A college internship can be the first step to landing a full time job. Tonight,
Campus Philly launches
My Philly Summer, a new program to convert the city's summer talent into full time employees. The initiative is a kind of career alchemy that mixes equal parts fun and networking in the city's coolest neighborhoods.
Deborah Diamond, President of Campus Philly, says, "It seemed like a lost opportunity to have interns living and working here and no one to show them all the fun." My Philly Summer provides a place to make great contacts and even land a full time job.
My Philly Summer 2011 is a trio of events designed to thrill and captivate the newest members of the city's workforce. WHYY, Deloitte, Independence Blue Cross, TD Bank, the Mayor's Office and NFL Films are supplying a total of 125 interns.
Tonight, June 28, My Philly Summer kicks off at
North Bowl Lounge & Lanes on Second Street in Northern Liberties. In attendance will be local luminaries to share their career experiences. The roster includes Tayyib Smith, publisher of
two.one.five magazine and founder of ad agency Little Giant Media; Alex Hillman, co-founder of
Indy Hall and an accomplished developer behind the blog
Dangerously Awesome; and Alan Joinville from the professional network
Young Involved Philadelphia.
The event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Campus Philly is running a free shuttle starting at 5 from 15th and JFK Boulevard. Guests are required to
RSVP. Free food and soft drinks will be on offer.
In July, My Philly Summer goes south to
The Navy Yard for a tour and party featuring special guest Mayor Michael Nutter, and in August, party people take over
Eastern State Penitentiary for a tour and talk about the city's arts and culture.
The only similar program in the United States is in Memphis, says Diamond, where young professionals are treated to The Summer Experience. Campus Philly was in touch with that program's organizers to shape Philadelphia's series.
Funding for My Philly Summer 2011 comes from Campus Philly's general operating budget, which is supported by its 26 college partners and the City of Philadelphia. The events are completely free for both interns and employers.
Source: Deborah Diamond, My Campus Philly
Writer: Sue Spolan