Summer 2026

MBA Intern

AI Retail Project

Updated on 5/26/2026

Faherty Brand

Faherty Brand

201-500 employees

Sustainable, family-led direct-to-consumer apparel brand

Compensation Overview

$25/hr

New York, NY, USA

In Person

On-site internship based in Faherty's New York HQ in the Financial District.

Category
AI & Machine Learning (1)
Required Skills
LLM
Python
Machine Learning
OpenAI
REST APIs
Requirements
  • Currently enrolled in an MBA program with an anticipated graduation of 2027, and an undergraduate or graduate degree in computer science, engineering, applied mathematics, data science, or a related technical field (or equivalent hands-on experience)
  • Demonstrated ability to build — you’ve shipped code, built models, or developed AI-powered tools in a professional or academic setting; comfort with Python (or similar) and experience working with LLMs, ML frameworks, APIs, or data pipelines is strongly preferred
  • An AI-first mindset with genuine consumer curiosity and experience applying AI tools (generative, predictive, or agentic) in consumer-facing or business contexts, not just academic ones
  • Familiarity with the retail or consumer landscape — prior experience in e-commerce, DTC, retail tech, or a consumer-facing brand (through work, internship, or coursework) helps you understand where AI can create the most meaningful impact for our customers and business
  • Exceptional communication and storytelling skills — you can translate technical complexity into clear business language and are equally comfortable presenting to engineers and to executives
  • Highly collaborative with a hands-on, entrepreneurial spirit and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment
Responsibilities
  • Identify and scope a high-impact AI use case in partnership with your internship manager — drawing from across the business (marketing, merchandising, customer experience, operations, or beyond) — and build a clear problem statement, success criteria, and project plan within the first two weeks
  • Design and build a working AI prototype or proof of concept — using tools such as Python, LLM APIs (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic), machine learning frameworks, or no-code/low-code AI platforms — that directly addresses the identified business problem and demonstrates measurable value
  • Conduct a landscape analysis of relevant AI tools, vendors, and methodologies applicable to your chosen use case — for example, if working in marketing, evaluating AI-driven budget automation platforms; if working in merchandising, evaluating predictive analytics or demand forecasting tools — and develop a clear recommendation on build vs. buy vs. partner
  • Partner cross-functionally with stakeholders across the relevant business area (marketing, technology, finance, or operations) to gather data, validate assumptions, and ensure your solution is grounded in real operational constraints and Faherty’s brand values
  • Present a final capstone deliverable to senior leadership at the conclusion of the internship — including your working prototype, a clear articulation of the business case, an implementation roadmap, and a point of view on how Faherty can continue to scale AI adoption across the organization
Desired Qualifications
  • Demonstrated ability to build — you’ve shipped code, built models, or developed AI-powered tools in a professional or academic setting; comfort with Python (or similar) and experience working with LLMs, ML frameworks, APIs, or data pipelines is strongly preferred
  • An AI-first mindset with genuine consumer curiosity — you naturally ask where AI create value here and have experience applying AI tools (generative, predictive, or agentic) in consumer-facing or business contexts, not just academic ones
  • Familiarity with the retail or consumer landscape — prior experience in e-commerce, DTC, retail tech, or a consumer-facing brand (through work, internship, or coursework) helps you understand where AI can create the most meaningful impact for our customers and business
  • Exceptional communication and storytelling skills — you can translate technical complexity into clear business language and are equally comfortable presenting to engineers and to executives
  • Highly collaborative with a hands-on, entrepreneurial spirit and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Faherty Brand designs and sells premium, comfortable apparel for men and women with a beach-inspired, laid-back style. It uses eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton and recycled polyester and partners with ethical factories, selling directly to consumers through its website and a growing network of U.S. stores. The company is family-owned and a Certified B Corporation, highlighting strong social and environmental standards and transparency. Its goal is to offer durable, responsibly-made clothing while clearly communicating its sustainability and family-driven story to customers.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

New York City, New York

Founded

1983

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Eighty U.S. stores plus King of Prussia expansion deepen omnichannel reach.
  • Biarritz opened March 18, 2026, establishing a European beachhead for France growth.
  • Second Wave mail-in resale and Circulose collections strengthen retention and sustainability differentiation.

What critics are saying

  • Mall expansion can cannibalize existing stores and pressure margins if traffic softens.
  • European growth faces VAT, customs, and labor costs the U.S. playbook ignores.
  • Sustainability claims face greenwashing scrutiny because synthetic materials and emissions disclosure remain incomplete.

What makes Faherty Brand unique

  • Founded in 2013 by Alex, Mike, and Kerry Faherty, with strong family-led branding.
  • Premium coastal apparel combines surf-inspired aesthetics, comfort-first fabrics, and sustainability messaging.
  • Certified B Corporation status supports credibility across retail, DTC, and international expansion.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Your Connections

People at Faherty Brand who can refer or advise you

Benefits

Health Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Commuter Benefits

Employee Discounts

Company News

Yahoo Finance
Apr 14th, 2026
Faherty cofounders turn childhood dream into nine-figure surf-inspired fashion brand

Faherty, a surf-inspired fashion brand founded by twins Alex and Mike Faherty in 2013, has grown into a nine-figure business in just over a decade. The brothers turned their childhood dream into reality by combining Alex's finance background with Mike's design expertise from nearly 10 years at Ralph Lauren. The venture became a family affair, with their mother Ninie Faherty designing most stores and initially running the warehouse, whilst Alex's wife Kerry Docherty serves as chief impact officer. The company now employs around 130 corporate staff and over 600 retail employees. Faherty opened its first flagship in Malibu and launched its first international store in Biarritz, France, in March. The brand focuses on classic American heritage style infused with modern comfort elements.

SGB Online
Mar 18th, 2026
Faherty opens first international store in coastal French city.

Faherty opens first international store in coastal French city. March 18, 2026 Faherty has entered its European debut, opening its first store in Biarritz, France. "Faherty is focused on building an iconic, global lifestyle brand, through purpose, craftsmanship and cultural authenticity, and establishing our international footprint in France is a key component of our broader growth ambitions," said Alex Faherty, CEO and co-founder, Faherty. "Biarritz is a renowned surfing destination with a unique culture, and we look forward to showcasing our best-in-class store experience to beach enthusiasts from all over the continent, as we lay the foundation for future global expansion." Biarritz is located in the Basque Country, with a vibrant, seaside-focused community known for its beaches and historic resorts. The city is also well-served by major transportation hubs, offering a strategic setting for Faherty's first international store to bring its "laid-back American coastal style to more customers and communities around the world." "I first heard about Biarritz in 1994, watching Endless Summer II on repeat," said Mike Faherty, chief creative officer and co-founder of Faherty. "Surfing in France wasn't even on my radar then, but the vibe of the Basque coast and the feeling of French summer stuck with me, and I promised myself I'd get there one day." Twenty-three years later, he said he finally did, with his now wife, who had been spending her summers there. "From the moment you arrive, there's a slower pace to life, a warmth and sense of peace, baked in Basque, and a deep respect for the earth, the ocean and tradition," Faherty continued. "Biarritz is an international hub of surfing. That great mix of surf culture with amazing food and a laid-back spirit made it the natural place for us to open our first store in Europe." The store is in the center of town and spans 3,000 square feet. The store was reportedly designed in collaboration with architect and designer Louise Pastres. As part of its international strategy in Europe, Faherty will feature a month-long pop-up at the iconic Merci concept store in Paris in April, introducing the brand to the Parisian community. Images courtesy Faherty Brand

Yahoo Finance
Mar 17th, 2026
Faherty opens first European store in Biarritz, France's surf capital

Faherty, a premium American lifestyle apparel brand, has opened its first international store in Biarritz, France, marking its European debut. The 3,000-square-foot location is situated in the town centre of the renowned surfing destination in the Basque Country. Co-founder and CEO Alex Faherty said establishing an international footprint in France is key to the company's broader growth ambitions as it builds a global lifestyle brand. Biarritz was chosen for its vibrant surf culture and proximity to major transportation hubs, making it strategic for future European expansion. The store was designed in collaboration with architect Louise Pastres and features photography by local artist Julien Binet. The opening brings Faherty's surf-inspired coastal aesthetic to European customers whilst honouring the local beach community's culture and traditions.

Women's Wear Daily
Apr 9th, 2025
Faherty Expands 'Second Wave' Resale Program With Mail-in Option

Surf-inspired lifestyle brand Faherty first launched its resale program, Second Wave, back in 2023 - and now, they're expanding their preloved program to allow customers to mail in their Faherty pieces in exchange for store credit on its e-commerce website.

Just Style
Sep 9th, 2024
Faherty brand launches Circulose fibre collection

US lifestyle fashion brand Faherty Brand has partnered with Swedish circular material company Circulose (formerly Renewcell) on a new collection made entirely from textile waste.