Chicago engineering jobs in the spotlight
Posted on August 6, 2017
A new event is putting the spotlight on Chicago engineering jobs.
ThinkChicago: Lollapalooza 2017 is a three-day event for 200 of the nation’s top engineering, computer science, design and business students to immerse themselves in Chicago’s tech scene and attend one of the nation’s most popular music festivals, Lollapalooza. ThinkChicago received more than 800 applications for 200 available slots, and selected students hail from 24 states and 45 universities. This year, ThinkChicago proactively identified and accepted students from the City Colleges of Chicago who are pursuing careers around technology and innovation.
“ThinkChicago gives the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn everything Chicago has to offer,” Mayor Emanuel said. “Chicago’s status as a global tech hub, the top city for venture capital ROI, and one of the most economically diverse cities in the country is why Chicago is the best place for young talent to start their ventures.”
“Chicago fosters cutting-edge technology and research in a variety of industries,” Mark Tebbe, chairman of ChicagoNEXT, WBC’s council of tech leaders said. “ThinkChicago is an excellent program to introduce Chicago’s innovative employment opportunities to our nation’s top talent while allowing us to focus on minority or underserved backgrounds.”
Because innovation cuts across professions, this year’s program brings together students studying accounting, advertising, biochemistry, business, data science, design, engineering, global studies, information systems, medicine, public policy and statistics. Entering its seventh year, ThinkChicago has an alumni base of more than 1,100 students, many of whom have gone on to work for startups, leading tech companies, innovation spaces and venture capital firms in Chicago.
“As Chicago’s technology community continues to grow, programs like ThinkChicago are vital to ensure we are attracting and retaining top talent right here in Illinois,” University of Illinois President Tim Killeen said. “The University of Illinois System looks forward to partnering with Mayor Emanuel, World Business Chicago and Lollapalooza to highlight the many wonderful opportunities available to students and recent graduates in Chicago.”
“Think Chicago is not only a brilliant program to introduce talented young tech leaders to our vibrant city, but it is also a way of retaining budding IT professionals, like our students at City Colleges of Chicago,” Chancellor Juan Salgado said. “Participating in Think Chicago is yet another way City Colleges students are making connections with leading Chicago employers to build their skills and launch their careers.”