workNet DuPage MyWay participant Leanalyn describes her paid internship at a major nonprofit in DuPage County
After enrolling in MyWay, Leanalyn secured a paid internship at Metropolitan Family Services. Through the MyWay program, Leanalyn gained valuable work experience and is excited for what's ahead. Read her reflection below.
I love my paid internship because I am being paid to learn and grow. Who wouldn't want that?!
Internships are an amazing way to gain experience while learning how to elevate your skillset for the array of jobs awaiting.
Internships are especially helpful for those who have little to no experience or preparation for the career world, whether you are a student in school or preparing yourself to further your career goals.
Before starting my internship, I was not fully confident in my career skills, and I always kept in mind that job competition is strong. As a college student, my goal is to get ahead of my career by obtaining the proper skills and experience to fully grasp an understanding of what working in my career field would be like.
I had no idea what I wanted to do career-wise. Jobs are growing to be more competitive daily, and, in preparation, I’ve found that this internship opportunity was one of many helpful ways to start getting ahead of tough job competition.
My internship has given me the opportunity to flourish as an individual by allowing me to make mistakes with a positive and growing outlook, obtain first hand personal experience, and overall learning.
IN THE TIME I’VE STARTED THIS INTERNSHIP, I’VE BEEN ABLE TO WORK ON MYSELF WHILE WORKING FOR A CAUSE I FIND IMPORTANT. I’VE GROWN TO LEARN THE DYNAMICS OF A HEALTHY, FORMAL WORK ENVIRONMENT.
In the time I’ve started this internship, I’ve been able to work on myself while working for a cause I find important. I’ve grown to learn the dynamics of a healthy, formal work environment.
I’ve been able to meet great people and make friends. Everyone I’ve met is helpful, understanding, personable, and supportive. I work with an amazing team of people with a great cause. Furthermore, in the near future I will be able to confidently continue improving my growing credibility with the additional skills I’ve learned from this internship. I will have better choices and more opportunities.
I knew when I was signing up for this internship I was being set up for success. That's why I loved my experience within this internship from the start. I’m happy with the results of my experience, everything I’ve learned, and everyone I’ve met. I’m excited for the opportunities this experience will bring.
QUALIFY FOR A PAID INTERNSHIP*
If you are a young adult in DuPage County, ages 17-24, and unsure about your next career steps, contact us today. Explore paid internships and training programs to start a career with a future.
* These internships are WIOA funded, paid work experiences for qualified individuals.
(NOTE: This is not a summer internship program for full-time college students.)
Peek Inside: At this location, we offer our customers a wide range of manufacturing capabilities, from CNC machining all the way to complete product assembly and fulfillment.
Fun fact about our company: a robot works right alongside our machinists to produce parts with quality and efficiency!
You would like to work at our company if
you are interested in the wide range of evolving technologies, processes and creativity that go into the world of modern manufacturing.
In the next year, we expect to hire CNC machinists
To get that job, you typically need a high school diploma and vocational or technical training in machining. We offer additional on-the-job training once a new machinist with the foundational skills and experience joins the team so they can continue to master their craft.
Our best machinists have: a passion about the art and science that goes into taking a raw piece of metal or plastic and forming it into a high-precision design.
CNC Machinists From this position, you could grow into
Master Machinist
Machining Business Manager
Owner of your own machining business
In the next year, we expect to hire Assembly Operators
To get that job, you typically need a high school diploma, a mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn and closely follow processes and work instructions.
Our best assembly operators are eager learners and pay attention to details. They enjoy working on different types of mechanical work every day.
Assembly Operators From this position, you could grow into
lead operator
supervisor
manufacturing manager
FEATURED ORGANIZATION:
Company Name: The Jel Sert Company
DuPage Location: West Chicago, IL
Total number of employees in DuPage: 900 during peak season
Peek Inside
The Jel Sert Company is a leading manufacturer of food and beverage products. For the past 20 years, our team has been dedicated to establishing an exemplary manufacturing infrastructure that supports the needs of some of the world’s largest Consumer Packaged Goods and pharmaceutical companies.
Jel Sert is committed to providing employees with development opportunities as we are invested in their long term success and advancement within the organization. An individual development plan assists employees in career and personal development and allows employees to reach short and long term career goals.
You would like to work at our company because
We are committed to attracting the best talent and developing our employees to exceed their potential. Our employees take pride in their work and are always looking for ways to contribute their ideas, skills, experience, and passion. We reward and value creativity, professionalism, teamwork, honesty, and longevity.
In the next year, we expect to hire 2-3 technicians
To get this job, you typically need a Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with electrical, hydraulics, programming, and mechanical PLCs is required.
We pay $2.00 per hour shift differential for all time worked on 3rd shift. *Rate of pay depends on one’s experience, education, and skills.
Our best technicians have: Strong mechanical and electrical skills Additionally, someone that takes pride in their work, is honest, creative in their ideas, and works as a professional in a team environment.
All Technicians are sent to College of DuPage for classes. Technicians are scheduled for a series of six mechanical and six electrical classes. Classes are during work hours, so Technicians are paid for their time in class. We adjust their hours to spend half their shift on the floor and the balance in the class. Jel Sert pays for this training which includes classroom and lab work. All Technicians are involved in this training despite their experience level.
TECHNICIAN
From this position, you could grow into
