What kind of Chicago summer internships are there?

Chicago, being the 3rd largest urban center and having the 2nd largest job market in the country, hosts many industries and offers various types of employment. Some college students know exactly what kind of internship they want and which industry they want to work in; those students can get started right away on their Chicago Center application and look through examples of internships on our internships page. We have networked with hundreds of agencies, corporate organizations, arts groups and more to find internship sites that will give you great guidance, experience and let you contribute to the community  in significant and meaningful ways.

However, if you aren’t exactly sure what career you may want get started in, here’s how you can start your research on Chicago summer internships:

- If you are unclear on what you want to do with your major, ask an older student in your program what career they plan to pursue and if they have had any internships. As is often the problem with liberal arts majors, there isn’t a default career for each major. An older student or a Chicago Center alumnus can open your eyes to career opportunities that you hadn’t even considered.

- If you know what field you want to work in, you can still ask older students or Chicago Center alumni who you know have worked internships in that industry about their experience. You may find that the actual work experience is something far different that what you anticipated. Guidance from Chicago Center alumni and older students is invaluable– it can really help you create realistic expectations about getting an internship and what it will be like if you get it!

Chicago Summer Internship Preparation

Successful race car driver Bobby Unser said, “Success is where preparation and opportunity meet,” and of course that’s true when you are looking for a job or internship. Even if you aren’t yet applying with the Chicago Center, or if you haven’t decided what kind of internship you want, you can already start preparing for the application and  hiring process.

Getting started early will give you a better chance at getting an internship you want, and preparation will keep you from missing any of those great internship opportunities, no matter when they come along. Here are a few things you can start preparing without a Chicago summer internship lined up already.

- Prepare your resume. Meet with a career counselor at your college or university, and make sure your resume is up to snuff. The previous experiences, relevant classwork, and leadership roles and how you describe them on your resume can either really catch a potential employer’s eye! Working on your resume with a career counselor can help you present your strengths in the most professional way possible. (You will also be required to provide your resume as part of your Chicago Center application).
 
- Prepare your cover letter. Although you should write a unique cover letter for each position you apply for, preparing your basic format and general ideas can help you whip that individualized cover letter up more quickly whenever an opportunity comes along. Make sure you have someone proofread your standard cover letter, and if you can, run it by your career counselor was well.

- Prepare your writing samples. Depending on the field you are applying to, you may need to present writing samples as well as your resume and cover letter. If you can, prepare samples of different lengths and styles, to make sure you have something suited to the job you are applying for. Take your writing samples to a professor and have that professor proof them and offer their opinions on how to improve the writing. Again, you want to put your best foot forward, and preparing writing samples early can allow you to do that.

- Prepare your references. Even if a potential employer doesn’t ask for references when you apply, they might ask for them in your interview or after you’ve met. Having these prepared and being able to respond to this request quickly proves that you are prepared and that you already have people willing to vouch for your work. You should also have contacted your references and let them know that you are using them in your job applications. You never want a potential employer to call one of your references and have that person be surprised that you used them. (You will be required to provide references as part of your Chicago Center application).

- Prepare for your interview. Whether it’s having your parents or friends ask you questions, researching the industry, or planning answers for frequently asked interview questions, a little interview preparation goes a long way. The more confident you are in your interview, the better– and preparation will always boost your confidence.

Whether you are planning on a  summer internship with Chicago Center, or coming for a Spring or Fall semester, you can definitely use these preparation methods to find an internship and be ready for the application and hiring process. It may seem early, since it’s still February, but beginning now may help you seal the deal on your summer dream job!