“…Chicago Semester has one of the finest internship programs in the city, due to the quality and commitment not only of their staff but the students themselves. Unlike many programs, this one has benchmarks and evaluative standards that push both the students and site supervisors to make the most of the internship.”
Jason Smith, Project Manager
Great Books Foundation
"I am always impressed by the caliber of interns we work with through Chicago Semester. Because of that, we are able to entrust these students with significant projects that contribute to our organization's work in Chicago and to the students' professional growth.”
Lauren Schmunk, Marketing and Communications Director
World Vision in Chicago
“…We were able to create a structure relevant to our intern’s area of interest. In addition, we were able to benefit from having a fresh perspective that fostered new ideas and processes. Chicago Semester interns will always be in the forefront of our minds as we continue to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.”
Kimberly Clark, Senior Compensation Analyst
General Growth Properties
“Our intern was enthusiastic, motivated, hard working, and immediately fit right into our office culture. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed working side by side with him, and the program was a great learning experience for everyone.”
Sarah Mignin, Account Coordinator
eshots, Inc.
“My experience with Chicago Semester interns has been positive and mutually beneficial. I have found the students to be inquisitive, motivated, and excited to engage in an urban setting. Personally, I have enjoyed learning from the students as they have brought new and exciting ideas to the work we do.”
Sheri Dieleman, Social Worker
Emerson Elementary School
“The Chicago Semester program exceeded every expectation! The intern was open to an experience much different from what she was accustomed to; she took the initiative and really stepped up. I was able to expose a young adult to something different, and she enhanced my environment with her enthusiasm and efficiency to complete projects. It was a win-win.”
Kathryn Welch, District Director
State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with three Chicago Semester interns. I found each of them to be exceptionally motivated, hard-working and intelligent. Since being an intern is truly the focus of the semester, each of them comes prepared to work from day one.”
Cassandra Gaddo, Managing Editor
Today’s Chicago Woman
“The program sets students up for success by helping them adjust to Chicago and opening the door for them to learn from and work for us. Our intern came in with great enthusiasm, and contributed to our church from day one; by the end of his internship we were ready to offer him a job.”
Rand Tucker, Senior Pastor
Hyde Park Vineyard Church
“These young interns create a feeling of satisfaction in the supervisor by providing an opportunity to witness their professional growth. This, plus their energy and eagerness to learn, are the most rewarding components of this program.”
Sheila A. Perkins, Director of Employment Services
Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind & Visually Impaired
“The Chicago Semester candidates are highly qualified and very professional. The program is well organized, educational and fun for the participants. Working with an intern helped me to evaluate my department and reorganize some of my workflow. Our intern gained excellent practical experience.”
Jeff Anderson, Director of Purchasing
The Eli's Cheesecake Company
“I've supervised several Chicago Semester interns over the last couple of years. It's safe to say that I have been "wowed" by every one of them. We have gotten the best of the best young talent through CS.”
Joe Wright, Development Director
New Moms, Inc.
--September 2008