Ashley Simmons

May 17 - May 31

Unpaid Internship

In February of 2009, I first learned about the opportunity to go to Chicago for two weeks and intern with former UNCG graduates. I had recently changed my major to Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources, so the internship in the HR department at DeVry Incorporated interested me. I later received an email from Career Services with more information about the application process. To apply for this internship I needed a resume, completed application, letter of recommendation, and application essay. The interview was a panel with six UNCG staff members interviewing me. Career Services and Alumni Relations then gave my information to the UNCG alum who would be hosting the intern in Chicago, who then called me to discuss my qualifications for the internship. Later that afternoon I learned that I had been chosen.

There were three UNCG students who were selected to go to Chicago for separate internships. When we all arrived in Chicago together, myself and another student went to live with a UNCG alum and her husband. They live about an hour train ride away from Chicago in a charming little town called Wheaton, IL. The hosts are a very active, retired couple. They have lived very interesting lives, I learned so much from them, and I am very grateful that they graciously invited me to stay with them while completing my internship. Throughout my internship I learned to utilize public transportation to and from work every day. My internship supervisor had made arrangements for me to meet with different HR managers to conduct informational interviews. During these meetings I would ask them questions about their position, and what they like and do not like about it. These interviews helped me to decide which part of Human Resources I would like to pursue. My responsibilities while at DeVry included constructing a model to show the changing role of the Human Resources manager, to attend conferences that my supervisor was involved in, and to learn as much as I could about the corporate world and Human Resources at DeVry in a short period of time.

The most beneficial part of this internship was learning more about networking and meeting the UNCG alum. I also enjoyed exploring the beautiful city of Chicago. On days off, the other UNCG students and I went to the city. We went to places such as: The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Hancock Observatory, Millennium Park, Grant Park, Magnificent Mile, and Michigan Bridge. I was also privileged to try a Chicago dog, a famous Chicago style deep dish pizza, and many other things. I had a great time and I would love to visit Chicago again someday.

My advice to students that are seeking internships is to utilize your resources. Career Services is a great place to get help with your resume, mock interviews, and also to help you find the right internship for you.

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