Exclusive RPI Internship Opportunity:

City of Chicago Internship

Applications DUE JUNE 15TH:

The City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development and the Bureau of Planning and Design have extended an internship opportunity for current fourth-year students currently seeking a fall 2021 Arch away opportunity.

Employment Information

The fall 2021 full-time internship position will start in early September and continue to mid-December. The Department of Planning and Development will determine whether the internship will be in-person, hybrid, or remote prior to its start.

Financial Provision

The recipient will receive a fixed lump sum stipend, the amount of which will depend on whether the internship is in-person, hybrid, or remote. The stipend will be $3000 per month if in-person, $1000 if remote, and an intermediate amount to be determined if hybrid. Through the generosity of the Dean’s Leadership Council, funding is being designated for this student internship/co-op program.

Eligibility / Qualifications

1. Candidate must be a 4th-year RPI Bachelor of Architecture student in their AWAY Semester in fall 2021.
2. Candidate must have interests in planning and urban design for Chicago neighborhoods, as well as interests in ensuring equitable service to diverse communities.
3. Candidate must have demonstrated design, communication, and organizational skills.
4. Candidate must be proficient in computer-based drawing (i.e. Rhino, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite)
5. Preference will be given to students with exceptional hand drawing, computer drawing, visual presentation, and written communication skills
6. Candidate must be a motivated self-starter who is able to work independently and complete tasks in a timely fashion.

Application

1. 250-word maximum statement in response to each of the following:
   • a. Provide an example of when you had to take the lead in a group setting to overcome an obstacle with limited resources.
   • b. Equity is an important value for our city and our department. How have you demonstrated equity as a core principle in your work?
   • c. Why are you interested in an internship in the public sector and why do you want to work with the City of Chicago?
   • d. What’s one of your favorite public spaces/places? Why is it attractive to you?
2. Portfolio of up to 5 creative works, 10 pages maximum, PDF format.
3. A resume of professional and extracurricular activities

Application Process / Timeline

WEEK OF 6/7: Review Program Information
Please review this recording of City of Chicago DPD staff discussing their work and opportunities for interns.

TUESDAY 6/15: Application Deadline at 10 p.m. EDT
Deadline for submission of ALL application materials. A BOX link will be provided by email to applicants.

FRIDAY 6/25: Final Selection of Shortlisted Candidates
A selection committee comprised of several School of Architecture faculty will evaluate the applications and forward an unranked recommendation of 3-5 names to the Dean. The Dean will forward final recommendations and Application materials to the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development.

EARLY JULY: Online Interviews
Staff from the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development will schedule on-line interviews with select candidates.

MID JULY: Announcement of Selected Intern
Staff from the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development will make the final selection. An announcement will be made shortly thereafter, and the internship/co-op will begin in early September.

Arch Away Outcomes

Rensselaer’s Arch Away program requires students to provide a written reflection describing their experiences at the end of internships/co-op programs. Additionally, staff from the DPD will be asked to provide a review of the effectiveness of the program.

About the Department of Planning and Development

The principal planning agency for the City of Chicago, the DPD promotes the comprehensive growth and sustainability of the City and its neighborhoods. The DPD also oversees the City’s zoning and land use policies, and employs a variety of resources to encourage development, historic preservation, accessible waterfronts, walkable neighborhoods, and related community improvements.

About the Bureau of Planning and Design

The Bureau provides planning and urban design services to the city’s neighborhoods. The bureau is comprised of 6 regional teams that oversee priority-planning efforts to ensure the city is best serving its diverse communities equitably.

Inquiries

Inquiries may be addressed to Carly Brackett, Senior Student Services Administrator ().

Learn more about the Chicago Department of Planning and Development and the Bureau of Planning and Design here.