Department of Consumer and Design Sciences

Beginning of Semester:

1. How many hours do I need to work per week during my internship?
   The number of hours per week may vary; however, you must work the minimum requirement of 400 hours in total throughout the entirety of your internship.
   
   
2. What happens if my firm supervisor changes during my internship?
   Please email the course supervisor and graduate teaching assistant with the name, contact email, and contact number of your new firm supervisor as soon as possible.
   
   
3. How long should the daily journals be and what should they include?
   One paragraph. Reflect on what you have learned, not just what you have done.
   
   
4. What if my internship begins before or after the semester begins?
   Your internship dates may differ from the semester dates; however, you still need to adhere to all due dates listed in the syllabus.
   
   
5. Will I receive more extra credit points if I meet with more than one alumni?
   No, you can only receive 1 extra credit point regardless of the number of alumni you meet with during your internship.
   
   
6. If I get second internship offer after I start internship with the first firm, can I switch to the second firm?
   No. Once you start your internship with one firm, you need to stick to it till the completion of your internship as per the contract with that company.
   
   

Mid-Semester:

1. Do I need to be included in the on-the-job photo (i.e., action shots)?
   Yes. You must be included in the photo! Ask your co-workers to take your action shots. Also, write a caption below each photo of what you are doing in your final notebook/portfolio.
   
   
2. What if my firm has a policy against pictures being taken in the office?
   You have to inform the internship faculty supervisor about such policies. Photos can also be taken outside the office (e.g., running errands, in the store, at vendor appointments). Take pictures of responsibilities you have outside of the office if the firm does not allow you to take pictures inside.
   
   
3. What if my firm does not have 10 executives to interview?
   You are not limited to only interview executives within your firm. You can also interview vendors, executives in competitive firms, or executive level professionals in related businesses. Interview people beyond your firm and network with other people you meet.
   
   
4. How should I take notes during my interviews? Pen and paper or is a recording device allowed?
   Ask the interviewee if they feel comfortable with you recording (you must have their permission to do so). However, paper and pencil to take notes would be the most appropriate, and then we would recommend you typing up notes right afterwards while the information is still fresh in your mind.
   
   
5. How should I begin thinking about my internship project?
   Try to identify a problem or an opportunity that needs to be solved or improved at your firm. Also, discuss the requirements of project listed in the syllabus with your firm supervisor as you brainstorm the ideas for the project.
   
   
6. How many goals should I include in my project?
   Two or three goals should be included. You may also have one main goal and a few sub-goals. Keep in mind that you will need to specify the evaluation method of all goals and/or sub-goals as well.
   
   
7. What parts of the proposal should be included in the final project?
   Three of the five sections of final project are same as project proposal. Add two more sections (procedure and outcome) and include the project (all five sections) in your final notebook/portfolio.
   
   

End of Semester:

1. What if my internship ends after the final notebook/portfolio due date?
   You will follow the same guidelines listed in the syllabus and will also follow the same deadlines. You will submit all the completed parts, which are listed as a requirement for final notebook/portfolio by the due date. After the due date of the notebook, you will continue to write daily journals and will send weekly emails until your internship is completed.
   
   
2. How should I submit the final hard and soft copy of my notebook/portfolio?
   A professional bounded, spiraled, or 3-ring binder is most appropriate to submit the hard copy of your final notebook. All pages must be held together. Follow the sequence listed in the syllabus to compile your notebook. You will mail the hardcopy of the notebook/portfolio at an earlier date so that it reaches your faculty supervisor’s office before the due date. You will also submit the PDF soft copy on Canvas by the due date. Therefore, while submitting the PDF copy on the due date, make sure to update the project with most accurate and conclusive data from the project.
   
   
3. How many thank you letters I should write?
   You should write personal thank you letters to your internship supervisor and any other key players, supervisors, and co-workers who were instrumental during your internship. Write as many as you can.
   
   

Department of Consumer and Design Sciences

Dr. Annette Burnsed
Apparel Merchandising Internship Coordinator
308 Spidle Hall
Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849-5603
Phone (334) 844-4673
Fax (334) 844-1340
kab0150@auburn.edu