Industry Partnerships | Columbia College Chicago
Source: http://www.colum.edu/careers-and-alumni/industry-opportunities.html
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:19
Industry Partnerships | Columbia College Chicago
Ready to Work with Industry Leaders?
Imagine turning classroom theory into real-world experience
with top companies like L’Oréal, NASCAR, and Hilton Hotels and Resorts. Columbia College Chicago doesn’t just teach creative disciplines; we connect you to the industries that use them. Working with our vast network of industry partners can help you get a head start on your career, including:
Real-world experience
Columbia College Chicago gives you access to the creative world you’re passionate about. Forget textbook scenarios—you’ll gain practical experience by collaborating with industry professionals on real-world projects. These collaborations allow you to apply your skills in a tangible way and offer valuable industry exposure through internships and project partnerships.
Portfolio power
Your projects and experiences at Columbia will feed directly into your portfolio.
You’ll create a collection of work that showcases your talent, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities—all directly relevant to your desired industry. This will become your calling card, setting you apart from the competition when you apply for jobs or freelance opportunities.
Network advantage
At Columbia, you’ll be surrounded by inspiring peers, dedicated faculty, and industry professionals. These connections create a powerful network that can open doors to future opportunities.
You’ll build lasting relationships with classmates, mentors, and industry partners that can lead to job recommendations, collaborations, and a supportive network as you launch your career.
OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Concept to Consumer
Columbia students partnered with YKK, Browzwear, and SOUNDOFF to design inclusive bridalwear and custom Chicago Sky fan apparel—real-world projects powered by industry collaboration.
Students Bring Gift Bag Designs to Market
Students at Columbia College Chicago learn the art and business of design thanks to partnership with gift bag seller
Dipak
and marketing firm
Madak
.
Agency: Students Deliver Real-World Marketing Campaigns
In this Columbia-produced video, students in Kevin Christophersen’s “Agency” class discuss the marketing strategies, ads, social media plans, and other deliverables they developed to created integrated campaigns for real-world startup clients.
Columbia College Chicago Students Experience the Ultimate Field Trip
Business and Entrepreneurship students take their education beyond the classroom each year at
SXSW
, gaining practical experience working with real clients.
From Classroom to Industry: Students Lead at Unleashed 2023
Columbia bridges the classroom and career by partnering with industry leaders, like those behind Unleashed 2023’s activations, where Business and Entrepreneurship students received course credit for their hands-on planning and design work.
Columbia Students Partner With Patagonia for Worn Wear Competition
Patagonia
partnered with Columbia students to showcase innovative designs, all crafted from recycled Patagonia materials. The project highlighted the intersection of fashion and environmental responsibility.
Columbia Team Wins U.S. L’Oréal Brandstorm Competition for Fourth Year in a Row
Columbia College Chicago were named the U.S. winners of L’Oréal Brandstorm, an annual international student competition that gives students the chance to tackle a real business case, gain new skills, and engage with industry experts.
Columbia Students Partner With NASCAR Chicago to Create Race-Themed Games
NASCAR
Chicago Street Race partnered with Columbia students to create family-friendly interactive digital activities and a print publication for the Chicago street race.
Illustration Student Creates Sweet Design for Fannie May
Fannie May Chocolates
unveiled the newest iteration of their Chicago Line. The packaging is designed by Illustration alum Katelyn McManis ‘22 and features the city’s most iconic landmarks. McManis was connected to this early career opportunity through The Career Center.
Read More
Visit Career Center
×
×
Ready to Work with Industry Leaders?
Imagine turning classroom theory into real-world experience
with top companies like L’Oréal, NASCAR, and Hilton Hotels and Resorts. Columbia College Chicago doesn’t just teach creative disciplines; we connect you to the industries that use them. Working with our vast network of industry partners can help you get a head start on your career, including:
Real-world experience
Columbia College Chicago gives you access to the creative world you’re passionate about. Forget textbook scenarios—you’ll gain practical experience by collaborating with industry professionals on real-world projects. These collaborations allow you to apply your skills in a tangible way and offer valuable industry exposure through internships and project partnerships.
Portfolio power
Your projects and experiences at Columbia will feed directly into your portfolio.
You’ll create a collection of work that showcases your talent, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities—all directly relevant to your desired industry. This will become your calling card, setting you apart from the competition when you apply for jobs or freelance opportunities.
Network advantage
At Columbia, you’ll be surrounded by inspiring peers, dedicated faculty, and industry professionals. These connections create a powerful network that can open doors to future opportunities.
You’ll build lasting relationships with classmates, mentors, and industry partners that can lead to job recommendations, collaborations, and a supportive network as you launch your career.
OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Concept to Consumer
Columbia students partnered with YKK, Browzwear, and SOUNDOFF to design inclusive bridalwear and custom Chicago Sky fan apparel—real-world projects powered by industry collaboration.
Students Bring Gift Bag Designs to Market
Students at Columbia College Chicago learn the art and business of design thanks to partnership with gift bag seller
Dipak
and marketing firm
Madak
.
Agency: Students Deliver Real-World Marketing Campaigns
In this Columbia-produced video, students in Kevin Christophersen’s “Agency” class discuss the marketing strategies, ads, social media plans, and other deliverables they developed to created integrated campaigns for real-world startup clients.
Columbia College Chicago Students Experience the Ultimate Field Trip
Business and Entrepreneurship students take their education beyond the classroom each year at
SXSW
, gaining practical experience working with real clients.
From Classroom to Industry: Students Lead at Unleashed 2023
Columbia bridges the classroom and career by partnering with industry leaders, like those behind Unleashed 2023’s activations, where Business and Entrepreneurship students received course credit for their hands-on planning and design work.
Columbia Students Partner With Patagonia for Worn Wear Competition
Patagonia
partnered with Columbia students to showcase innovative designs, all crafted from recycled Patagonia materials. The project highlighted the intersection of fashion and environmental responsibility.
Columbia Team Wins U.S. L’Oréal Brandstorm Competition for Fourth Year in a Row
Columbia College Chicago were named the U.S. winners of L’Oréal Brandstorm, an annual international student competition that gives students the chance to tackle a real business case, gain new skills, and engage with industry experts.
Columbia Students Partner With NASCAR Chicago to Create Race-Themed Games
NASCAR
Chicago Street Race partnered with Columbia students to create family-friendly interactive digital activities and a print publication for the Chicago street race.
Illustration Student Creates Sweet Design for Fannie May
Fannie May Chocolates
unveiled the newest iteration of their Chicago Line. The packaging is designed by Illustration alum Katelyn McManis ‘22 and features the city’s most iconic landmarks. McManis was connected to this early career opportunity through The Career Center.
Read More
Visit Career Center
×
×