FCS 429

Internship

department of family & consumer sciences

college of education

Western Michigan University

Enrollment Guide

The Internship option is designed as a capstone experience to acquaint upper level students with management level training in their field of study.

FAQ’s

Who is eligible to enroll in FCS 429?

To enroll in FCS 429, students must:

Ø Be a declared FCS major.

Ø Have a job or volunteer position which meets the requirements of your major.

Ø Meet with Internship coordinator to plan your internship.

What are the credit guidelines for my major?

Major	Credits	Volunteer/work hours required
Family Studies	2-6	120-360
Child Development	2-6	120-360
Food Service Administration	3-6	300-600
Textile & Apparel Studies: Merchandising, Design & Development	3-6	300-600

Course is offered Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. Students may elect to complete required hours over the Spring and Summer sessions, with enrollment occurring in Summer session.

What types of jobs/volunteer positions qualify for Internship credit?

Ø Requirements vary by major. Generally, an Internship requires a management level position, or training program leading to management experience. Please see description for your major.\

[not yet available]

Family Studies

Child Development

Textile & Apparel Studies

Food Service Administration

How do I plan my Internship?

Ø Familiarize yourself with the requirements for your major.

Ø Examine your personal goals:

o What are your career goals? Your Internship should be designed to prepare you for entry into a career or graduate program.

o How much time do you have available?

o Where will you complete your Internship?

Ø Plan ahead. Begin planning your Internship up to one year in advance of the semester in which you plan to enroll in the course.

How do I find a position that fits the course requirements?

Ø Discuss opportunities with faculty members in your major.

Ø Network with professionals (i.e. speakers in classes, job fairs).

Ø Use resources available from Professional Experience Coordinator. Call Dr. Barbara Frazier at 616-387-3719 or email frazier@wmich.edu for appointment.

How do I enroll in the course?

Ø Obtain a position which fits your major’s requirements.

Ø Determine the number of credits you wish to earn for the semester.

o Family Studies and Child Development majors earn 1 credit for 60 hours of field work. (Minimum 2 credits per semester.)

o Textile & Apparel Studies, and Food Service Administration majors earn 1 credit for 100 hours of field work. (Minimum 3 credits per semester.)

Ø Prepare a written job description of the position you wish to use for your Internship. Include proposed place of employment, number of hours and duration, detailed job duties, and supervisor.

Ø Arrange a meeting with Internship coordinator to discuss your Internship. Bring your written job description. Instructor approval of the position is required prior to registration for the course.

Ø Complete an Internship Application Form (available in the FCS office, 3018 Kohrman). Be sure to get the correct form for the major and semester/session for which you intend to enroll.

Ø Return the completed form to the FCS office with your supervisor’s signature. The FCS administrative staff will register you for the course.

Please note that it is not possible to self-register via the telephone or web for this course. Registration deadlines are noted on the approval form, and must be strictly adhered to.

How do I earn credit for my Internship?

Ø Arrange a meeting with Internship coordinator during the first week of the semester in which you are enrolled to discuss course requirements.

Ø Complete the required hours, based on the number of credits enrolled.

Ø Plan your Internship project with your supervisor.*

Ø Complete written assignments and Internship project.*

Ø Earn satisfactory evaluations from your supervisor.*

*Details concerning written assignments, documentation of hours, and employer evaluations are discussed with Internship coordinator at the beginning of the semester. It is important that you make an appointment with the Internship coordinator session so that you can receive these materials.