Students

Internship - general information

  1. What is an internship?
  2. Who is expected to complete an internship?
  3. How will I get an internship?
  4. What does the internship course cost?
  5. Will I get help when it comes time to prepare for my internship?
  6. How will I be graded on my internship?
  7. Will there be support for me while I am doing my internship?

1. What is an internship?

The Bachelor Interior Design (BID) baccalaureate degree program is a four-year program of study which integrates eight semesters of academic course work and one semester of internship to prepare you for employment upon graduation.

An internship is, traditionally, four months (450 hour minimum) of work experience that provides you with an opportunity to put your academic education into practice. Salary rates are determined by the employer.

2. Who is expected to complete an internship?

Any student who plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Interior Design degree from Mount Royal University is required to complete an internship.

3. How will I get an internship?

Positions are posted by the internship coordinator based on industry participation and labour market conditions.

  • Employers submit job descriptions that are posted on a website accessible to internship students only.
  • Employers review the applications, shortlist, interview candidates, and offer the position to the successful student.
  • Students are also encouraged to identify and secure their own opportunities through self-marketing efforts.
  • Students must complete the work experience professional development sessions prior to commencing an internship.

See your internship coordinator for more details.

Please note: the availability and number of opportunities is dependent upon employers' needs and labour market conditions. Many employers post opportunities at a number of post secondary institutions, creating competition for available positions. Therefore, work term placements cannot be guaranteed.

4. What does the internship course cost?

The required Bachelor of Interior Design internship semester is zero-credit and has fees attached (approximately $500). Please refer to the Tuition and Fee Schedules for more information.

Internships are sometimes located outside of Calgary and students may have to relocate. In these cases, planning for travel expenses as well as living expenses such as rent and food for four months should be budgeted for.

5. Will I get help when it comes time to prepare for my internship?

Yes. Your internship coordinator has designed a series of sessions that will assist you in preparing a resume and developing interview skills that effectively demonstrate your capabilities.

Active participation in this process is critical to student success and a prerequisite for doing an internship. Students are expected to apply for a wide variety of positions to increase their success in securing an internship.

6. How will I be graded on my internship?

There are 450 required hours for the BID zero-credit internship. The course is pass/fail based on completion of the required internship hours.

7. Will there be support for me while I am doing my internship?

Yes. During your internship, you will have access to your internship coordinator who will provide you with the support you need.

  • The internship coordinator is there to help you with advice that relates to your position.
  • The internship coordinator maintains ongoing contact with the employer to ensure their needs are being met and answer any questions about the work term while continuing to promote further participation in the program.

Students will also be asked to complete a feedback form in the first month to let their internship coordinator know how the job is going.

Your internship coordinator is your first point of contact if you have questions or concerns about your job or the workplace at any time.