The University Relations Committee Co-Chairs, Rob Baynes of the Strong Oak Group, Candice Kline of Sidley Austin LLP, and Tom O’Donoghue of FGMK, successfully launched the chapter’s first-ever student internship competition this summer. The Co-Chairs led this effort from concept through execution. The program supports sponsor employers and interns, and encourages young professionals to explore careers in turnaround and restructuring.

In July, the co-chairs invited student interns at chapter sponsor firms to apply for cash prizes up to $1,500 by submitting a resume, transcript, and short essay describing their turnaround internship experience.

Based on these submissions, the co-chairs selected three finalists to present at the oral portion of the competition on September 16, 2016. The finalists were: Nicholas Beideman, a Chicago-Kent College of Law student who interned with Gould & Ratner LLP; Pompeo Mazzella, an Ohio State University undergraduate student who interned with Grant Thornton LLP; and Jessica Schultz, a University of Wisconsin Law School student who interned with O’Neil, Cannon, Hollman, DeJong & Laing S.C., a Milwaukee sponsor.

“The student interns were extremely well qualified and received excellent summer experiences with our sponsoring firms,” explained Co-Chair Baynes. “I was impressed with the substantive learning and strong academic background of the applicants,” added Co-Chair O’Donoghue.

The oral competition was held immediately prior to the Breakfast Forum at the Standard Club. At the event, each finalist gave a two minute presentation on their internship experience followed by questions from a panel of three experienced judges: Barb Yong of Golan & Christie LLP; Alex Franky of Monroe Capital LLC; and Tony Natale, CTP, of Shepherd Partners, Inc. The judges then selected the first, second, and third place rankings based on specific grading criteria.

Co-Chair Kline facilitated the oral competition and announced the winners at the conclusion of the Breakfast Forum’s panel presentation. Ms. Schultz won first place and received $1,500, Mr. Beideman received second place and $1,000, and Mr. Mazzella received third place and $500.

The committee is excited to offer this important new sponsor benefit and will work with sponsors to publicize the competition and encourage intern participation next year. The committee also acknowledges the participating sponsor firms, volunteer judges, chapter leadership, and chapter administrators for their time and support.