Last fall the Clinique Fresh Faces Tour found its way to the CU campus, as it traveled the country searching for this year�s Fresh Faces contestants. Nearly 1,400 girls applied from Boston University to the University of Southern California for the coveted internship position.
Only a few weeks ago, Schoonmaker was named the Fresh Faces winner and will be joining the Clinique team for their 10-week summer internship program. The internship includes a one-week experiential opportunity at Teen Vogue in New York City.
Taking a break from her busy schedule, Schoonmaker sat down with the CU Independent to discuss her experiences, her passion for beauty and fashion, and her secret to success.
CU Independent: Tell us a little bit about your application process.
Maggie Schoonmaker: After applying in the fall, 25 girls were chosen for the second round where the public could vote for their favorite girl online. While voting wasn�t the deciding factor, it was fun to get my friends and family involved, and got everybody excited and made it feel like more of a community. After the voting, 5 finalists were picked and they flew us out to New York for an in-person interview and photo shoot.
CUI: How was the interview?
Schoonmaker: At first it was nerve wracking and overwhelming, but I love interviewing so the moment I sat down I felt comfortable. They were all so welcoming and comforting, they just wanted to get to know who I was and what I am all about.
CUI: Now that you have gotten the internship, can you tell us a little bit more about it?
Schoonmaker: The internship is really whatever I want to make it. I have chosen to take the Public Relations route through Clinique. I will be working with their North American and global PR. I will also be working with the creative services and advertising side, which includes everything from ads to product packaging.
CUI: Do you use the Clinique products?
Schoonmaker: Of course! I love their high impact mascara and live by the almost powder compact makeup. I am always on the run and away from home most of the day; the make-up keeps me fresh and polished all day.
CUI: You obviously endorse the product, but what drew you to Clinique as a company?
Schoonmaker: They are an amazing company, and incredibly inspiring. My experience so far has been unbelievable and I haven�t even started yet. I would love to continue working for them after the internship; they feel more like a big family than a global company.
CUI: You seem to have a great passion for the industry. When did you decide that this is what you wanted to do?
Schoonmaker: Growing up, like most girls, I went through a period of time where I didn�t feel great about myself. Pretty quickly I decided that I couldn�t feel that way anymore and I needed to be more confident. My mom and sister really empowered me, and I want to do the same. I want to inspire women to feel beautiful inside and out. I feel that beauty and fashion directly relate to that, it is a reflection of how you feel on the inside.
CUI: With the office in New York, you obviously have a big move ahead of you. What do you love most about the city?
Schoonmaker: I love the energy in New York. It is really inspiring; it is an energy I thrive on. I�ve grown up in Colorado my whole life, and need a change of scenery. New York is perfect and the best place to start my career after graduating.
CUI: Speaking of graduation, what experiences throughout your college career prepared you for your next adventure?
Schoonmaker: Honestly, all the internships I have had. They have really paved the way to this moment. Each experience really has provided me with a skill or an opportunity that I have held onto. Not only internships, but each class I have taken, my involvement with PLC (President�s Leadership Class) and the people I have met.
CUI: In the article for Teen Vogue, the judges said that you have been supporting yourself since you were 16. How did you manage that, especially in terms of college?
Schoonmaker: I worked really hard! I applied for as many scholarships as I possibly could, and looked for paying internships. I know the resources are out there and I have been lucky enough to take advantage of all of them. For me it was about knowing that I have the motivation, the drive and the experience to succeed.
To learn more about the Clinique Fresh Faces Tour check out their website and pick up a copy of the April edition of Teen Vogue to learn more about Maggie and the other four finalists.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Maranda Bodas at Maranda.bodas@colorado.edu