Virtual Internships and Illinois Institute of Technology Forge Strategic Partnership to Expand Elevate Program

Virtual Internships' network of over 15,000 companies in more than 80 companies will greatly expand Illinois Tech students' access to experiential learning experiences, bridging the gap between academia and industry

02/13/2024

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Virtual Internships and Illinois Institute of Technology Forge Strategic Partnership to Expand Elevate Program

The logos for Illinois Tech and Virtual Internships

CHICAGO—February 13, 2024—In a groundbreaking collaboration, Virtual Internships and Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) join forces to enhance and broaden the impact of Elevate, a pioneering program designed to centralize and streamline experiential learning opportunities for students at Illinois Tech.

Elevate, established by Illinois Tech to fortify its commitment to hands-on learning, is a comprehensive hub for students to access diverse experiential learning opportunities and support resources. This collaboration with Virtual Internships further propels Illinois Tech's mission to prepare students for success in the job market by offering immersive, real-world experiences through virtual internships.

“At Illinois Institute of Technology, we are committed to graduating our students ‘career ready’ by providing our students unparalleled experiential learning opportunities,” said Mallik Sundharam, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at Illinois Institute of Technology. “The partnership with Virtual Internships marks a significant milestone in advancing our Elevate program, allowing us to seamlessly integrate virtual work experiences into our students' academic journey. With remote and hybrid virtual workdays becoming a rapid reality, virtual internships prepare our students to collaborate with employers and teams to innovate and solve business challenges virtually. We are shaping a future where innovation knows no boundaries, and our students emerge as academic achievers and dynamic contributors to the evolving economy.”

Virtual Internships has a global network of 15,000+ host companies in 80+ countries spanning a variety of industries. This extensive reach guarantees placement for students regardless of their location or background in their field of interest. Additionally, Virtual Internships provide wrap-around support to ensure students are successful, including career coaching, continuous check-ins, and training for employers on structuring their internship projects to maximize student outcomes.

“This exciting collaboration with Illinois Institute of Technology underlines the importance of ensuring students have access to a myriad of experiences that will empower them to expand their global career opportunities and skills throughout their degree,” stated Daniel Nivern, CEO of Virtual Internships. “By seamlessly integrating the Virtual Internships program, Illinois Institute of Technology is preparing students for success in a dynamic job market, fostering a culture of innovation without boundaries."

By partnering with Virtual Internships, Illinois Tech can expand its commitment to offer experiential learning opportunities for students through virtual internships with companies worldwide. These internships vary in length and often have flexible work schedules, enabling students to complete work independently. 1 in 4 interns placed by Virtual Internships are offered further opportunities by their host companies, and 81% agree they are more confident obtaining a future full-time job upon completion.

A significant majority of Illinois Tech’s Elevate program participants secure employment within six months of graduation, testifying to the university’s continuous commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry. The primary objective is to utilize Virtual Internships to broaden the reach and influence of the Elevate program, thereby enhancing Illinois Tech students' academic and career development.

The first cohort will begin in Spring 2024, followed by two consecutive cohorts in Spring and Summer. Students interested in learning more about opportunities to participate in Virtual Internships can contact the Career Services department at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

For more information about how Virtual Internships partners with universities to expand access to internship opportunities, visit www.virtualinternships.com/universities.

Illinois Institute of Technology

Based in the global metropolis of Chicago, Illinois Tech was born to liberate the power of collective difference to advance technology and innovation for all. It is the only tech-focused university in the city, and it stands at the crossroads of exploration and invention, advancing the future of Chicago and the world. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, computing, architecture, business, design, science and human sciences, and law. Illinois Tech students are guaranteed access to hands-on experiences, personalized mentorship, and job readiness through the university's one-of-a-kind Elevate program. Its graduates lead the state and much of the nation in economic prosperity. Its faculty and alumni built the Chicago skyline. And every day in the city's living lab, Illinois Tech fuels breakthroughs that change lives. Visit iit.edu.