This summer, American Eagle welcomed over 50 interns to our Pittsburgh and New York offices. These stellar students from around the country have been hard at work in all areas of our business! We wanted to give you the chance to get to know them. And who better to share their experiences than the interns themselves? Insights and Strategy Intern Lisa Tripon and Design Intern Sarah Noll teamed up to interview their coworkers about what they bring to the AEO family.
EMMA BRUNO, AERIE MARKETING INTERN
Hometown: Bethel Park, PA
Studying: Marketing at Baldwin Wallace University
Describe your style: Vintage boho-ish.
What is a trend you love? I’m currently obsessing over our high-waisted cropped flare jeans.
Song of the summer? “TOOTIMETOOTIMETOOTIME” by the 1975.
Favorite part of the internship so far? Getting to go to NYC on the jet for an Aerie REALTalk.
Favorite Quote: “Handle it with grace and choose kindness.”
PRACHI JHALA, TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION INTERN
Hometown: Originally from India, but I moved to Pittsburgh for school!
Studying: M.S. in Engineering & Technology Innovation Management at Carnegie Mellon University
Describe your style: Sophisticated utilitarian.
Coolest place you’ve been to in Pittsburgh? Allegheny National Forest.
Can you cook? What’s your specialty? I can make a mean pav bhaji. It’s a staple Indian dish.
What does AExMe mean to you? Individuality.
Fun fact: I am a jazz, blues, and classic rock vocalist. Back in India, I used to have my own jazz-rock duo. We were called Post.Script.
CONNOR PENN, FINANCE DEPARTMENT INTERN
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Studying: Finance at University of Dayton
One thing in your closet you couldn’t live without: Black jeans.
Favorite quote: “I think it is possible for ordinary people to choose to be extraordinary.” – Elon Musk
Favorite part of the internship so far? The challenges that come with the projects that we’ve worked on. I love solving problems and it’s super satisfying when something you’ve been stumped on for a few days finally comes together.
Can you cook? What’s your specialty? Steak done in rosemary, garlic, and butter, with buttery mashed potatoes and honey-roasted carrots on the side.
Fun fact: I can do a solid Mickey Mouse impression.
DANI RITTER, AERIE INVENTORY PLANNING INTERN
Hometown: Columbus, OH
Studying: Fashion Merchandising at Kent State University
Describe your style: I like to take everyday, basic, classic pieces and make them my own by adding statement pieces! I’m really inspired by vintage styles and street styles.
What is a trend you love? The fact that some vintage styles are making a strong comeback! Catch me in ripped Mom jeans and a vintage band tee looking like my mom from the ’80s.
Song of the summer? 100%, absolutely, “Juice” by Lizzo. Definitely a summer bop.
What does AExME mean to you? AExME is everything. A brand that not only cares about its customers, but stands behind and supports them. AExME wants everyone to be authentically, and unapologetically, themselves. That message drives my life and I could not be happier to work for a brand that feels the same!
Fun fact: I’m obsessed… and I do mean obsessed… with corgis. I legitimately cry anytime I see one.
ERIK AXELSON, INTERNATIONAL INVENTORY PLANNING INTERN
Hometown: Zionsville, IN
Studying: Finance and Accounting at Indiana University
Describe your style: Relaxed and casual.
One thing in your closet that you couldn’t live without: I have a silver MVMT watch that I wear all the time. I think of it as the finishing touch to most of my outfits as I can use it to dress up outfits for work, class, interviews, etc.
How would your friends describe you? Easygoing, loyal, and caring.
What does AExME mean to you? When I think of AExME, I think of it as an opportunity to contribute to the identity of our generation. I think of it not only as a voice for AE customers, but also a way for us to share ideas and learn more about one another.
Favorite part of the internship so far? I have to say the people/culture. People here care about me and my experience this summer.
TJ TURLEY, MERCHANSIZING (MEN’S BOTTOMS) INTERN
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Studying: Marketing and Entrepreneurship at University of Dayton
What is one thing in your closet that you couldn’t live without? Jeans. Wear them all year round and they match back to almost everything.
What is a trend you love? Future sportswear. The movement to more active streetwear.
What is the coolest place you’ve been to in Pittsburgh? Coolest place is hard especially being from here. I’d say top three must-see places are PNC Park during a game, North Shore in general for food and scenery, and the Andy Warhol Museum.
What does AExME mean to you? Your unique form of expression is supported by more people than you know.
Which member of the AExME Council do you resonate with the most? Joseph Touma. His work with Bridge the Divide is inspiring. And with the polarization of societal issues today, we need more young people driving the force of change to bring our nation and the world together.
Want to learn more about the AEO internship program and other job opportunities around the country? Check out http://aeo.jobs.