Summer is a busy time for HES students to complete internships. This series will spotlight students and their intern experiences
Name: Halie Starwalt
Major: Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles
Internship Location: I completed my internship with Polka Dots and Rosebuds Interiors in Lexington, Kentucky.
What is your typical day as an intern? My typical work day varied. Some days I met with clients and to discuss ways to make their homes more welcoming. Other days I posted blog entries and created presentations. And some days I ran around and gathering the merchandise needed. There really wasn't just one or two things that I did, there were all kinds of things that encompassed a "typical work day".
How are you applying classroom knowledge in your internship? There are several things I have learned in class that have helped me with my internship such as: knowing the different types of fabrics and knowing which kind would work best in each situation; my visual merchandising classes helped when setting a room; and knowing how to be professional overall made my experience even more enjoyable.
What is one key thing you have learned during your internship? Watching my boss run an entire business by herself was incredible. Knowing that indeed is possible is something that I can say has truly changed me. Being so young and successful is something I've always dreamed of, and here I am, working for someone doing just that. She has truly inspired me.
What advice would you share with other students who are preparing to complete an internship? Choose something you love to do; no matter what it is. In some cases you may find you don't like the profession as much as you thought you would and in other cases you find out you love it even more than you could have imagined. Keep your mind open.
Update: Halie’s internship during the summer led to a part-time job with Polka Dots and Rosebuds Interiors. She is continuing to work while completing her degree