Overview
Our Textiles and Apparel (TXA) Academic Internship offers a dynamic, immersive learning experience that bridges the gap between academic theories and real-world practices in the textiles and apparel industry. This program is crafted to enhance students' understanding of their major, not just through theoretical knowledge, but through active engagement in practical, work-based scenarios. It's an opportunity for students to critically analyze and apply what they learn in the classroom to the professional environment, fostering a deeper comprehension of the intricate relationship between classroom concepts and industry realities.
Program Objectives
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Integration of Theory and Practice: Encourage students to critically evaluate and connect classroom theories with real-world applications in the textiles and apparel industry.
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Independent Inquiry and Exploration: Foster a culture of curiosity and self-driven learning, where students independently seek answers and insights through their experiences in the field.
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Knowledge Enhancement: Enable students to augment their academic learning with practical insights, leveraging the rich knowledge base from UT and TXA courses.
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Professional Development: Aim to cultivate a higher degree of professionalism in students, influencing positive changes in attitudes, work habits and maturity.
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Collaborative Learning: Establish a cooperative framework involving three key stakeholders: the student, the host company providing practical experience, and the faculty coordinator, ensuring a holistic and well-supported learning journey.
This program is designed to not only provide practical experience but also to instigate a transformative journey in both personal and professional realms for our students.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the Textiles and Apparel (TXA) Academic Internship, students must meet the following requirements.
- Academic Standing: Students must have upper-division standing, which means they should have completed at least 60 credit hours.
- Pre-requisites: Enrollment in TXA 151 Pre-Internship Seminar. For Design majors, completion of TXA 350 Advanced Design Portfolio is required.
- Internship Approval: All internships must receive prior approval from the Internship Director.
- Internship Site Validation: If the internship location is new to the TXA program, it must first undergo a vetting and approval process by the Internship Director.
- Internship Application Process: Students must complete and obtain approval on the Internship Application form before starting the internship.
Hours
- You must take the internship class (TXA 356) in the same semester or summer session to complete the internship.
- Retroactive credit for internships will not be granted.
- Internship hours for spring and fall semesters 140 hours TOTAL – 10 hours per week – 14 weeks
- Internship hours for summer long semester 150 hours TOTAL – 20 hours per week – 8-10 weeks
Guidelines
No organization may have more than TWO unpaid interns receiving academic credit for our program during a given semester.
The internship must be highly relevant to the student’s major education (design, merchandising, textiles) and future career development.
Clerical/administrative work should not consist of more than 20% of the internship duties.
The internship can be either virtual, in-person or a combination of both. This MUST be agreed upon by the internship site.
If the internship is not remote, it should take place in an office setting where the student has direct and in-person contact with their supervisor. It may not take place in a personal residence.
Application Process
- Internship Approval: All internships must receive prior approval from the Internship Director.
- Internship Site Validation: If the internship location is new to the TXA program, it must first undergo a vetting and approval process by the Internship Director.
- Internship Application Process: Students must complete and obtain approval on the Internship Application form before starting the internship.
- Once the internship is approved, you will apply through UT registration.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are the careers within the textiles and apparel industry?
The TXA Career Booklet will help you explore and understand different positions and jobs available in the textile and apparel industry.
What if my internship is virtual?
Refer to Best Practice for Virtual Internships for resources and tips relating to virtual internships.
What if UT students have not interned at my location before?
Complete and submit the TXA New Site Approval Form and send your employer this file: Employer Internship Guide.
How do I write a resume/cover letter? What exactly is an internship?
Refer to the TXA Internship-Career Guide for all you need to know about applying to internships.
What if my internship site asks for a verification form?
Email Deborah Sztejnberg.
Contact
We recognize it is not always easy to find an internship, but you have a team of people here at UT, CNS, SoHE and TXA to help you.
If you have any additional questions, please contact Deborah Sztejnberg.