and the “you saw it here first” rights.
PE: As you reflect on the entire experience what would you say was your biggest take away that you learned about the industry that you did not know going into it?
Smith: I’d say that it reaffirms that how you treat people and the relationships you build mean just as much as your skill or your ability. Your character and relationships paired with your work ethic will take you far in this industry. You have to speak to everyone with respect from the intern or an assistant to a top designer. Going in you would expect the top guys to be cut throat and arrogant but they were actually the most humble and respectful people. The way that they carried themselves and the way that they talked to everyone along the way were unbelievably gracious and respectful.
PE: Do you think this experience helped you and gave you more clarity on what you want to do once your football career is over?
Smith: It absolutely gave me a vision on what I would like to do once my playing career is over. It opened my eyes to the fashion industry and I picked up a lot from it. This internship allowed me to experience what I like and what I don’t like about some particular jobs within the industry. It gave me a chance to think about what I would change, and how I could incorporate it into what I would want to do within the industry. It also definitely showed me what’s available out there and the wide array of opportunities that I can pursue once I retire from football.
PE: What advice would you give to fellow athletes, who are unsure of their next career move after their playing career?
Smith: I’d advise them to take advantage of the resources and opportunities out there. Football should definitely come first, but during the offseason players should take advantage and try to get an internship. Even if they are only there for a week or even a few days, they should get out there and use the resources of the Player Engagement department, use the resources of their agents or marketing managers to inquire about different interests.
Don’t expect everything to be given to you but be proactive and invest that little bit of time because it will definitely pay off in the long run.