June 1, 2005
ShimerCollege Students Selected For Summer Internships At Encyclopedia Britannica

Two ShimerCollege students have been selected to work as summer interns at Encyclopedia Britannica in Chicago, a worldwide leader in reference and educational publishing. Hillary Bussell, a 2005 graduate of the College and Matt Thomas, a third-year student in Shimer’s Every-Third-Weekend Program, will work as editorial assistants at the publishing company from June until August.     

These internships will launch ShimerCollege’s new business internships program, underwritten in part by a generous grant from the Kemper Foundation.  The Kemper Internships Program will allow ShimerCollege students to gain experience in the business world.

 'The Kemper Foundation recognizes that a Shimer education is the best possible preparation for a career in business,' says William Craig Rice, Shimer’s president. 'Students who study the Great Books become great problem solvers.'

Shimer’s classics-based curriculum is well-known for developing students’ reasoning and communication skills, and for encouraging independent thought.   Most Shimer students go on for advanced degrees, and the two Britannica interns are no exception. Hillary Bussell, who came to Shimer from Cincinnati, Ohio, plans to work for a year before going on for a doctorate in philosophy.  Matt Thomas, a Chicago native, intends to study creative writing.

Both are confident that this internship will mobilize the research and communication skills they have developed at Shimer and will allow them to be good employees while learning about the publishing industry.  

'Hillary and Matt are both outstanding students who are sure to benefit greatly from this opportunity to work at Encyclopedia Britannica,' says John Meech, Director of the Internship Program 'We are delighted that such excellent candidates were interested in the position. It’s a great way to kick-off our program.'

As Kemper Internship Director, Dr. Meech will continue to place Shimer students in internships during the academic year and summer breaks. His focus will be on connecting current Shimer students with members of the Shimer alumni community who can guide their young counterparts in preparing for a career in business.