Internships

Interior Design students are required to complete an internship in residential, commercial, or a specialized area related to design as approved by a faculty supervisor. Before enrolling in FCS 4398 Interior Design Field Experience, students must complete FCS 3198 Internship Seminar. During the seminar class, students prepare their resume, cover letters and develop a photographed portfolio to date. They also research internship possibilities in geographic areas of interest. Traditionally, the field experience takes place during the summer between the junior and senior year. An internship position must be secured before the end of the spring semester for those meeting the field experience requirements in the summer. This allows the student the opportunity to complete a concentrated internship in their market of choice. Specific requirements are:

• The student seeks and acquires an internship position with approval of and agreement with the faculty supervisor and employer.
• The student intern must be under the supervision of a licensed or registered interior design or architect related to the student's career interests and objectives.
• The student must complete 240 hours of work experience for three credit hours.
• The student is responsible all lessons and reporting to the faculty adviser during the field experience. The student is supplied with a packet of detailed information during FCS 3198 Internship Seminar.
• Upon completion of the field experience, the student will provide interior design faculty and peers with a summary of his/her experiences. This may be in the form of a PowerPoint or video presentation.

Interior design students have enjoyed successful internships across the country as well as in the London area. Sites include Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, Atlanta, New York, San Diego, Costa Mesa, Rancho Santa Fe, and Los Angelus, California and others.