Inaugural internship program offers students real-world municipal experience

There are some new faces in the Butler Government Center this summer as the Village of Oak Brook has welcomed its inaugural class of interns. The group was chosen this spring via an extensive candidate selection process that included in-person interviews, letters of recommendation and essays.

Lauren Kottke lives in Trinity Lakes and is a rising senior at Timothy Christian High School. At school, Lauren serves as captain of the softball team and is active with the DECA Business Club and National Honor Society. Lauren will be serving as an intern with the marketing department.

Sachin Rao lives in Brook Forest and will be a senior at Hinsdale Central who will be working with the Village’s IT Department this summer. Sachin has excelled in math competitions as both an individual and a team member and has studied Python, a computer programming language.  He has also held the title of JV Captain for Red Devils Soccer.

Jane Shannon lives in Heritage Oaks and is also a rising senior at Benet Academy who participates in track, flag football, and the National Honor Society. Jane has learned customer service and other valuable skills via her paid and volunteer work with organizations such as Windy City Hospitality, West Suburban Harriers and Helping Hand. Jane will work in the Village Administration this summer.

The intern’s first day included a tour of Village facilities including the Butler Government Center, Library, Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club and Oak Brook Golf Club. Work has commenced on assigned individual projects as well as a collaborative capstone project, which will be presented to elected officials at the end of the summer.

Village President Larry Herman shared, “One of the most rewarding aspects of this internship program is that everyone learns from the experience. Students develop leadership, communication, and professional skills that will benefit them for years to come, while Village staff gain valuable insight from a younger generation whose fresh ideas and perspectives help us better connect with and serve our community.”