PHOTO SUBMITTED NW students in Chicago for the Spring semester from left to right: Ed Sanchez, Katie Krebs, Sara VanGorp, Courtney Kroeze and Nick Hengst.
Would you enjoy a semester with fewer cornfields and more skyscrapers, the fast pace of city life and a couple more things to do on the weekends? Ten Northwestern students are experiencing just that and more in the beautiful city of Chicago.
Each spring, Northwestern students are given the opportunity to intern, take classes and experience life in the “Windy City.”This spring our very own can be found interning with organizations such as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Lincoln Park Zoo, Today’s Chicago Woman magazine, the Field Museum and the Catholic Charities of Chicago. Their internships provide them with real-life work experience, networking tools and helpful advice for future jobs.
Christine Williams, a literature major, said she has been enjoying her internship with Today’s Chicago Woman magazine. “I had the opportunity to interview four women for the magazine and write an article about them,” Williams said. “To do some writing that will be published is definitely a highlight,” Williams said.
It’s not all work and no play. When the students are done working and taking classes for the day, they get to explore the city. “I love exploring Chicago,” Williams said. “Whenever there is free time, I like to use it to get to know the city better,” Williams said. “I’ve been to the Garfield Conservatory and the Shedd Aquarium. I also went swing dancing and up to the 96th floor of the Hancock Tower to eat dessert while looking over the city.”
Other students have even created a bucket list they hope to conquer. Sara VanGorp, a public relations major, said: “My roommates and I made a bucket list of all the things we have to do in Chicago. Things like going to the Second City comedy club, dining at the Signature Lounge in the John Hancock Building, attending a Blue Man group show, Chinatown, museums, the list goes on and on. We want to make sure that we utilize our time in Chicago and see all the sights but also become like native Chicagoans.”
The city offers fun, but it also requires some acclimation. Katie Krebs, a public relations major said: “Public transportation has taken some getting used to. The first couple days we were here, we had no idea what we were doing but now we’re able to just hop on a train or bus and go where we need to go.”
Gillian Anderson, a public relations major said: “I would highly recommend Chicago Semester to anyone who is thinking of doing it. I have had a blast so far, and the Chicago Semester staff is very helpful when it comes to securing an internship.”
Courtney Kroeze, a business administration major, agreed with Anderson, “I would definitely recommend this program to all students, no matter what you’re studying. When else would you have the opportunity to live and work in America’s third largest city?” Kroeze said.
If you are looking for something new and exciting to try be sure to check out the Chicago Semester.
Chicago Applications are due in the Career Development Center on Monday, Feb. 10 by 5 p.m.