Internships

Ashley Weigel

Ashley Weigel worked as an Associate Buyer Intern at Target's headquarters in Minneapolis during the summer. She was part of the dairy/frozen team, collaborating with other interns and departments to gain insights into Target's diverse operations. Her internship included professional development activities, such as attending panels with Target executives and completing projects like business awards and digital purchaseability reviews. Ashley also participated in fun events like a Twins game, team-building activities, and a store walk, reflecting Target's focus on fostering a positive and balanced work environment.

Yiqi Yuan

Yiqi Yuan participated in the Retail Leadership Training Program at Nordstrom, specializing in women’s apparel in Bloomington, MN. She gained hands-on experience across various departments, improving sales techniques, customer service, and teamwork skills. Yiqi thrived in a competitive, fast-paced environment, developing problem-solving abilities and creativity while overcoming challenges. Her internship provided valuable insights into both the front-end and back-end operations of retail, equipping her with leadership skills for the industry.

Hanna Kuhn

Hanna Kuhn completed her internship at Label 4 Company, a boutique in Fargo, ND, owned by Jeanie Anderson-Murrey. She transitioned from part-time stylist to full-time manager while still a student and gained valuable experience in retail operations. During her internship, she managed social media platforms, planned events, set up merchandise displays, and learned about inventory management and customer engagement. A highlight was attending the NorthStar Market in St. Paul, MN, where she met vendors, participated in purchasing decisions, and explored future career possibilities in retail, buying, and entrepreneurship.

Gabby Sandman

Gabby Sandman completed her Fall 2022 Field Experience as a Social Media Intern at the SCHEELS Corporate Office in Fargo, ND, a sporting goods retailer. Her responsibilities included creating and scheduling ads and content, editing photo and video materials, and providing customer service by promptly responding to messages and comments. She also organized "surprise & delight" initiatives by sending personalized gifts and notes to loyal customers to express gratitude. This experience honed her skills in content creation, customer engagement, and vendor collaboration.

Students majoring in Apparel, Retail Merchandising, and Design are required to complete an internship, usually during the summer between junior and senior years. Often students work to find an experience working for retail firms in the Fargo/ Moorhead area. Others find opportunities in the Minneapolis area or other larger cities such as Chicago. New York City has also been an option for students who want to spend the summer in the city. Click on the images below to take a closer look at the posters and to see some of the recent student experiences. Hear from two students in the short videos.

Digital portfolios

Students design and create professional digital portfolios for the Professional Development course during their Junior year. These portfolios are helpful in securing internships and careers upon graduation. Click on thumbnails below to view student portfolios.