Consumer Sciences Career Services Center
Internship Information
Deciding on an Internship
Why do I want to do this internship?
- To try a unique learning experience.
- Desire to explore a new career area.
- Want to advance in present career area.
- Need to satisfy cirrocumuli requirement.
- Need to develop skills and experience in career area.
- Hope to use as a springboard into career.
What do you plan to do immediately after graduation?
Having an idea of what you want to do in the long run will help guide you in deciding what you want to do for your field work. Do you plan to do any of the following?
- Enter the job market.
- Continue with school - additional course work, advanced degree.
- Get married.
- Travel.
When are you available to do internship?
What quarter and year? Note that some internships are limited to one time of the year or the other, so this may have an affect on your decision. If you haven't visited your Academic Adviser recently now is the time to schedule a visit so you can review what requirements you have left to complete, as well as plan your remaining hours of credit. It is best if you can have an optional plan, in case the internship opportunity or the courses you need are not available for you as you might desire.
What career area do you wish to explore for your internship?
Go to the library and look up some career books for further information. See internship and entry level positions sheet.
Be sure you are able to answer why you want a position in this area and be sure to consider all the "work" that goes into the job.
Try to plan a career ladder for yourself. Does your internship add to your career goals? How?
Who do you know?
Most jobs are acquired by networking. Make a list of all the contacts or think you can make. Be sure to include name (spelled correctly), position, organization, address and phone numbers, and what the connection is to you. Start a notebook or file of business cards.
The holidays are an excellent time to meet people because there are often parties and celebrations going on that you will participate in. Take advantage by making contacts, getting names and numbers that you can add to your contact list.
How are you going to finance this internship?
Remember that your internship is as much a class as any other course that you take on campus, but the classroom moves into a different environment. The emphasis in an internship is on learning, not how much money you can make.
However, just as paying for your tuition is a financial consideration, supporting yourself during your internship also needs to be recognized.
Consider the following when deciding on an internship:
What city do I want to do my internship in? Can I do it in Columbus or in my hometown? Or do I need to go to another city to obtain the experience I need to pursue my desired career?
Do I have any contacts in that city that might be able to assist me with living arrangements? Contacts can be family members, friends, fraternal organizations, or religious affiliations.
What kind and type of accommodations am I willing to dwell in during field work?
- Boarding House or Hotel
- Share an apartment
- Dormitory
- Own apartment
Will I need a car to get to work place? Do I have a car available? What will be the cost of car upkeep and parking?
What about your clothing budget? Will your work environment require you to make substantial changes in your wardrobe?
Costs to consider:
- Housing
- Utilities (phone, gas, electric, cable, water)
- Food
- Car (insurance, gas, upkeep, parking)
- Clothing (new purchases and upkeep)
- Other
How can the costs be financed?
- Personal savings
- Assistance from family members
- Loans
- Scholarships
Remember: When evaluating expense, consider how much each month that you are unemployed after graduation will cost you if you lack the experience you need to enter your field.
What organizations would you consider working for?
The fashion and interior industries are among the largest in the world. There are so many organizations that are available, that you will need to edit carefully your wish list. You may have already made up your mind on whom you want to work with, but try to stay open to other possibilities as well. If you are searching for the right organization, then start doing research now. The simplest research is often going to your favorite mall. Try to answer the following questions:
My favorite stores are...
- What type of merchandise do they carry? What price line?
- How does their personnel treat you? Treat each other?
- Do you see any management people around? What are they doing?
- Is the staff just doing their job or do they seem to enjoy what they are doing?
- Does the store environment compliment your tastes? Consider the cleanliness, organization and displays.
Take a closer look at the merchandise. Look for what appeals to you.
- What label is it carrying?
- Do you see yourself selling, designing, producing, or promoting this? Why?
- Develop opinions on what you like and don't like and why.
Stop by your local bookstore and purchase a few magazines that interest you in fashion or interiors.
Browse the publication, paying close attention to not only the articles, but the advertisements.
- What styles and products do you like?
- Where are the goods being sold?
- What organization or designer created the styles that most appeal to you?
- Where are they located?
Carefully read any information on specific people in the industry.
- What is their job or title?
- What information did they provide on the person, especially how they got to be where they are today?
Go to your library and start researching companies and organizations that are of interest to you. Ask for help from the Reference Librarian if you are unfamiliar with reference materials. Get names, addresses, and other information on the companies you are interested in. And of course, research on the Internet.
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