Internships

An internship experience is an important part of the educational program for students in:

Family and Consumer Studies
Hospitality Management
Merchandising: Fashion and Interiors
Students in these three majors need to complete at least 3 semesters of Internship credit.

Internships should be completed during junior or senior year, after completion of some basic courses in the major. Many companies and organizations offer internships during the summer between the junior and senior year. Some internship positions are highly competitive. The search for an internship process should begin at the end of the sophomore year. Applications for summer internships should be submitted to organizations the student is interested in working no later the preceding January.

A permit* is required before students can register for HMEC 4836 Internship. Permits are due to the student's program coordinator by October 15th if the student plans to complete an internship during the Spring semester, and on March 15th if the student plans to complete the internship during the Summer or Fall semester.

Students may enroll for a minimum of 1 semester hour up to a maximum of 9 semester hours for one semester. A total of three semester hours of HMEC 4836 credit is required for graduation. Students may repeatedly enroll in HMEC 4836 until they have accumulated 12 semester hours of credit. 1 semester hour =75 hours of work/contact time.

For further information about Internship credit in the Department of Human Ecology, consult the Guide to Internships. You can also print out a copy* to give to potential employers.

You should:
  • Review and complete the INTERNSHIP PERMIT REQUEST*. This form must be completed and signed by March 15th if you plan to register for HMEC 4836 Summer or Fall semester, and by October 15th if the you plan to register for the course for the Spring semester. The internship DOES NOT have to be secured at that time, but you should indicate on the permit request the organizations that the you are interested in.
  • NOT begin work at an internship site until a completed and signed copy of the INTERNSHIP AGREEMENT* is submitted to the program coordinator. This is necessary to protect you and your employer/preceptor, Employers believe that students are working in a University-sponsored program. Therefore, all necessary paperwork must be completed prior to the beginning of the student's assignment.
  • Submit to the program coordinator a copy of the FACULTY CHECKLIST* when you submit the Internship agreement.
  • Attend the New Student Interns meeting Wednesday of finals week at noon in room 3112 Cushwa Hall for all students who will be completing the internship the next semester (Summer and Fall semesters meet during finals week of Fall semester). At the meeting you will receive a copy of the course syllabus AND instructions on expectations and requirements during the internship experience. You must attend this meeting even if the internship position has not yet been secured.
  • Have your employer complete the EMPLOYER ASSESSMENT when you near completion of the internship experience,. This is obtained at the New Student Interns meeting or from your university supervisor. It is to be included in your portfolio.
  • Maintain weekly telephone or email contact with your university supervisor throughout the duration of your internship.
Important Dates and Deadlines for HMEC 4836
  • March 15th and October 15th - Submit Permit Request to your Program coordinator for the next semester
  • Wednesday noon of finals week - Attend informational meeting in the Common Room
  • First week of the semester - Submit signed Internship agreement and Faculty Checklist to Program coordinator
  • Weekly throughout the semester - Make weekly contact with campus supervisor
  • Tuesday of Final's week - Submit portfolio to campus supervisor
CREDIT FOR LIFE EXPERIENCE

For those students who have completed three or more years of industry related experience, Credit for Life experience may be an option to the traditional internship route. If you think you qualify for Credit for Life Experience (CLE), contact your Program Coordinator and discuss the possibility of earning Credit for Life Experience.

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN ECOLOGY - Room 3044 Cushwa Hall
Phone: 330-941-3344, Fax: 330-941-1824

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