General Student Internship Categories
Arts
General students in the arts work in areas such as graphic design, interior design, arts administration, web design, photography, theater and dance.
Sample Sites
- Field Museum of Natural History
- Grant Park Music Festival
- John Reilly Photography
- Lookingglass Theatre Company
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Wildenradt Design Associates
One Student’s Story
Sam’s graphic design experience qualified him for an internship at a major natural history museum in Chicago in their exhibits department. He assisted a group of designers in the office, working on materials for current and future exhibits. He found the staff open, considerate and appreciative, and came away with a lot of varied design pieces for his portfolio.
Biology and Health Sciences
General students in biology and the health sciences work in areas such as exercise science, physical therapy, occupational therapy, pre-med, pre-physician's assistant and zoological studies.
Sample Sites
- Advocate/Beverly Health Center
- Evanston Public Schools – Services for Pre-Primary Age Children
- Fitness Formula Clubs/Gold Coast
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- Northwestern University Athletic Department
- University of Illinois Medical Center – Rehabilitation
One Student’s Story
Carrie completed her pre-physical therapy internship at the University of Illinois Medical Center in their Rehabilitation Department. She was able to work in three areas: in-patient acute care, pediatrics and the outpatient clinic. Her role as a physical therapy aide put her in direct contact with a wide spectrum of patients, medical conditions and treatment options. Because UIMC is a teaching hospital, her supervisors were primarily focused on her education. Carrie said, “This was an incredible place for an internship….I would go back there in a second!”
Business
General students in business work in areas such as accounting, banking, finance, general business, operations, international business and human resources.
Sample Sites
- ACCION Chicago
- BCD Meetings & Incentives
- General Growth Properties
- John E. Wilson, Ltd.
- Main Street Advisors
- Opportunity International
- Smart Resources, Inc.
- U.S. Export Assistance Center
One Student’s Story
Ryan worked with a bond investment firm that specializes in corporate, agency and municipal bonds. Being both a banker and broker of these bonds, the firm sells to other brokers or to their customers. Ryan learned about many business areas, including analytics, research, sales, and public finance, and thought it was the perfect setting for his finance major. His Excel skills increased dramatically, and the experience raised his confidence that he was highly qualified to work in the business world.
Communication
General students in communication work in areas such as advertising, event planning, marketing, journalism, TV, radio, film, video and public relations.
Sample Sites
- CBS 2, WBBM-TV
- Big City Bride/Big City Events
- Edelman Public Relations Worldwide
- Eli’s Cheesecake Company
- Euro RSCG Worldwide
- Great Books Foundation
- Greater North Michigan Avenue Association
- Kurtis Productions
One Student’s Story
Jeremy helped produce one of Chicago’s largest annual holiday parades. His primary responsibility was to recruit and organize the different units of the parade such as dance groups, bands and celebrities. He felt the level of responsibility he had was more comparable to a fulltime employee rather than an intern. As Jeremy became more familiar with the event planning field he said, “I have finally found a career I truly love.”
Social Services
General students in social services work in areas such as counseling, child welfare, art therapy, youth ministry, homeless shelters and much more.
Sample Sites
- Breakthrough Urban Ministries
- Cook County Juvenile Court
- Cornerstone Counseling Center of Chicago
- Erie Neighborhood House
- Evangelical Child & Family Agency
- Heartland Human Care Services
- Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly
- World Relief
One Student’s Story
Allison worked for a nonprofit organization that helps teenage mothers become self-sufficient parents. She helped organize and implement a new child enrichment program that involved creating lesson plans, organizing nutritious meals and screening development of the children. Allison gained confidence and skills to lead classes and recognized she was truly passionate about working with mothers and children.
Miscellaneous
General students who do not fall into the other categories work in areas such as law, urban planning, criminal justice and much more. If a past student has not interned in a specific field, Chicago Semester is eager to cultivate new sites and find an internship site suited to the student’s interests.
Sample Sites
- Andersonville Development Corporation
- Bellande & Sargis Law Group, LLP
- Chicago Police Department
- Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
- Legal Assistance Foundation of Chicago
- Park Community Church
- World Vision
One Student’s Story
Sarah worked for a law firm that specializes in land use, real estate and environmental law. She attended meetings, conducted phone interviews with clients and observed in the courtroom. Sarah found her writing, research and organization skills improved, and learned more about city government. Her internship showed her the versatile and practical uses of a law degree and confirmed her desire to attend law school.