The Internships:	The America-Israel Chamber of Commerce Chicago (AICC) maintains internship positions available for U.S. and Israeli university students seeking first-hand experience in U.S. business practices. Interns help AICC facilitate US-Israel trade and investment activity by networking with local business leaders, assisting in contacts and communications between American and Israeli businesses, and supporting U.S.—Israeli trade and investment development programs.
Length of Internship:	Three months.
Stipend:	Experiential. From time-to-time, stipends may be available to Israeli citizens studying at Israeli universities. Stipend funds help defray travel, lodging, food, and other expenses.
Special Considerations:	With its large Jewish community, including an active Israeli expatriate community, Chicago is home to many pro-Israel organizations with missions that complement AICC’s own. For example, local pro-Israel economic development projects include the following: Chicago and Petach-Tikvah are Sister Cities under the Sister Cities International Program. Working with our friends in agencies of the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago and the City of Petach-Tikva, AICC is helping Israel-based companies establish their North American operations in the greater Chicago metropolitan area (which has the largest high-tech workforce in the U.S.). Chicago’s Partnership 2000 community is Kiryat Gat-Lachish-Shafir, located in Israel’s northern Negev. Over the past decade, the Jewish Federation/Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago has invested several million dollars in the region to help provide social service programming and to promote people-to-people connections. AICC’s Negev Green Committee works closely with American Friends of the Be’er-Sheva Foundation. Together, we are leveraging Chicago’s creativity, collective energy, contacts, knowledge and problem-solving skills to expand the economic development of Be’er-Sheva and the Negev, with the goal of enabling the region to become more fully-integrated into U.S. – Israel trade and investment activities. Chicago – Israel Business Initiative™(CIBI), a cooperative effort of AICC, the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, Israel Trade and Investment Center (ITIC), and World Business Chicago. CIBI's goal is to encourage Israel-based businesses looking to expand internationally to locate their North American headquarters in the immediate Chicago area by promoting the area’s competitive advantages.
Activities:	Interns receive on-the-job experience in various aspects of non-profit organization management and international trade and business development: International business development and investment banking skills – AICC offers hands-on experience in the skills often associated with business development and investment banking, by virtue of its activities bringing Israel-based and U.S. emerging technology companies together with major global corporations and investment interests in various technology sectors. Marketing, and market research skill – AICC offers hands-on experience in the management and market expansion of BuyIsraelGoods.org – AICC’s internet-based clearinghouse for the promotion of Israeli consumer goods in the U.S. Fund raising and development – AICC offers hands-on project management experience in activities such as coordinating membership development, participating in meetings with prospective members, orchestrating an annual fundraising dinner (spring 2006), participating in grant application writing, and more. Contacts with exciting U.S. and Israel-based companies – AICC offers hands-on opportunities to meet leaders of Israel-based companies seeking to expand into North America and the U.S.-based strategic partners.
Requirements:	Any major field of studies could be acceptable Graduate or undergraduate Excellent academic status Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing (including English language) Strong Internet research skills and familiarity with MS Office
Desired Traits:	Self-starter Flexible Focused Able to work independently or as a team member Able to take direction Proactive thinkers
Benefits:	Network with leading business professionals and managers of Israel-based companies with offices in the greater Chicago metropolitan area – and build mentor relationships. Gain exposure to a wide array of business organizations from small start-ups to leading firms in industry, as well as the financial, legal, and service sectors. Develop a better understanding of the differences between U.S. and Israel “business cultures”. Build U.S. business project management experience. Acquire or refine U.S. market research skills. Develop real-time business strategy skills.

Students with a special connection to Kiryat Gat-Lachish-Shafir/ the Negev and/or Petach-Tikvah are particularly encouraged to apply.

Please email cover letter and resume to:

Michael Schmitt

Executive Director

America - Israel Chamber of Commerce Chicago
247 S. State Street

Chicago, Illinois 60604
Telephone: 312-235-0586

Facsimile: 312-235-0724

Email: m.schmitt@americaisrael.org