15 Business Internships for Undergraduates in Illinois

If you are an undergraduate student interested in business, internships can be a practical way to explore different career paths before graduation. They allow you to add relevant work experience to your resume, strengthen your professional profile, and better understand how organizations operate. Many internships also give you access to professionals in your field, which can help you build connections early in your career. Business internships can cover a variety of subject areas, such as finance, accounting, entrepreneurship, consulting, marketing, and management. This can help you clarify your interests while building familiarity with workplace expectations. 

For those staying in and around Illinois, a local internship is an excellent way to garner inexpensive exposure and experience in a business setting.

For those looking for business-administration specific internships, look at our blog here, and for those interested in business-research internships, check out our blog here.

Why should I do a business internship in college?

A business internship can give you early exposure to how companies function and how decisions are made across departments. You will get to contribute to ongoing projects, collaborate with professionals, and observe how teams approach challenges specific to their industry. Employers often prioritize candidates with professional experience, making internships a good addition to your resume when entering the job market. Beyond credentials, internships can also help you establish professional connections that may be useful as you move toward full-time roles after graduation.

To help you get started, we've narrowed down a list of 15 business internships for undergraduates in Illinois that offer opportunities to work with established organizations.

1. FedEx College Connections

Location: Several locations nationwide, including Chicago, IL
Stipend: $25/hour for undergraduates; $30/hour for graduate students; $2,000 for participants relocating over 50 miles for an on-site or hybrid internship or co-op experience
Dates: 10 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: Typically, the end of October
Eligibility: Students who are currently enrolled at a college/university or recent college graduates (within 6 months of graduation) with a 3.0 GPA or higher

The FedEx College Connections Internship is a summer program that places you in roles across a range of business functions at FedEx. You’ll work on assigned projects within departments such as HR, IT, marketing, engineering, operations, or transportation, depending on your placement. You will be paired with a senior FedEx team member who provides mentorship and guidance throughout the duration of the program. The program is offered at locations across the United States, with availability varying by business area and role. You’ll have the opportunity to observe and participate in professional workflows within one of the world's largest logistics and transportation companies. An executive speaker series gives you exposure to leadership perspectives from across the organization. You may also participate in tours of major FedEx facilities, offering insight into large-scale logistics and operational processes.

2. Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; Financial aid offered 
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort 
Eligibility: Undergraduates and gap year students who can work for 8-12 weeks, devoting 10 - 20 hours/week

The Ladder University Internship Program is an eight-week virtual internship that places you with startup companies to work on project-based assignments. After being matched with a host organization, you’ll work with a company mentor on projects related to areas such as business, technology, finance, marketing, consulting, media, and nonprofit operations. You’ll meet regularly with your mentor while working on defined project deliverables for the host company. Through this process, you will observe how early-stage companies operate and how projects move from planning to execution. The experience offers exposure to professional communication, project timelines, and collaborative workflows commonly used in startup environments. At the end of the internship, you’ll present the work completed during the program.

3. FCI Internship Program

Location: Farm Credit Illinois, Mahomet, IL
Stipend: Paid a competitive hourly rate; Business travel reimbursements available
Dates: 12 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: October 11
Eligibility: Current sophomores, juniors, seniors, or graduate students enrolled in agricultural business, agricultural economics, business, finance, or another related degree program for the fall semester

The Farm Credit Illinois Internship Program is a summer internship offered by Farm Credit Illinois for college students interested in agriculture, finance, and business operations. During the program, you will work with different departments and complete tasks connected to agricultural lending, crop insurance, marketing, or business operations. Your responsibilities may include supporting project work, assisting with research and documentation, and collaborating with staff on departmental initiatives. As an intern, you’ll also participate in job shadowing and mentorship opportunities while observing how financial services support farmers and rural communities. The program includes networking opportunities and exposure to multiple career paths within the organization.

4. Crowe Internship Program

Location: Varies by position; Available across multiple locations in the U.S., including Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 8-10 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate students; Exact specifications vary by position

The Internship Program at Crowe LLP is a spring and summer internship that introduces you to professional services work in areas such as audit, tax, and consulting. You’ll join a team and contribute to assignments related to client engagements and advisory services. Your work may involve research, data analysis, and preparing materials used in client projects. You’ll also interact with professionals at multiple levels of the firm and observe how teams collaborate on client work. The experience also includes networking opportunities, information sessions, and intern activities organized by the firm.

5. Deloitte Internships

Location: Deloitte, Chicago, IL, and other Deloitte offices across the U.S.
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Varies depending on specific opportunity
Application Deadline: Varies depending on specific opportunity
Eligibility: Undergraduate students; Exact requirements may vary depending on the role

Deloitte internships introduce you to work in areas such as consulting, audit, tax, and internal business services. During the program, you’ll join a team and contribute to projects that support client engagements or internal initiatives. You will have the opportunity to work on tasks like research, data analysis, and preparing materials related to project deliverables. The internship also includes mentorship from professionals and access to training sessions designed to build technical and professional skills. You will also interact with colleagues across teams and take part in networking activities with other interns and employees. Some interns may also attend firm-wide events such as the National Internship Conference. 

6. Global Capital Markets Summer Analyst Program

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina; Chicago, Illinois; New York
Stipend: Paid 
Dates: 10 weeks 
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (18+) pursuing a bachelor’s or a direct bachelor ’s-to-master’s degree from an accredited college or university; A minimum GPA of 3.5 is preferred

The Bank of America Global Capital Markets Summer Analyst Program places you within teams that work on equity and debt capital market transactions for corporate and institutional clients. During the program, you’ll participate in formal training sessions followed by project work with groups such as Equity Capital Markets, Investment Grade Capital Markets, Leveraged Finance, Debt Advisory, and Sustainable Banking Solutions. You’ll research companies, industries, and market conditions while reviewing trends in equity and credit markets. You will also help analyze transaction structures, including IPOs, debt issuances, leveraged buyouts, refinancing transactions, and capital restructuring efforts. The program includes mentorship, speaker events, and collaboration with professionals from investment banking and global markets teams. Throughout the internship, you’ll contribute to ongoing capital raising and advisory projects.

7. Northwestern Mutual: College Financial Representative Internship Program 

Location: Northwestern Mutual, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $500 – $1,000 per year
Dates: Exact dates vary each year
Application Deadline: Exact dates vary each year
Eligibility: Undergraduate students

Northwestern Mutual’s College Financial Representative Internship Program is a financial services internship focused on financial planning and client relationship development. As an intern, you will learn how to identify potential clients, schedule meetings, and discuss financial goals with individuals or families. You will also gain experience in gathering financial information and using the company’s planning tools to prepare financial plans and recommendations. The internship includes training sessions that introduce you to financial planning concepts, Northwestern Mutual’s products, and client communication practices. You will also conduct outreach and networking activities to build a list of contacts for financial planning discussions. In addition, you will meet with financial representatives and participate in conversations related to financial strategies and planning approaches.

8. Central Bank Illinois: Summer Business / Finance Internship Program

Location: Multiple locations in Illinois
Stipend: Paid 
Dates: 10-12 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Exact dates vary each year
Eligibility: Undergraduate students of sophomore or junior standing, majoring in accounting, business, economics, finance, HR, IT, or marketing

The Central Bank Illinois Summer Business / Finance Internship Program is a summer internship in community banking that introduces you to the operations of a regional financial institution. During the internship, you will be assigned to a specific role but will also participate in observational opportunities across multiple departments. The program includes job shadowing sessions and presentations from different teams within the bank to provide an overview of how various banking functions operate. You will observe areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, IT, human resources, or operations, depending on the schedule and department involvement. Throughout the program, you’ll interact with employees from different divisions and learn about the structure and responsibilities within a community bank. 

9. PwC's Advance Internship Experience

Location: Multiple locations in Illinois
Stipend: Paid 
Dates: Varies based on internship
Application Deadline: Varies based on internship
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students

PwC's Advance Internship Experience is a professional services internship program designed to introduce you to multiple service areas within the firm. You’ll contribute to client assignments while working alongside partners, principals, and staff on ongoing projects across departments. Training sessions covering leadership and technical topics will be available throughout the duration of the program. You may also participate in the Leadership Development Experience, through which a dedicated coaching team provides guidance and feedback. The program offers opportunities to attend networking events with PwC professionals and fellow interns across the firm. Organized community service activities connected to PwC's Responsible Business Leadership initiatives are also part of the program experience.

10. CME Group Summer Internship Program

Location: CME Group, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 12 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate students currently enrolled in college/university and pursuing a degree

The Early Careers Internship Program at CME Group is a summer internship program that introduces you to careers in financial markets, technology, and business operations. During the program, you’ll work with teams across different business areas such as finance, technology, marketing, operations, legal, and client development. As an intern, you will participate in projects within your assigned department while learning about how derivatives markets and financial infrastructure operate. Throughout the program, you’ll interact with professionals across divisions and gain exposure to the structure of a global financial services company. In addition to departmental work, the program includes networking events, intern activities, and presentations from professionals across the organization.

11. KPMG Internship Programs

Location: Main office in Chicago, IL; Multiple locations across Illinois and the U.S.
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Varies based on internship
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate students; Exact eligibility criteria will vary depending on the specific internship opportunity

The KPMG Internship Program is a professional services internship that introduces you to work in areas such as audit, tax, and advisory services at KPMG. You will work on client-related tasks, collaborate with professionals on team projects, and participate in scheduled learning sessions. As an intern, you may also have the opportunity to attend training at KPMG Lakehouse, the firm’s learning center, where you will meet other students and KPMG professionals while participating in group sessions and discussions. You will collaborate with mentors who will guide you through the internship. The program also includes networking activities with interns and professionals across departments. 

12. Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Internship Program

Location: Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Chicago, IL, and other locations across the U.S.
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Typically begins in June
Application Deadline: January (tentative)
Eligibility: Students who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited university and returning to continue studies after the internship

The Internship Program at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago is a paid summer internship that introduces undergraduate and graduate students to the operations and mission of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. You will be placed within a specific department and complete project-based assignments related to areas such as marketing, human resources, public relations, information technology, project management, finance, or economics. Throughout the internship, you’ll participate in professional development activities including seminars, workshops, and speaker sessions with senior leaders. The program also includes networking and social events that connect you with other interns and employees across the organization.You may take part in volunteer initiatives that align with the institution’s community-focused work. 

13. McKinsey & Company: Business Analyst Internship

Location: Chicago, IL, and other locations across the US
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Typically, 8-10 weeks
Application Deadline: March 29
Eligibility: Students in undergraduate and non-MBA master’s programs 

The McKinsey & Company Business Analyst Internship is a consulting internship that introduces undergraduate students to client service work in management consulting. You will work on a defined workstream within a larger project focused on solving strategic or operational challenges for client organizations. This may involve conducting research, analyzing data, and reviewing industry information to help teams understand the factors affecting a client's problem. You will also participate in interviews and discussions with clients and team members to gather insights and test hypotheses. Your work can include preparing presentations, building analytical models, and developing written materials that support project recommendations. Throughout the program, you will get to collaborate with consultants and fellow interns while receiving guidance from senior colleagues.

14. JPMorgan Chase: Corporate Analyst Development Program Internship

Location: JPMorgan Chase, Chicago, IL, and other locations across the U.S.
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Typically, 10-12 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies based on internship
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who are one year away from graduating

The Corporate Analyst Development Program (CADP) Summer Analyst Internship at JPMorgan Chase is a summer internship that introduces you to corporate functions within the firm’s global banking and financial services operations. You will contribute toongoing initiatives by assisting with project coordination, reviewing operational processes, and analyzing internal data related to business performance. During the internship, you will collaborate with team members to prepare reports, organize project materials, and present findings to colleagues or managers. The program also includes orientation sessions that introduce the firm’s business units and provide an overview of the financial services industry. Throughout the internship, you will attend speaker sessions, networking events, and small-group discussions with professionals across the organization. You may also work with an analyst mentor and participate in structured learning sessions that focus on communication, leadership, and business operations.

15. Wellington Management Undergraduate Summer Internship

Location: Various locations, including Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 10 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Current sophomores and juniors who will be rising juniors and seniors during the internship period

The Undergraduate Summer Internship Program at Wellington Management introduces you to careers in investment management and financial services. During the internship, you will be placed within a department such as Global Operations, Finance & Administration, Technology, Investment Implementation & Trading, Legal, Compliance & Risk, or Americas Institutional. You will contribute to ongoing projects and support team initiatives related to investment management and business operations. Throughout the internship, you will be assigned both a peer buddy and an early career buddy who will help you navigate the workplace and connect with colleagues. Teams may also organize mentorship opportunities within their groups and across the firm. In addition to project work, you will get to participate in programs designed to introduce you to the firm’s structure, departments, and industry practices. 

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