Jonathan Brue’s “Chicago Semester”
at World Sport Chicago

Special thanks to Jonathan Brue, a junior at Dordt College (IA), for the difference he made this spring as a World Sport Chicago intern. Jonathan is pursuing a degree in sports management and took advantage of a unique program his school offers to come to Chicago and work in an internship to gain college credit and valuable life experiences. The program, Chicago Semester, helps place juniors and seniors in a large metropolitan city to earn their required cross-cultural credits and kick-start their careers.

Jonathan’s first day at World Sport Chicago (WSC) was February 1, a memorable one for him and most of Chicago, better known as the Blizzard of 2011, dumping 22” inches of snow in the city by the end of the work day. That didn't stop Jonathan, he came back the next day and worked through the end of April, recently returning to Dordt to complete his year. Amy Rosko Jonathan's supervisor said, "Jonathan's dedication and passion for his work was inspirational. We sincerely appreciate everything he did for the organization during his internship." While at WSC, Jonathan learned what is was like to work in a not-for-profit and how to manage a full day of work, “It’s not like school where you go to class, then have a break, then another class later, it’s a full day from 9 a.m. until the job is done.” He also had the opportunity to work on event planning, helping WSC staff line up partners and make arrangements for the Family Sports Festival which will take place on September 17th. “I really liked the event planning side of things, and learned valuable marketing skills helping develop and highlight partner benefits. Both organizations need to see a value in participating in an event and it is up to us to market those values,” said Brue.

Jonathan grew up on a farm in remote Buffalo Center, IA and his first visit to Chicago was to interview for the program. He calls himself a ‘baseball junkie” having played in high school and as a freshman at Dordt. He admits to being a Minnesota Twins fan, but had the opportunity to take in three early season games this year in both The Cell and Wrigley, home of the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs. “I enjoyed Wrigley because of the tradition, it was great to finally experience that atmosphere, but the weather for all three games was cold, wet and windy.”

"Jonathan was a great addition to the team and we wish him all the best in his future pursuits," said Rosko. Jonathan has a job lined-up this summer at the YMCA in Waukee, IA, as a summer sports day-camp counselor. He is hoping to continue on for a graduate degree in sports management and is considering Northwestern University and Valparaiso University. He expressed his genuine gratitude to WSC and the staff for the opportunity and experience, “I had a wonderful time, everyone was extremely helpful.”

Internships with WSC are offered on a rolling basis and typically last two to three months. WSC interns will join a small but dynamic team, learning strategic management and day-to-day operations of the organization while often taking part in a variety of different tasks and activities. Click here for current opportunities and how to apply!