WORK 101 - Work Project I

This course provides students with an appreciation of the retail management skills practiced by department managers as well as the challenges faced by part-time and full-time employees. To achieve this, students spend five weeks working in a sales position under the guidance of an experienced mentor. Students have an opportunity to apply the information learned in the Retailing course to an actual work situation, demonstrating depth of understanding and using professional retail and general business terminology. They prepare a Work Project paper analyzing the store, the major competition, the merchandise being sold, pricing strategy, visual presentation, store and e-tailing services, styles of management, and their own role during the five-week work period. Students must apply research and analysis skills in order to properly complete the paper and are expected to communicate on a regular basis with their supervisor in order to gain a firsthand understanding of the organizational hierarchy and complexities of the position. In addition, all students must attend several required small-group seminars throughout the semester and participate in a required Work Project I Presentation Seminar where they explain the highlights of what they have learned on the job. Fall and Summer only.

3 credits

Corequisite: Retailing, 10 credits earned prior to starting internship