Chicago Scholars’ dedication to uplifting and aiding first-generation and people of color (POC) Scholars in Chicago is most visible through their pre-college initiatives. As a Scholar, I can say that the college application and decision process can be quite strenuous, but I was fortunate to have my CS mentors and staff with me every step of the way, even after I matriculated at Denison University.
During the academic year, it is easy to get lost in the hustle of studying and extracurricular activities and forget about applying for internships or summer pre-professional programs. Internships during undergrad are essential, as they can help determine what career paths are open to you after college. As a first year student, it was even harder for me to look into internships because I had switched my major. With a plethora of internships and programs out there, it can be hard to narrow down your options and determine what makes the most sense for you. An example of this is deciding between paid or unpaid internships, relocation, or notable vs. lesser-known internships.
It’s important to think about internships early in your academic career. The CS team introduced me to Emerge, a unique paid internship that builds on pre-existing soft and hard skills, to simulate the possible challenges they may face in the workplace, through unique activities like Growth Labs at partner companies, resume and interview workshops, and 1:1 coaching. Emerge gives students the opportunity to network with leaders in a variety of industries. As a Scholar, I felt drawn to Emerge’s promise of skill building in a professional environment. I have learned transferable skills in the marketing field that I intend to apply throughout my college experience and eventually in my legal practice.
Jermal Ray, a rising sophomore studying architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology, joined Emerge to seek opportunities for personal and community growth. Being part of a driven community of young people and supportive mentors is a highlight for him. “Emerge unleashed the passion to set new frontiers, opening doors to awareness, expertise and a strong entrepreneurial spirit through myself.” Jermal states. This summer, Jermal is interning with The Walsh Group, a leading company in the construction sector. Jermal plans to use his experiences from this summer to add onto his professional and personal goals of growth and aspirations of being a CEO in the future.
Lily Gonzalez is a rising sophomore at Oberlin College, majoring in mathematical economics with a minor in statistical modeling and a concentration in business. Lily said she joined Emerge because “as a first-generation student, exposure to different internships and opportunities come rarely and I felt that the Emerge program would be a great way to help bridge that gap.” Lily is currently interning at Harrison Street Real Estate Capital LLC., an alternative real estate firm headquartered in Chicago. Throughout the program, Lily gained technical skills, added to her resume, found a mentor, and built relationships across a variety of industries and sectors while building meaningful friendships and corporate partnerships. Lily recently pitched a capstone to a panel of judges, where her group (IOR Solutions) was chosen to present at the Emerge closing ceremony!
Emerge is part of the CS mission to guarantee that all Scholars will have an internship before they graduate from college. Programs such as Emerge contribute to personal and economic growth in minority communities, through internships which are essential for increasing your options in the job search after college. Studies have shown that students are 15% less likely to face unemployment post-grad when taking part in an internship during undergrad. By providing access to internships, Emerge helps close the opportunity gap and create a more equitable future.
Zandie Lawson is a 2023 Emerge Scholar and a member of the Chicago Scholars Class of 2026. She is currently a student at Denison University.
