Bridging The Gap: The Power of Leadership and Internship Programs

As a former professor and college career advisor, I've have had the privilege of guiding numerous young adults as they embark on their professional journeys. Launching one's career can feel daunting, especially in a world where entry-level roles often require two or more years of experience. Enrolling in leadership, internship, or training programs can be a game changer. These programs offer invaluable support, guidance, and networking opportunities that can make all the difference. One exemplary program doing this kind of work in Louisiana is Career Immersion and Leadership Institute (CILI).

What CILI Does

CILI’s prime purpose is to help college students secure internships and prepare them with the workplace habits and leadership skills for long-term success, all at no charge. The program seeks to do the following:

• Mitigate racial disparities and fill critical talent gaps in the local workforce by reducing unemployment and underemployment of college educated students;
• Create, find, and strengthen pathways for college students of color to access employment opportunities and competitive wages;
• Connect BIPOC students to paid career development opportunities, supporting personal and professional growth as they transition from academic to adult life.

CILI's Programs

CILI prides itself on meeting students where they are at. If offers several no-cost programs to meet the diverse needs of its clientele:

• Hire Learning$ provides introductory workshops focused on specific career readiness topics such as resume writing, interviewing skills, workplace etiquette, effective networking, and more.
• CILI Fellowship & Internship is a more intensive, selective admission program that provides career coaching, resources, and multi-year paid internship experiences.
• Career Bridge provides students within 3-12 months of completing their academic degree with focused career coaching to help them transition after college graduation. Students create personalized career plans, participate in facilitated networking opportunities, and are connected to skill-building opportunities to enhance their resume and professional acumen.

Student Application Process

Students can apply now to become members of Cohort 5 and gain one-on-one professional coaching and development, access to apply for paid internships with the program's employer partners, valuable workshops on financial literacy, work-life balance, and more. Interested parties should apply at internshiptalent.org/Become-A-CILI-Fellow.

Promote CILI's Work

Here are two ways to help advance CILI's work in reducing the gap between graduation and employment and in retaining talented young leaders for Louisiana.

• Volunteer or mentor a CILI student to be the person that makes a difference in the life of a young adult.
• Donate to support the program's vital work at internshiptalent.org/donate2024.

Embark on your own Joyful Journey to Career Success!

Program's like CILI are available to young adults across the country. If you aren't sure what programs are in your area, inquire with your school's career service center or with your local chamber of commerce or civic organization. A quick search on Google or Chat GPT may be able to help you identify local programs as well.

If you are looking for individual support outside of a career building program, consider working with a coach to get a competitive edge. Find reliable providers through the National Career Devleopment Association directory or the Career Counseling Connection website. You can also reach out to me directly when you are ready to take your Joyful Journey to the next level. Schedule a free consultation to get started.

About Marcia - Career Success Coach

I enjoy helping people to live their best professional lives. I am a Global Career Development Facilitator and a Certified Career Services Provider through the National Career Development Association. I am also certified through Recovery Innovations International to support people who are dealing with mental health issues as they navigate their wellness journeys.

Learn more about my professional qualifications by clicking here.?