LOCAL COMPANIES GEAR UP FOR 'INTERN-FOR-A-DAY'

With businesses facing a shortage of skilled job applicants, some Chicago-area employers are getting a jump on college recruiting under the Intern-for-a-Day program, unveiled this month at the University of Illinois at Chicago's College of Business Administration. Under the program, 90 UIC graduate and undergraduate students will fill internship slots for a day at host companies across Chicago.

Hoping to recruit new workers in a tight labor market, employers participating in the day-long event will get a look at talented potential employees, and ultimately, retain worthy candidates with job offers after graduation, said Beverly Parker, associate director of the college's Office of Development.

"The Intern-for-a-Day program is a chance for students to gain exposure to the business community, and see whether the company or industry they intern at is a good match for them," said Parker, the event's program coordinator. "It gives the company an opportunity to look over potential employees, share insights and experiences, promote their organization, and strengthen ties to the academic community."

Organizers for Intern-for-a-Day, together with UIC staff members, will match students with participating companies by business concentration, such as accounting, finance, marketing and management information systems, Parker said. For one day this month, UIC student interns will accompany assigned mentors at each host company, and learn first-hand what skills they need to succeed, and how to fit into the corporate culture.

According to the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, students who have practical, real-world experience are at an inherent advantage in today's competitive graduate school and employment environments. At the same time, the center reports, work experience, by itself, is an incomplete endeavor if it comes without direction and career guidance.

Parker said it's this kind of workplace interaction between intern and host company that UIC's program works to achieve. "Programs like Intern-for-a-Day can be an excellent way to gain experience, form mentoring relationships, and give interns direction along a chosen career path.

"The idea for Intern-for-a-Day came several years ago, mainly as a volunteer effort under the College of Business Administration's Alumni Association. Due to its overwhelming popularity, the program has now become a permanent career-services fixture offered annually by the college, and by next year, the concept may even be expanded," said Parker.

For more information on the Intern-for-a-Day program, contact Beverly Parker at (312) 996-4118; bjparker@uic.edu. For all media inquiries, photo opportunities, or requests for student interviews at intern sites, contact Jeffron Boynés, (312) 413-8702; jboynes@uic.edu

With 25,000 students, the University of Illinois at Chicago is the largest and most diverse university in the Chicago area. UIC is home to the largest medical school in the United States and is one of only 88 Research I universities. Located just west of Chicago's Loop, UIC is a vital part of the educational, technological and cultural fabric of the area.

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