What is the Retailing Internship?
CNSR SCI 603 is a supervised/coordinated experiential learning opportunity involving company-specific training in executive level retailing functions. It is intended to be a 10-15 week training program in retail/sales management, merchandising (buying), inventory/product management, or a combination of these retailing operations. The Retailing Internship can be taken for 1-6 credits, and you must spend 60 hours at the work site per credit (so a 3 credit internship involves a 180 hour commitment).
Most retailing internships are completed during the summer and are usually paid; however, there are also opportunities for internships during the fall and spring semesters.
Many students describe their internship as their best learning experience at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Students report gaining:
- Knowledge of how to apply what they’ve learned in their classes in the field
- Understanding of their professional strengths and weaknesses
- Insight into the areas of retail they’re most suited to
- Awareness of how to achieve their career goals
- Experience needed to qualify for future jobs
- A higher comfort level in professional environments
How do I enroll in the Retailing Internship?
Perhaps the best way to get all the information you’ll need (and more!) about enrolling in the Retailing Internship is by taking the Preparation for Retailing Internship (CNSR SCI 503). This course will prepare you for the competitive interviewing process required for retailing internship placement. You’ll research individual companies, analyze industry trends, and develop strategies for effective interviewing.
Placement in a retailing internship often involves a competitive interview process with strict deadlines set by the company offering the internship. Click here for a recommended timeline for the internship search process. While it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to secure an internship, the Center for Retailing Excellence and the Internship Coordinator are always willing to help brainstorm ideas, offer suggestions, and connect you to resources.
Students may select an internship that has already been established with the department or may secure one on their own. Those secured by the student require the submission of a job description and departmental approval before the internship may be considered suitable for receiving internship credit. Once you have secured an internship:
- Submit the internship application to the Internship Coordinator. <<Application>>
- The Internship Coordinator will contact you once your internship is approved and you’ve been authorized to register for the course.
- Register for the course using web enrollment via My UW.
- The Internship Coordinator will email you course-related information and details about the first group meeting prior to the start of the semester.
The Retailing Internship is intended to provide a bridge between your academic work and the retail industry. There will be a handful of required assignments designed to help you reflect on your learning that are required in addition to the actual hours spent working at the internship site.
Who can I contact with questions or for authorization to register?
Katie Lindemann
Corporate and National Internship Coordinator
1300 Linden Drive Room 33
Madison, WI 53706
Phone: (608) 263-7996
Fax: (608) 265-3616
Email: klindemann@wisc.edu
