2025-2026 Design Leadership Development Program – Full Time and Summer Internship

Job Description 

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 

This job is located at our Global Home Office in Columbus, Ohio.  

 

What Could You Be Doing?

APPAREL DESIGN (Full-Time & Internship): A&F Apparel Designers create high quality, aspirational product for each of our unique lifestyle brands.  The designer's role at A&F is to take the product from the initial concept through the production of the garment.  Designers stay on top of emerging trends through shopping the market, researching vintage, and staying in tune with our customers.  This creative research fuels the big picture trend and mood direction at the beginning of each season. Designers focus on every aspect of product development, from fabric and trim selection to editing how the garment fits on live models.

TECHNICAL DESIGN (Full-Time Only): A&F Technical Designers translate flat sketches and trim sheets into physical garments by building detailed tech packs and constructing garments. They are responsible for creating detailed technical illustrations, editing paper patterns, and creating patterns from scratch when necessary. Our technical designers lead cross-functional fit sessions and communicate with vendors and factories to bring our vision to life. They work closely with Apparel Designers, Merchants, and Sourcing Specialists to protect quality construction and fit for each product category.

CAD DESIGN (Full-Time & Internship): A&F CAD Designers create seasonal print, pattern, and embroidery work for all product categories within one of our brands. CAD designers bring their inspiration and research to life at our state-of-the-art Innovation & Design Center and partner with Apparel Designers and Merchants to keep prints and patterns ahead of the competition and right for our customer. CAD Designers are highly creative and possess a keen eye for trend and color.

GRAPHIC APPAREL DESIGN (Full-Time Only): A&F Apparel Graphic Designers bring our brands to life through layout, typography, color, and overall great graphic design.  They develop seasonal graphic concepts for a range of apparel categories and develop cutting edge print, applique, and embroidery techniques in each brand’s handwriting.  Collaborating with merchants and apparel designers, Apparel Graphic Designers bring our apparel to life through their trend right graphics.  

 

What Do You Need To Bring?

• Bachelor’s Degree or junior status working towards a bachelor’s degree  

• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA 

• Passion for the A&F brands and the role  

• Ability to identify and interpret relevant fashion trends 

• Solid technical skills with an impeccable taste level and eye for color  

• Detail-oriented with excellent time management and organizational skills   

• Career-driven, strong work ethic and high-performance standards    

• Strong communication and presentation skills   

• A collaborative approach to working with cross-functional partners to achieve the vision of the brand   

• A strong desire for adventure & curiosity   

• Ability to adapt and work in a fast-paced, structured environment   

• Desire to learn & hunger for more!  

The A&F Design Full Time Leadership Development Programs offer competitive compensation packages for trainees. Other benefits include $8,000 in placement and relocation bonuses, merchandise discounts at all our brands, use of the A&F gym, industry-leading healthcare coverage, and company matching savings and retirement programs.

Our interns are compensated $9,000 for the 9-week summer program. Other benefits of the program have historically included housing provided by A&F for the duration of the program, merchandise discounts at all our brands, use of the A&F gym, and organized social events throughout the summer. Our interns end the summer with a thorough understanding of the Full-Time Leadership Development Program and have early access to full-time job opportunities. 

 

To be eligible for consideration, students must also submit their unofficial transcripts, portfolios and resumes, complete with cumulative GPA. 

 

Our Company 

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs.

The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch, YPB, abercrombie kids, Hollister and Gilly Hicks, each sharing a commitment to offer products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that support global customers on their journey to being and becoming who they are. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates over 750 stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sites abercrombie.com, abercrombiekids.com, and hollisterco.com.

At Abercrombie & Fitch Co., we lead with purpose and always put our people first. We’re proud to offer equitable compensation and benefits, including flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off, as well as education and engagement events, including various Associate Resource Groups, volunteer opportunities and additional time off to give back to our global communities.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.