Dear Students,
I am excited to share a new exciting pilot program, the LAS Internship Immersion Program that will be introduced during our 2018 spring break! This program is only open to UIC Liberal Arts and Science students in their first and second year at UIC. This is a unique opportunity to participate in a range of components including organization site visits, career development preparation workshops in order to get a head start on the internship exploration process, network with participating organizations, and learn how to be marketable in order to secure a future internship experience. There are limited spots in this program and if you are interested, please apply by Dec. 15, 2017 to be considered for the program.
In this program, you will have the benefit of:
- Exposure of workplace cultures and professionalism through employer site visits
- Strengthen internship search tools through development of a resume and cover letter
- Practice and strengthen experience with informational interviewing and networking
- Learn about opportunities to gain academic credit during your internship
- Gain better understanding of your skills, work values, and interests to apply toward your future internship search
- Identify upcoming volunteer and internship opportunities at participating organization sites
Please review the LAS Internship Immersion Program Eligibility and overview for details!
There are three main components of the LAS Immersion Program:
- Career Development Workshops (Resume Development, Informational Interviewing, Value of Internships, Understanding Brand, Interactive Exercises)
- Organization Site Visit Excursions (We will visit one workplace setting as a group and you will visit two other workplace settings in a smaller cohort on day2 to tour)
- Self-Assessment and Reflection Exercises
Application Process
- Review the student eligibility and expectations of the program
- Fill out the Application Form: https://goo.gl/forms/pxgMKppyq9kvFUA63
- Please take time to review the “LAS Participating Sites List18” (attached) to review before you share your selections
- Confirmation of acceptance will be shared by January 15, 2019 via your UIC email
- Confirm attendance in Immersion Orientation Session
- Get ready for the LAS Internship Immersion Program in March!
Site Visit Component of the Program
Day two of the program will be the main site visit component in which you will visit two work place settings to become familiar with the organization, tour, and learn about future volunteer and internship opportunities. One of the choices will most likely come from one of the top six choices you mentioned on your application and the other will be its “Mystery site” that is paired with your choice. The benefit of this pairing is to widen your perspective of workplace settings and give you a chance to see what are the benefits of a site you did not choose, what skills could you strengthen in a site such as this, and understanding a different organizational setting and culture.
Mandatory Orientation Session
All students accepted into the program will be required to participate in an orientation session that will take place in February 2018 (TBA on specific date and time). During this session, you will be given your immersion site placements, logistics about the program, and participate in a preparation activity. This orientation session is required in order to participate in the Immersion Program.
After Submission - Next Steps
After you complete the application form, all will be reviewed and confirmation will be received of acceptance or request of additional information (if needed) by January 15, 2018 and additional steps will be shared regarding the orientation session.
Please reach out with any questions and I look forward to receiving your application!
Gina Anselmo,
Director of Career Development and Major Exploration
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
