Turn Your Dreams Into a Career
Do you enjoy designing websites? Are you a good problem-solver or just like working with computers? Why not put that talent to good use, and explore a career path in technology at the same time? We are currently looking for students with disabilities to apply for an 8 week paid or unpaid internship in the Summer of 2009 working with technology. Possible internship opportunities in “IT” include: Computer Operations, Marketing, Graphic Design, Web Design, Database Management, Data Mining, Microsoft Operations and Business Analysis
For the first time, TechWorks will provide students with disabilities an opportunity to participate in information technology internships with some of Chicago’s major corporations, Use your interests in information technology to launch a career.
Not all students who apply will be selected.
The Benefits of Taking a TechWorks Internship Program
1. Explore Information Technology as a Career: Find out what is involved in a career in information technology. Use your current technical skills, develop new ones and find out if information technology is right for you. We will even help you find the right sources of training to help you prepare for your internship.
2. Become More Marketable: In this tough job market keeping your skills up to date is important. By taking an internship you tell employers you are dependable and have marketable skills they need to build their business.
3. Increased Self-Esteem. Performing meaningful work, and being a part of a team effort builds self-esteem and puts you on the path to a more self-sufficient life.
4. Make Professional Connections: Getting out in the work world can lead to other professional opportunities. Make connections with the people you work with, and you may gain a recommendation for your next job or possibly a job offer.
5. Become More Flexible: Exchange those jeans for business attire. Learn how to communicate with a supervisor and co-workers and achieve greater personal and professional growth. TechWorks will follow you through your internship and help you work through anyissues that may arise.
Eligibility:
• Current high school or college students, age 16 years or older, living or going to school in the City of Chicago are invited to apply regardless of disability. Students must be able to legally work in the U.S., and be in good academic standing.
How Do I Apply?
• Onine Registration:
Click here to fill in your electronic form Application.
• Offline/via mail: Students should click here to download an application in PDF Format or download an application in Word Document format. Fill it out and send the completed form to: MAYORS OFFICE OF DISABILITIES, TECHWORKS APPLICATIONS c/o Carolyn Jones, City Hall, Room 104, 121 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60602, or by calling one of the contacts below.
•TechWorks will begin identifying and interviewing students starting in October, 2008 and begin presenting those candidates to employers in January, 2009. After your resume is presented to employers, you will be notified if the employer expresses interest in your background.
• It will be the student’s responsibility to prepare for their internships, i.e. additional computer classes, job readiness skills, workshops, job coaching, etc. The preparation steps will depend on the student’s and the employer’s requirements.
• Once an intern is selected for the TechWorks program, he or she will be given a "Student Agreement" which will outline job requirements and expectations.
• TechWorks will screen candidates, set up interviews and maintain regular contact throughout the 8 week internship.
• The Way We use Information: We use the information you provide about yourself solely to help us find the most qualified students with disabilities for TechWorks internship positions. We do not share this information with outside parties except to the extent necessary to complete the TechWorks Pilot School to Work Initiative. We use return email addresses to answer the email we receive. Such addresses are not used for any other purposes and are not shared with outside parties.
For more information contact: Catherine Marsden, TechWorks Project Coordinator, 312 730-2271, TTY (312) 744-4964 email: info@chicagotechworks.org