Aleks Czulak was with us as a fellow from McKinsey from August 2019 through June 2020.

What project work were you involved in during your time at Civic Consulting Alliance?

Over my 10 month fellowship, I had the opportunity to work on four projects, including projects related to early childhood education with Chicago Public Schools and the Office of the Mayor, a COVID-19 public health management framework, and a performance evaluation project with the Chicago Police Department.

What will you take away from your time at Civic Consulting Alliance?

I came to Civic Consulting Alliance to gain experience with projects and institutions driving equitable economic development. I’ve learned about how different institutions approach complex problems, about the philanthropic sector, and about the many stakeholders working together to create a more equitable, inclusive Chicago economy. This real-world experience will be invaluable as I begin law school and explore issues like labor and employment law.

What was your most memorable experience during your time at Civic Consulting Alliance?

I have a couple! One of my favorite board meetings was in fall 2019 at The Hatchery, in East Garfield Park, with Kim Foxx as the guest speaker. Getting to hear from one of Civic Consulting Alliance’s clients on the important work being done to transform criminal justice while at a food incubator on the West Side—it was a great example of leadership and innovative spaces in Chicago.

Second, as a graduate of Chicago Public Schools, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to address equity in education in my hometown, while learning about early childhood educational interventions.

How has your time at Civic Consulting Alliance helped you develop professionally?

I appreciated getting to work with people with a variety of career paths and interests. I’m grateful to the mentors and friends at Civic Consulting Alliance who shared their experiences with me—and who helped me think through career paths and graduate school programs.

I also valued the opportunity to learn more about Chicago, my hometown, and the role of public-private partnerships in making this a better city for its residents. This experience has reinforced my goals of working in public service to shape, innovate, and increase the effectiveness of programs that improve the health and wellbeing of children and families, especially programs that support the most vulnerable populations.

Civic Consulting Alliance Fellowships are full-time positions that typically last between three months and a year. Fellows are integrated into project teams for a unique professional development opportunity. Please visit our Fellowships page to learn more about our range of fellowship opportunities.