Student Responsibilities

Student Responsibilities

Archst 4940 Internships

Prepare objectives and job responsibilities
It is essential that you establish what you would like to get out of your internship before seeking a particular firm. A list of your objectives will be helpful in narrowing down available firms to those which most closely mirror your needs. This list will be helpful in your discussions during the job interview. It will also provide you with a draft of final objectives for review and approval by your sponsor when you start the internship. This approved list is to be provided to your internship advisor by the end of the first week of the internship.

Your objectives may include exposure to a specific specialty or specialties, such as hospital design, retail design, etc. One good way to think of learning objectives is to think about what occurs at different stages of the design process. An internship is an excellent opportunity to gain exposure to tasks that are not likely to be done in the classroom, such as:

• observation of marketing and business management
• observing interaction between designer/s and client/s
• observation of construction
• visits to drapery, upholstery, and/or cabinetry work shops
• installation of furnishings and accessories
• post-occupancy evaluation

Being specific, particularly when interviewing, can help insure that you acquire a range of experiences, while also providing service to the firm. If used during the interview, having objectives shows the employer that you plan ahead, that you have goals, and that you are willing to accept responsibility.

Your final list of internship objectives should also include a brief summary of tasks/responsibilities the firm will be expecting of you. Include your name, the name of your sponsor and the firm at the top of the first page of learning objectives.

Examples of appropriate objectives for an internship:
I will:
• observe during a client interview.
• learn the methods involved in researching client needs for design jobs.
• help gather information on codes for a project.
• help prepare as-built drawings.
• help in the design concept stage for at least one design project.
• help prepare for a client presentation.
• observe a client presentation.
• help prepare construction documents.
• learn about business procedures used to order products after a client has approved the design proposal for a project.
• become familiar with interior design resources by working in the firm's resource area.
• listen to sales representatives explain their products.
• participate in a post-occupancy evaluation.

These objectives are too vague and not good examples:
I will:
• learn all about working in a designer's office.
• shadow my sponsor to see what he does all day.
• observe personnel in the office.

Obtain an internship position
Each student obtains his or her own internship position. To obtain credit for the internship, the student must have completed the junior level course work prior to working as an intern. This requirement ensures the employer that the student has certain minimum skills and will be able to contribute to the design firm. It also means the student will be able to gain more significantly from the intern experience.

The "job seeking" process should be initiated in a professional manner with the student making the initial contact. A file of possible sponsors, including recent requests for interns, and information on interior design firms in Missouri, collected by students in Archst 3371 - Design Resource Management, are maintained in the Department of Architectural Studies, 137 Stanley Hall, for student review. Department faculty may also be able to provide names of alumni or Advisory Board members that may be helpful.

The firm may request a resume and an interview and may expect to see a portfolio of student projects. For help with resumes students may review sample resumes which are kept on file in 137 Stanley Hall. The Career Planning and Placement Center, 100 Noyes, (314) 882-7448, is another excellent source for help in preparing resumes and cover letters. This office will also conduct practice interviews. The Career Planning and Placement Center also houses the Cooperative Education Office. This office can match students with participating employers for internship positions.

Once a position is obtained, provide the sponsor with a copy of this internship information and the evaluation form. A Student Intern Information form should be completed and given to the internship advisor on campus before enrolling in Arch 4940 Internship.

Perform to the best of your ability
The internship is a key component in preparing for employment in the profession. Not only should it provide a "real world" view and experience in your profession, it is an opportunity to begin making contacts and networking. Both are often critical aids in obtaining the best jobs. Having an excellent reference from your sponsor can give you a significant edge over others competing for the same "first" full-time position.

Record activities daily
Include two columns, one for the date and one for a description of your activities. This record should assist in assessing your accomplishments. Brief and specific statements are requested. Submit these records to the internship adviser during the last week of classes for the semester

Complete a project
Type of project should be discussed with the sponsor during the first week on the job. In order for this to be a meaningful experience it should be in an area related to the firm's business. Send proposal for the project to the internship advisor by the end of the first week of the internship. Submit completed project to internship advisor during the last week of classes.

Examples of possible projects:
a. Presentation boards for client presentation of a project being done by the firm (may be done independently by the student, or when appropriate, the student may be helping prepare presentation boards for the firm). A brief description of the project and student's involvement should be included on the back of one of the boards. Each board should include student name, course name, firm name and address, sponsor's name and phone number on the back.

b. Case history of a project in which the student was involved (do not use names of clients or firms). Include all parts of the design process that were ongoing during the internship, such as: initial contact, client interview, programming, measuring, preparing drawings of existing space, method of determining appropriate design solutions, cost estimating, client presentation, preparation of implementation documents, construction and/or design installation, review of finished project, post-occupancy evaluation.

c. Profile of firm, to include: name, address, phone, and fax number, type of firm (partnership, incorporated, etc.), size, years in business, type of clientele/projects, routine procedure followed for design projects -- for example, at what point does the interior design department become involved in a major project?, photographs of: exterior of place of business, reception area, typical workstation, resource area, conference/ presentation area, etc. Label pictures and affix to 8 1/2 x 11" pages with firm name on each page.

Remind sponsor to complete evaluation
The Student Intern Employer Evaluation Form is to be sent, along with a letter of evaluation, to the internship advisor during the last week of the semester.

Thank your sponsor
You've worked with a professional who has taken time out of a busy schedule to help you get started. If you've had a good experience, we would like the sponsor to feel good about sponsoring another intern. It is always appropriate to thank the person who has helped you advance in your career. A short thank you note will be greatly appreciated and likely remembered.