MACIC

Founded in 2001, MACIC is an organization of Wisconsin’s college and university internship professionals.

Mission

The Milwaukee Area College Internship Consortium (MACIC) exists to foster collegiality and to support professionals, who work with internships in Wisconsin’s public, private, and technical colleges and universities, through educational forums and networking opportunities.

History

The Milwaukee Area College Internship Consortium (MACIC) was established in 2000. The original mission of the organization was to educate employers on internship best practices and encourage the development of internship opportunities in the Milwaukee area. In the early years, the organization crafted an employer’s handbook, “Establishing & Maintaining a Quality Internship Program.” WisconsinJobs.com supported MACIC by offering free internship postings on the job board to all companies.

In June 2005, MACIC planned and held its first Annual Employer Appreciation Event at the Milwaukee Historical Society. This event was attended by public and private colleges as well as many businesses and organizations from the Southeast Wisconsin area. This annual event has continued to grow.

In March 2008, the MACIC membership discussed the future direction of the organization. It was decided that the group take a look at the organization, its purpose, and who it serves. A survey was developed and sent to MACIC members. After considering the survey results and discussing the organization’s structure and future form, it was decided that two subcommittees be created: one to look at MACIC’s purpose, mission, membership parameters, branding, etc. and one to plan a professional development session for the fall 2008. At the beginning of the 2008-2009 academic year, three preliminary committees were formed: Professional Development, Social, and Management. The Management Committee was charged with developing a proposal for the working structure of the organization and how the organization should manage itself.

The Professional Development Committee held its first event on March 19, 2009: “Helping Students Access Federal Jobs & Internships.” Thanks to the generous support of the Partnership for Public Service Annenberg Speakers Bureau, Leni Uddyback-Fortson, Regional Director of Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Philadelphia Region, presented information about the growth and type of federal internships and full-time job opportunities available to college students and graduates.

On May 20, 2009, MACIC’s new Organizational Designed, proposed by the Management Committee, was approved. Election of MACIC’s first Leadership Team was held in early June.

The same year that MACIC began operating as a structured organization was the same year it celebrated its 10th anniversary. At the 2010 Employer Appreciation Event, Paula McGinnis, founder of MACIC, and Sue Leister, steadfast leader of MACIC for many years, were recognized for their leadership.

Committees

Professional Development Committee

The Professional Development committee coordinates workshops and networking opportunities to meet the professional development needs of the membership.

Social/Awards Committee

This Social/Awards Committee coordinates logistics for the summer employer social and coordinates the annual Outstanding Employer Internship Program, including the application and selection process.

Branding Committee

The Branding Committee markets MACIC to potential members, employers, and other constituent groups as well as shares valuable articles, events, and resources across MACIC’s social media channels.

Awards

Outstanding Employer Internship Program

Recognizes organizations who have distinguished themselves by developing quality internship programs.

Award Criteria:

• University Engagement: Employer proactively establishes relationships with colleges and universities through activities such as on-campus career fairs, classroom/campus organization presentations, advisory boards, etc.
• Structured Internship Experience: Employer provides a well-structured internship experience through activities that include providing interns with the opportunity to do work of a professional nature; establishing well-defined, measurable goals; providing constructive feedback through regular mentor/intern meetings; etc.
• Professional Development Opportunities: Employer provides opportunities for the intern to grow professionally through activities such as supporting intern attendance at meetings, workshops, and conferences; building opportunities for networking with other professionals; encouraging community engagement by providing opportunities to work with other employees on community-related projects; etc.