QUE TEE’S PRINT SHOP INTERNSHIP
Interning at Que Tee’s Print Shop was one of the most hands-on and transformative experiences of my career journey so far. Going into the internship, I walked in wanting to learn more about the apparel and printing side of the fashion industry, but I walked out with way more skills than I expected. Being in a real print shop every week showed me how much work goes into making custom apparel, and it helped me figure out the kind of professional I want to become.
One unexpected realization I gained during this internship was how powerful fashion can be as a political, social, or personal statement. Working at Que Tee’s, I saw countless orders come in with bold phrases and graphics. Whether it was a shirt advocating for social justice, a design supporting a community cause, or simply someone expressing their identity, I witnessed firsthand how clothing becomes a voice. Seeing how customers chose specific words, fonts, and designs to communicate something meaningful reminded me that fashion isn’t just aesthetic, it’s a medium that can bring a message to life. Realizing this made me more aware of the emotional and cultural weight of the work we were doing.
One of the most valuable parts of my internship was working directly in production. I gained experience with DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing, where I learned how to prep artwork, pretreat garments, operate the machines, and troubleshoot issues that happen in the middle of printing. I also worked with vinyl, understanding the cutting, weeding, and heat-pressing process, and even observed the precision and team coordination behind screen printing. On top of that, getting exposure to the embroidery department taught me about stitch files, thread tension, and the unique texture embroidery adds to apparel. Being involved in so many production methods gave me a real appreciation for craftsmanship and the technical side of fashion that most people never see.
Beyond production, I was also responsible for maintaining and organizing inventory. Que Tee’s used Airtable to track garments, supplies, and order statuses, and I quickly learned how important organization is in a fast-paced environment. I updated product logs and helped streamline the workflow so production could run smoothly. This part of the internship taught me the importance of accuracy, efficiency, and communication, skills that are incredibly valuable in both merchandising and operations.
I also had the opportunity to work at the front desk, where I developed my customer service and business communication skills. Using Zoho CRM, I tracked clients, logged orders, followed up on leads, and learned how to handle sales calls professionally. Talking directly with customers helped me understand their needs, translate ideas into production-ready plans, and support them throughout the ordering process. It was a mix of sales, customer service, and relationship-building, all essential for anyone entering the apparel or merchandising industry.
At the end, my time at Que Tee’s Print Shop gave me a strong foundation that shaped who I am becoming in the fashion industry. From production to inventory, CRM to customer service, I gained both technical skills and confidence. I even learned how to build a business plan from scratch, which connected everything I learned into a bigger understanding of how a successful apparel business operates. This internship didn’t just teach me how things are made, it showed me how creativity, organization, and communication come together to build a brand. My experience at Que Tee’s is something I’ll carry with me throughout my career in fashion merchandising and beyond.
