Innovation DuPage InternPlus Program provides hands-on entrepreneurial education for COD students
InternPlus, a collaborative program between the College of DuPage and Innovation DuPage, is providing COD students with paid work experience, career preparedness and an entrepreneurial education.
This fall, InternPlus recruited eight interns who are now paired with local startup founders within the ID community to assist with designated projects.
The program spans from October 2022 to March 2023.
Participants of the 16-week program work in either graphic design, marketing, IT or business/entrepreneurship, completing a project designated by the business' founder.
“As a new startup, one of our goals was to tap into local interns that could help us grow our company,” said Lisa Burns, cofounder of LivNow, a relocation service. “Not only does it give them the opportunity to manage real-world tasks, but it also gives us a chance to invest in our own success and perhaps discover new talent and future leaders.”
While working side-by-side with business founders, interns are exposed to growing industries and potential career paths that they may have never encountered otherwise.
Interns also attend six to eight professional development workshops to further their career readiness.
“The next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs, who will create the concepts and technologies that will reshape our economy, are currently sitting in our high schools, colleges, and universities,” said Joe Cassidy, College of DuPage Assistant Vice President of Economic Development. “Whether or not interns pursue an entrepreneurial path, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset will enhance one's ability to confront problems and drive innovation in an ever-changing world.”
Since its inception, InternPlus has connected more than 40 students with internships relevant to their areas of study. For Sophie Ricciardi, the experience has helped her feel confident about her potential career.
“My time with the InternPlus program has taught me how to use what I've learned academically and apply it in a professional sense,” she said. “I feel more prepared for what's to come in the future.”
Learn more about InternPlus at www.innovationdupage.org/internplus.