RETAILING MAJOR: Internship Program
The Experiential Learning requirement for the major can be satisfied in 3 ways. Depending on the option students select, certain procedures must be followed for them to obtain authorization to enroll in the course. Minimally, students must take CS 357 prior to enrolling in any of the options listed below:
Preparation for Retailing Internship (CS 503), 1 credit: (Controlled Enrollment/Spring Semester)
Student must complete application/selection procedures conducted annually in the Fall Semester. This includes submitting a Student Internship Application Form.
Authorization to enroll in CS 503 is determined by student qualifications per the competitive recruiting procedures retail companies use to select students for formal internship positions. Selection criteria assesses academic performance, leadership skills, work history, and retail career focus.
Field Experience in Retailing (CS 602), 1 credit: (Enrollment possible any semester)
Students who have entered the program as seniors or have studied overseas are the most likely candidates for the Field Experience. A Field Experience can be completed in any semester. It requires the student to get a part-time sales associate position which will amount to 200 hours of practical experience in a retail store. Student must submit a Placement Verification Form to obtain authorization to register for the 602 credit. When the student obtains this form, the written requirements for the course will explained.
A student can only earn 1 credit of field experience. Course is graded on a Credit/No Credit basis.
Retailing Internship (CS 603), 1-6 credits: (Controlled enrollment, advance approval)
Most retailing internships involve full-time, paid summer positions. Occasionally, companies will offer internships in the fall or spring semesters. Students may enroll for up to 6 credits; it is recommended that students register for 3 credits unless financial circumstances would warrant the 1 credit minimum. For most students, enrollment in CS 503 provides a mechanism for assisting them with the entire interviewing/placement/registration process.
Students are not required to have taken CS 503 to be eligible for CS 603 credits. However, a student initiating an internship independently must obtain documentation/verification from the company to substantiate that the position involves training and responsibilities at an assistant manager/buyer level.
Intro Paragraph:
The Consumer Science department encourages all students to consider working at an Internship at some point in their studies. An internship offers “real world” experience and combined with classroom preparation it makes students outstanding candidates for jobs at the time of graduation. Internships can assist students in their future career by providing experience, networking opportunities and insight to jobs in their field. Each internship position gives the student professional work experience utilizing skills and abilities that are transferable to any professional work environment.
Examples
Retailers who have repeatedly offer internships to UW - Madison Retail Majors and the locations of some of the internships:
Target Stores and Headquarters - Minneapolis, MN, Green Bay, WI, Madison
Mervyn's California - Hayward, CA
Walgreens - Madison
Sam's Club - Madison
Saks Fifth Avenue - New York, New York
Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Madison
Carson Pirie Scott - Milwaukee, WI
JCPenney - Madison, WI and Minneapolis, MN
Lands' End - Dodgeville, WI and Milwaukee, WI