BLOOMINGTON, IL — Illinois Wesleyan University students made the most of their summer by completing internships that allowed them to explore career paths and gain real-world job experience.
“Internships are a powerful form of experiential learning,” said Patrick Zajac '18, assistant director for career engagement at IWU’s Hart Career Center. “Students can apply their learning from the classroom to a position in their field of interest while assessing their interests, skills and areas of growth to determine their future goals post graduation.”
Internships have become a key consideration for employers, said Zajac.
“Employers expect to see students engage in internships when making hiring decisions for post graduation. They can open the door for opportunities in the future and be a launching pad for students to begin their careers,” he said.
Physics and studio arts major Otis Buras '26 said they never expected to wear a lab coat so early in their academic journey. Buras was among 19 students in the country selected to participate in a summer internship through the Open Quantum Initiative (OQI) Undergraduate Fellowship. Physics major Wanda Lindquist '26 was also chosen to complete quantum research with OQI this summer at Argonne National Lab.
Buras interned with the Wasielewski Group at Northwestern University’s Chemistry Department where they investigated relaxation dynamics in crystals and conducted research in crystal growth, microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and handling cryogenic tanks and lasers.
“I gained so much from this fellowship, including experience working in a chemistry lab, presenting my own scientific research, hearing from professional quantum researchers in the field and connecting with other undergraduates interested in quantum technology,” said Buras.
Buras is interested in attending graduate school or finding a research position after graduation. The summer immersion in chemistry helped them apply their academic background to a new field of quantum physics.
“Being able to experience the actual day-to-day workflow of a career interest is extremely important and informative. It can be a really great opportunity to figure out if you actually enjoy the path you’re on while growing your skills and resume,” said Buras.
Will McNulty, a senior finance major, interned with Country Financial this summer. He assisted with day-to-day trading and asset management of modeled investment accounts, helping implement strategies like rebalancing, portfolio monitoring and assisting new business development as well as ongoing client retention strategies.
McNulty said the most rewarding part of the internship was the opportunity to work alongside portfolio managers, investment analysts and advanced market consultants. He also had the opportunity to personally connect with Country CEO Jim Jacobs and CFO Rob McDade.
“I find that surrounding myself with professionals in the field and contributing to real world work and projects has increased my knowledge more than I could have ever imagined,” he said. “I gained a great sense of what it takes to excel in investments as well as how to carry myself as a professional and continue to perfect my craft every day.”
The summer internship experience helped with professional development and academic growth, said McNulty, who plans to secure a job in the investing field in Chicago after earning his degree.
“Having the ability to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom and testing the waters of true work experience has helped me narrow down what I’m looking for in a job,” he said. “I’d highly recommend IWU students apply for internship opportunities and put their best foot forward in taking a hold of their career early. Our Illinois Wesleyan Hart Career Center is the perfect place to start.”
Resources for internships and career readiness are offered weekdays at the Hart Career Center at the Welcome Center. Several upcoming events will give students the opportunity to meet employers and explore career paths.
- Finance Accounting Career Night: Tuesday, Sept. 10, 6-8 p.m. at the Memorial Center
- Internship/Job Fair: Monday, Sept. 30, 4-7 p.m. at the Shirk Center
- Nursing Career Fair: Wednesday, Nov. 6, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Shirk Center
- STEM Career Night: Wednesday, Nov. 20, 6:30 - 8 p.m. at the Memorial Center