<p>My son is a sophomore at the University of Chicago and has decided to take a leave of absence. He is going to stay in the city (near the University) and try to find a job/internship. Im looking for advice on companies like think tanks, law firms …etc, that hire these bright students. My son is a very gifted individual but needs a break from the college scene and work for awhile instead. He is a fabulous writer, researcher, planner, leader and one to “think outside the box”. His advisor at the university is no help! </p>
<p>I live on the east coast and have no friends/relatives in the Chicago area. I would like to help guide him a bit on some interesting companies to investigate so that this LOA is successful and perhaps in six months or one year hell return to college.</p>
<p>If there are any Chicago parents out there with suggestions on companies for him to explore please send your ideas. Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>The qualities you describe in your son match the qualities of so many talented kids who have earned their degrees and who still are unemployed or underemployed in the current economic climate. With the added hurdle of no college degree, your son is probably going to find it tough to find the kind of meaningful work you’re thinking of.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t be so pessimistic, but this is really the type of thing your son needs to do for himself. If you did already have connections or ideas – then there would be no harm in sharing them – but you should not be in the position of doing the research to find these ideas. That is something your son needs to do on his own – and if he can’t, then part of the benefit of the LOA is that he can work on developing those job-hunting skills. </p>
<p>If I were in your situation (and I have been), I would not be financing the LOA – I would leave it to the son to find the job and the means of paying living expenses.</p>
<p>My son is doing this completely on his own…rent, food…etc, everything. He is getting support from us but not monetary…this is the way he wants it and we whole heartily agree. It would just be nice to give him some direction on companies in the area. He did not ask me to do this for him.</p>
<p>But my point is… why would he need direction from you? He is the one who is in Chicago, so he knows people there; he knows what he is interested in; and he has access to the internet – so he should be able to find out this stuff on his own.</p>
<p>I just think that “guidance” from a parent who has no special expertise or direct knowledge would tend to be more of a hindrance than a help.</p>
<p>Does UC have a Career Center? Your S might get some leads there. Realistically, though, it’s hard to find a really meaningful job for just a semester or so, even in a better economy; most employers with such jobs available don’t want to have to be retraining people all the time. Perhaps your S could work at a temp agency? The individual jobs are often nothing special, but they don’t last long enough to get too boring, and he would get a variety of work experience that might be helpful down the road.</p>
<p>I am on the pessimistic side as well I am afraid. I have friends in that area, who are changing careers by necessity, and the jobs they have applied for & accepted are say- not all they were hoping for.
Think retail- and happy to have it.
His school may also be having a job fair- but they may be more interested in those who will soon have a degree.
[Job</a> Fairs & Special Events](<a href=“http://www.ides.state.il.us/db/event/default.asp]Job”>http://www.ides.state.il.us/db/event/default.asp)</p>
<p>I’ve also learned, that unless I am * asked* for advice in some way- I try not to offer it, it can seem like I don’t think that they are capable.</p>
<p>There are certainly plenty of internships offered in Chicago, and spring is easier than fall for the student. The U of C is held in high regard, so that’s a big plus. However, your son is starting his search well after many deadlines have passed. Also, not being an upperclassman will work against him. Another problem is that Hyde Park is not that accessible to corporate centers except for those that are downtown.
Some suggestions: Chase Bank offers a number of internships, as does the City of Chicago and public radio and television stations. The Board of Trade, Mercantile Exchange and CBOE hire short-term people who are quick with numbers. Has he looked on indeed.com? If he is truly going to try this, he should be putting in overtime to find something, but I do think he would benefit by finishing sophomore year and then taking the LOA.</p>
<p>He should start with intern jobs that he worked for in the past. Those companies are the most likely to offer him another opportunity. Companies don;t like to offer person a permanent job that will last for only few months.</p>
<p>He’s a sophomore? So about 19-years-old? In my book, that’s a pretty young kid to get too much tough love. If he’s wanting a break from school, then I’d helicopter a bit and try to find out if there’s something underlying his desire to take a break. Depression, substance abuse, serious exhaustion?</p>
<p>I’d take it easy with all the concern for an internship that feeds the resume. Every single moment of our lives does not have to be about advancing our careers. That approach can lead to disaster for some kids - especially very bright ones who may be questioning a lot about their lives right now. There are moments for tough love and moments for gentle love. He’s clearly no slacker having gotten himself into U Chicago. I really doubt that his desire to take a break is about being self-indulgent or lazy. He should come home though if he can’t pay his own expenses in Chicago.</p>
<p>He can register with Idealist.org and get regular updates to opportunities in that area. Many/most may be unpaid though. You can set up your search to include city, area of interest, paid vs. unpaid, etc. </p>
<p>Agree, look for interships (Indeed dot com is a good starting place) and also explore paid + volunteer or a couple paid jobs to piece cost of living together. Non-profits can be receptive also to kids with a year or so of college but not graduated. He should not miss the intership fair at the college! Taking a LOA or going on foreign study are great ways to charge your batteries but LOA do require more self direction. Is he a 20-21 year old sophomore or is he a 19 year old? Sounds like an odd question but many interns are juniors or seniors and 20 or older?</p>