Michael Elias is the director of the
College of Communication Internship Program for undergraduate and graduate students. Working closely with employers and faculty, he helps identify and create internship opportunities in fields including broadcast, print and online media, film, public relations, advertising and marketing agencies, small and large corporations, and historically non-profit organizations.
Since 2012, Michael has been an adjunct instructor for CMN 394: Making the Most of Your Communication Internship. The course is designed to help students navigate their internship experience, such as managing supervisor expectations, establishing short term goals within their position, and making contributions that both benefit the company and the professional development of the student. The final project is a digital portfolio, which students create and use to highlight completed projects from their internship as well as samples from prior jobs and course work. The goal is for students to have a robust online presence that they can share with employers alongside a resume and LinkedIn page.
Michael previously worked as an assistant director, career community advisor in DePaul University’s Career Center. Specifically, he advised media, communication, arts and entertainment students on resume/portfolio development, job/internship search strategies, interviewing skills, and post-graduate career transitioning. He also has previous experience as the assistant director for the University Internship Program housed in DePaul’s Career Center.
Born and raised near Youngstown, Ohio, Michael moved to Chicago to complete his undergraduate and graduate degrees at DePaul University. Outside of the office he is an avid film goer and book worm – and always accepting recommendations for each!