Lydia O’Connell was with us as an undergraduate fellow from Northwestern University from April to June 2020.

What project work were you involved in during your time at Civic Consulting Alliance?

I worked on a project with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) that was focused on strategic planning to accomplish the 5-year vision they have to increase student attainment. As part of this work, I conducted a landscape analysis aimed at understanding the full range of services, supports and strategic initiatives CPS is focused on to improve early literacy education.

What will you take away from your time at Civic Consulting Alliance?

I was impressed by the team’s dedication, especially as we adapted to working remotely due to COVID-19. I appreciated seeing the day-to-day steps that are required to achieve an ambitious goal, and the labor and creativity that are required to tackle complex problems.

What was your most memorable experience during your time at Civic Consulting Alliance?

Several CPS leaders said our project took an approach the District hadn’t tried before. It was exciting to work closely with these leaders and to see my own ideas shape the work.

How has your time at Civic Consulting Alliance helped you develop professionally?

I would like to work in the public sector, and this experience was invaluable because it introduced me to people who are committed to overcoming the unique challenges that face our public institutions. My time at Civic Consulting Alliance also expanded my view of how private sector leaders can make valuable contributions to public sector work.

In partnership with Northwestern University, we provide a semester-long Undergraduate Fellowship. We periodically work with other undergraduate institutions on shorter internship opportunities. Please visit our Fellowships page to learn more about our range of fellowship opportunities.