Organizational Overview
Those interested in an intership at the Foresight Design Initiative are strongly encouraged to explore the website, join the email list, attend some events (e.g Sustainable Careers Workshop, Green Drinks), and become familiar with the range of the organization's activities. Foresight is not a typical "environmental organization," but rather an entity that strives to address economic, social and environmental issues through several distinct, yet related programs. It is also well-connected thanks in large part to our monthly Foresight Green Drinks and Chicago Sustainable Business Alliance programs and the collaborative nature of many of our undertakings.
Experience
Foresight has invested in interns since its inception and generally hosts 1-3 participants. Offering this opportunity is considered an important component of the organization's educational mission. The chance to gain hands-on experience with "real world" projects is crucial not only to invididuals' career development, but also to propelling the pursuit of greater sustainability forward.
Expectations
Foresight considers interns part of its staff, capable of making significant contributions to its programs, rather than as "junior assistants." As such, they should be prepared for the responsibility this entails. Expectations are high; we offer meaningful tasks and independence in proportion to interns' demonstrated abilities. Supervision is offered to overcome barriers, provide direction and resources, and to develop judgment. The best interns tend to be self-motivated, resourceful and able to work alone as well as with others. Foresight tries to match interns with undertakings that parallel their interests and skills while also meeting the organization's needs. We believe there is value in being well-organized, asking questions, approaching obstacles creatively, learning from one another and, perhaps most importantly, having fun while pursuing our goals.
Compensation
All internships are offered unpaid. As several of the staff have benefitted from intenships themselves, we strives to make the experience as worthwhile as possible. Participants are compensated through the experience, knowledge, and connections made available while working. Successful intern candidates are encouraged to consider what skills they have to offer, as well as what they are looking to receive from such an experience. If the internship was productive and positive, Foresight will happily serve as a reference for future job possibilities.
Commitment
The majority of interns are with the organization for 18+ hours per week for a minimum of 3 months. In order for both the organization and participant to benefit, this is the shortest commitment Foresight generally considers. (Foresight has hosted interns for as long a year.) On occasion there is the need for assistance with a specific project which may require fewer hours and/or offsite work, although specific skills are generally sought, e.g. research, writing, editing, design. In order to insure that they are able to fulfill the demands of the position for the entire period, candidates need to have a means of supporting themselves.
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