Internships
F R E Q U E N T L Y A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S
WHY AN INTERNSHIP?
Why you should do an internship is simple. Recruiters among firms of any kind want to hire people who have experience. As recruiters for management jobs sit across from you at the interview, they are anxiously thinking, "How do I know this person will have any talent at management...or even like it...or will stick with it?
Coming into an interview having had a summer management experience will reduce their anxiety. It will help you gain many kinds of management jobs upon graduation. Also, an internship allows you to develop your management and leadership skills. Historically, over 90 percent of all students that do internships through the Institute receive job offers upon graduation.
WHAT IS IT?
During your internship, you'll have the responsibilities of "real" job, earning $8-12 an hour-the average internship salary. Besides the day-to-day duties of your job, you will be responsible for completing assignments relating to your experience. After all this is an academic program, right?
Your internship will help you see unfamiliar facets of business. You'll probably be exposed to buying, selling, security, visual merchandising, corporate management, distribution channels, and many types of customer service. You may have the chance to learn how to directly supervise others. If you're really responsible, your manager will probably give you a chance to be in charge.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Students can come from any major, including both business and non-business areas, in either an undergraduate or graduate program.
PREREQUISITES?
There are none. It doesn't get any better than this, does it?
IS THERE MORE THAN ONE KIND OF INTERNSHIP?
Yes. The most popular internship is in operations, which emphasizes management responsibilities in store management and/or buying and also involves some selling. Other internships, available on a limited basis, involve financial control, operations, personnel, sales promotion, and CIS.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
About 10-14 weeks. However, this time period is flexible depending on the company.
WHEN?
Anytime, but most often in the summer. Internships may be taken any semester - fall, winter, or spring/summer - usually between the junior and senior year. Internships are available for graduates between the first and second year of studies.
WHERE?
Everywhere. Students are placed with a company with which they feel they can be the most successful and in a geographic area where they eventually want to live. Some of the best jobs are outside of Utah.
TYPES OF RETAIL EXPERIENCE PROVIDERS?
All kinds. Internships are available with department, specialty, discount, food, and drug stores. Marketing and sales, financial services, supply chain and many others. Company sizes range from small to large.
WHAT ARE THE HIRING REQUIREMENTS?
Students are hired on their own merit. Companies are interested in students' motivation and maturity, along with their decision making skills, initiative, analytical ability, quality of work, and ability to work with others.
WHERE DO STUDENTS INTERVIEW?
The Institute makes arrangements for students to interview with companies recruiting on campus and, in some cases, at the company site.
HOURS WORKED PER WEEK?
Usually 40 hours. Overtime is generally paid for work in excess of a 40 hours week.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS?
Limited, due to short internship time; however, student interns generally qualify for company discounts.
SUNDAY AND EVENING WORK?
Maybe. On merchandising internships it may be necessary to work some Sundays (usually one out of three or four) and/or evenings. However, many interns have found that other interns or trainees in the store are not only willing but anxious to work Sunday rather than another time, such as Friday night; therefore, they are willing to trade.
TRAINING?
Training programs vary from company to company. Some companies provide classroom instruction in addition to training by supervisors. The amount of classroom time varies according to company policies and needs.
LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS?
Some live at home. Others find their own housing with friends or extended family, or other means. Bishops have been very helpful in locating housing in their wards. Remember, the best jobs are many times outside of Utah.
TRAVEL EXPENSES?
Travel expenses are generally paid by the students.
WHEN SHOULD APPLICATION BE MADE?
Anytime. The ideal time is early in the junior year. Seniors may apply but must have at least one semester left after their internship.
WHAT OTHER PREPARATION IS NECESSARY?
Students should review the internship website, and review the articles that describe how to make the internship experience as meaningful as possible. Susan Famulary, the Director of Internships (436 TNRB), or the Internship Office assistants (444 TNRB) can answer any questions or concerns interns may have. Also several legal documents must be completed before the internship experience begins. These include the Company Master Agreement, the Experience Provider Information Sheet, and the Student Agreement. These documents may be found on the Marriott School Internship page, under the Syllabus Link.
IS ANY EXPERIENCE NECESSARY?
No. But it does help and is highly recommended. If students want part-time work while attending BYU and can qualify for an internship, the Institute can be of assistance.
ARE THERE ASSIGNMENTS?
Yes. There are weekly assignments designed to enrich the internship experience, making it possible to learn not only what a store does in specific areas but why and why not. Another positive result of the assignment process is that students become acquainted with many executives and vice versa.
HOW MUCH TIME WILL ASSIGNEMENTS REQUIRE?
Two to three hours a week outside regular work time at the store. This includes your interview with executives (which should be on your own time) and organizing and writing papers.
WHAT DETERMINES THE GRADE?
Performance in the internship, assignment grades, examinations, and personal papers.
IS THERE CONTACT BETWEEN THE INSTITUTE AND THE STUDENT DURING THE INTERNSHIP?
Yes. Students may call the Institute anytime to report their progress or ask questions. The Institute sends out a weekly email with advice and suggestions. If there are any problems, the student is contacted immediately so they can be worked out.
CREDIT?
The Internship (BusM 496R) is a variable credit course, and may be applied to
upper division credit for marketing and finance majors. You can take it for one,
two or three credit hours and pay regular university fees appropriately. You register
for the internship through regular BYU channels and also on the internship website
(note: Registering on AIM does not automatically register you on the internship
website. A separate application is required at marriottschool.byu.edu/internship.
For current tuition costs, see the BYU General Catalog.)
SCHOLARSHIPS AND ASSISTANTSHIPS?
Yes. Assistantships are offered to seniors and graduate students on the basis of (1) demonstrated interest in marketing (2) GPA, and (3) financial need. A few scholarships are also available to juniors. Applications are available on line under the Scholarship heading on the Institute of Marketing's homepage menu.
TAKE THE INTITIATIVE.
All internship experiences are different, but the key is to take the initiative. Go the extra mile ... don't wait to be asked. Nothing will be handed to you - this is your time to shine. But most important, you'll have the chance of finding out if management is your thing and if marketing is the career for you.
AFTER THE INTERNSHIP, THEN WHAT?
After the internship is over and you're catching your breath there are still opportunities to further your career. We have some scholarships and assistantships for the top interns.
Of course, marketing is a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, and we need your input. At a special meeting we will ask you for feedback and about your experiences. We'll ask you for your suggestions for revisions of the assignments and the program in general so that we can continue to improve our retailing program.
PERMANENT PLACEMENTS?
Nearly all students who complete successful internships receive offers from their company to return for permanent employment after graduation. An internship experience enhances job opportunities for every student intern.
