Chicago Day 2025: A Career Exploration Experience

On Friday, December 12, students at the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice gathered in the Edith Abbott Hall Library for Chicago Day, a professional development experience designed to help students explore career pathways and strengthen their professional skills within Chicago’s social sector.

Presented by the Career and Leadership Development department, the day-long program brought students together for a structured experience that blended preparation, reflection, and direct engagement with alumni practitioners working across the city.

The morning began with breakfast and informal networking, giving students time to connect with peers and settle into the day. The program opened with a keynote address from Manuel Hernández Núñez, Executive Director of ALMA Chicago, who shared reflections on his personal and professional journey and offered candid insights into leadership, purpose, and impact.

Drawing from his lived experience, Hernández Núñez encouraged students to view their own experiences as sources of knowledge and strength. He challenged students to question systems not designed with equity in mind and to lead in ways that center community, dignity, and accountability.

Image

“What resonated most was his reminder that while he may have been the first person of color in certain spaces, he was never alone because he carried the spirit, identity, and strength of his community with him,” said Michelle Torres, a second-year social work student at the Crown Family School. “He framed leadership as the courage to challenge systems of marginalization and oppression, which strongly aligns with my own experience.”

Geraldine Johnson, a first-year social work student, shared that the keynote reshaped her understanding of leadership and advocacy.

“His emphasis on the difference between proximity to power and actual impact reminded me that being close to decision-makers does not automatically translate into meaningful change for communities,” Johnson said.

Following the keynote, students gathered for lunch before participating in a hands-on workshop focused on professional communication. The afternoon continued with students traveling independently across the city to participate in informal informational interviews with alumni of the Crown Family School working as practitioners in Chicago.

Image

“Chicago Day provided students with a unique opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world professional engagement,” said Johnny Lassalle, Director of Career and Leadership Development. “At a pivotal moment in their academic and professional journey, this kind of exposure helps solidify their commitment to the field and cultivates professional networks,” Lassalle said. 

“The alum I met with was also a former extended evening program student, and it was inspiring to see how he successfully balanced a full-time career and family responsibilities while obtaining his degree,” Torres said. “His experience helped me better understand realistic timelines for obtaining the License for Clinical Social Work, what studying for licensure entails, and how juggling full-time work while pursuing certifications takes time and intentional planning.”

Image

Johnson shared a similar reflection, noting that her informational interview emphasized the value of long-term thinking.

“One key takeaway was the importance of always studying for the future, even while working in the present,” she said.

Chicago Day concluded with students leaving the experience with a deeper understanding of how professional identity is shaped through preparation, reflection, and practice. As the Crown Family School continues to invest in experiential learning opportunities, Chicago Day reflects the School’s commitment to community-engaged leadership and supporting students as they navigate their professional paths with clarity and purpose.

“Chicago Day reaffirmed my motivation and excitement for the future,” Torres said. “I feel energized about the contributions I hope to make with my degree.”

Image

Alumni Participant Success Stories