April 23, 2008

The Philadelphia Story

Rosina Miller (right), executive director of The Philadelphia Center, was accompanied by Patricio Plazolles, program director of the Woltemade Center, on her recent visit to Ohio Wesleyan.

Founded in 1967 by the Great Lakes Colleges Association, The Philadelphia Center offers academic credit for internships, as well as classroom experiences—City Seminars and elective courses—that undergird the internship and offer opportunities for students to reflect on their placements, critically examine what they learn on the job, and share their insights with fellow students.

Many students find their lives changed forever at the Center. “We don’t pre-place students in internships,” Miller says. “Instead we learn what their interests are and send them out to interview with various places that might be a good fit. Sometimes students come with a very clear picture of what they want to do, and an internship confirms their career preference and direction. Other students are less certain, and on the basis of our talks with them, we might suggest that they interview in an unexpected place—one that hooks a passion—and their whole life opens up in a new way.”

Although the internship is valuable, the urban experience itself also is transformative, Miller says. “We encourage independence. Our students have to find their own housing. We help them, of course, by letting them know what areas are more residential or more ‘happening,’ but they have to make the final choice.”

Then the students meet with Realtors, sign the lease, and arrange for utilities. They’re responsible for budgeting, food shopping, cooking, laundry, managing their time, and getting along with new roommates. “All these challenges may be difficult, but they build self-confidence,” Miller says.

Miller stresses that Ohio Wesleyan’s economics and psychology departments have sent many students to Philadelphia. “I’d like to encourage other departments to do the same,” she says. “A student in any major can benefit from the nearly 1,000 internships available at the Center.” The center’s Web site lists opportunities in applied art, fine arts, business, communications/media, education, law/government, medical/health services, psychological/social services—and more.

Ohio Wesleyan stresses the value of finding your passion. The Philadelphia Center might be one place to begin the search.

– Gretchen Hirsch