INTERNSHIPS
Fashion Design and Merchandising students complete an internship as their capstone experience course in the major.
This course allows students to gain experience working in some aspect of the industry prior to graduation. As a result, students are more knowledgeable about potential careers and better prepared to pursue future career opportunities. Internships often lead to full-time employment and career success. Some student perspectives on the internship as a learning experience are included below:
“If we are not prepared with information the customer wants like the price, the sizes it comes in and the colors, then what good are we? The customer might as well just stay at home and shop online.”
“I have noticed when I work with brides, I can usually figure out which on they like the best because you can just tell in their face. They get a really big smile and they kind of can’t stop smiling while they have it on. It definitely happened with this bride today.”
FDM 491, the Fashion Internship course, is available during the summer and fall semesters. Students completing the three-credit hour Fashion Design internship work for six consecutive weeks, completing at least 120 hours. Those in the six-credit hour Fashion Merchandising concentration receive for a minimum of eight consecutive weeks and 240 hours of work. Successful completion of the capstone course is accompanied by a variety of assignments, and a culminating paper and oral presentation where each individual reflects on his or her personal experience and demonstrates increased knowledge of the internship site. In order to prepare for this work experience, FDM 493-Professional Development, will be required for all majors. Students select their own internship sites through a variety of resources, including WVU alumni, faculty, family, or other contacts. All internship sites must be approved by the faculty internship coordinator. A current resume and an Internship Application must be submitted prior to interviewing and signing a contract.
Former internships have provided exciting experiences throughout the United States, including the following:
- Reality television stylist
- Showroom sales assistant
- Retail sales management trainee
- Visual merchandiser
- Mall management assistant
- Technical designer
- Assistant designer
- Fashion public relations specialist
- Fashion journalism assistant
For more information on this capstone experience, please contact Dr. Holly Lentz, Assistant Professor and Faculty Internship Coordinator, at holly.lentz@mail.wvu.edu or 304.293.3534.
