Consumer Science
(Consumer Affairs and Personal Finance)
Overview
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 upon graduation. Internships can assist students in their future careers by providing experience, networking opportunities, and insight into 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.
Consumer Science Interns work in a variety of fields. There are many positions with consumer advocacy; jobs in marketing, advertising, and sales; product development; financial planning and financial counseling. Students work for state government, businesses, non-profit organizations and trade associations.
How many hours of internship work do I need?
- Consumer Science = 60 hours per credit at the internship site in addition to class assignments (up to 8 credits possible, maximum of 4 per semester; not required). Thus a typical 3 credit internship requires 180 hours of work.
Credit
Consumer Science majors in both the Consumer Affairs and Personal Finance concentration may elect CS 601 credits as an option to fulfilling certain degree requirements.
Consumer science majors in both Consumer Affairs and Personal Finance concentration may elect CS 601 credits as an option in fulfilling 3 of the 9 credits in the “core requirements”. In addition for Consumer Affairs option 3 credits may also count toward degree requirements in “Supportive/Related Discipline Requirements”. A student in both Consumer Affairs and Personal Finance may earn up to 8 credits while enrolled in CS 601 over 3 semester period. The additional credits would apply to elective credits needed to meet 124 total degree credit requirement.
Policies
- CS 601 class is offered ONLY to the students in Consumer Science major in good academic standing and who have reached junior or senior level. A student who applies to the School of Human Ecology in spring and is admitted is eligible to enroll for CS 601 for summer.
- An internship is highly recommended, but CS 601 credits are not required.
- CS 601 credits are not given retroactively for work that has been previously completed.
Internship panels / prep sessions
Internship set up steps
Application
Consumer Science Internship Proposal / Application Form click here
Obtaining signature on the application form for out-of-town students:
- You can e-mail your filled out application form to the company and have them e-mail it back to your internship coordinator as a “virtual” signature.
- You can U.S. mail your form and have them mail it back.
- You can fax your form to SAA office (fax 608-265-3616)
Fall 2008 application deadline is September 5th.
Spring 2009 application deadline: December 19th and January 23rd.
Summer 2009 Application Deadline - May 1st, 2008.
No application will be considered after the deadline. No exceptions.
Please submit your application to room 135 SoHE
The application must be typed. Handwritten applications will not be accepted.
After your application is approved you will receive an e-mail from internship coordinator with registration instructions. All permissions will be entered after the deadline. Thus you will be able to register for the class only after September 5th if your application is approved.
Will my internship be approved?
For more resume / cover letter guidelines and samples as well as for interview preparation please see Business Career Center.
Consumer Science Master Site list
For more information about assignemtns, internship opportunities etc. see
FAQ
"I wanted to let you know that I believe that hands on experience is one of the most important parts of education and the internship is a great opportunity for experience. I just graduated yesterday but if I had another semester, I would for sure intern again".
Yoni Macagon
December 2007 graduate
For more information regarding the Consumer Science Internship Program, contact the Internship Coordinator:
Anna Bahvala
Human Ecology Building, Room 135
1300 Linden Drive
Madison, WI 53706
608.265.6467
bahvala@wisc.edu
