"Where Are They Now?" is a series where we reconnect with former Prime Studio interns and discover the career paths they've forged since their time with us. In this episode, we chat with Neil Callahan, who interned with us back in the Fall of 2005.

What have you been up to since your internship at Prime?

I’ll give you the short version. I’ve had a very fulfilling career as a footwear designer that’s taken me all over the world working directly with factories in China, Vietnam, India, Portugal, and Italy, and living in different cities and countries along the way. I’ve worked for global brands including Clarks (UK), Massimo Dutti (Spain), and multiple fashion brands in NYC, and I’m now based in Los Angeles.

What are some of your memories of your time at Prime Studio?

 Pure stoke. I was genuinely excited every day just to be in the room seeing how a real consultancy worked and learning by watching talented designers do the job at a high level.

Did your internship at Prime influence your path?

Huge influence. Stuart set a very high bar. Early on, he actually sent me home for a couple of weeks to get my Illustrator skills up to speed. It was tough, but it made a lasting impression, and those skills are still ones I rely on today.

What are you currently working on or most excited about in your career / life?

I’m currently consulting for a mix of large and small footwear brands. What I’m most excited about right now is a cycling shoe project. After years in fashion, it’s been refreshing to work on something highly technical; it really taps back into my industrial design roots.

Do you have any advice for design students looking for an internship now?

Show up ready to work. Treat it like a real job. Listen, learn, and be useful.

Is there anything else you'd like to add for our readers?

Have a clear vision and trust your gut.