15 Internships for College Students in Illinois

Internships are one of the more direct ways for college students to understand how academic learning translates into professional work. Instead of focusing only on coursework, you’ll get the opportunity to apply concepts in real settings, work with teams, and observe how organizations operate day to day. This kind of exposure can help you evaluate potential career paths, build practical skills, and develop a clearer sense of what different roles actually involve.

If you’re open to considering remote/online internships, then you can check out paid programs here! And if you’re worried about having less experience, check out our blog here!

Why should you do an internship in college?

Internships allow you to move beyond theoretical knowledge by working on tasks and projects that reflect real industry practices. You’ll develop technical and transferable skills such as data analysis, communication, problem-solving, and collaboration. Many internships also include mentorship or structured training, which can help you refine your approach to professional work and receive feedback from experienced professionals. In addition, internships often expose you to workplace tools, processes, and expectations that are difficult to replicate in a classroom setting.

To help you explore your options, here are 15 internships for college students in Illinois.

Quick Look

• 15 internships total spanning government, national laboratory research, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and corporate roles, hosted by organizations including Citadel, McKinsey, AbbVie, and Argonne and Fermilab National Laboratories

• Two distinct Fermilab internships are featured: QCIPU, a short three-week quantum computing program ($20 per hour), and ASPIRE, a longer particle accelerator engineering program ($23 to $25 per hour)

• The strongest disclosed pay range is at Caterpillar ($25 to $43 per hour), followed by CME Group ($21.68 to $36.10 per hour)

• Argonne's SULI program stands out for combining a weekly stipend with a separate housing allowance ($650 plus $250 per week)

• Most programs are based in or around Chicago, with a few, like Caterpillar and AbbVie, located in nearby cities such as Pontiac and Lake County

1. Office of Equity Internship Program

Location: State of Illinois government offices, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June 1 – August 31
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Illinois undergraduate or graduate students with academic credit/funding from their institution 

This internship within the Illinois Office of Equity focuses on supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives in a government setting. You’ll assist with planning programs, conducting policy and legislative research, and participating in meetings with stakeholders such as government leaders and advocates. The work often involves analyzing policies and contributing to projects that address systemic inequities. You’ll also have the opportunity to design or support initiatives aligned with your interests, allowing for some degree of independent work. Mentorship is integrated into the experience, with guidance from professionals working in public service and DEIA-focused roles. 

2. Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies (financial aid available); Unpaid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Undergraduates and young professionals

The Ladder University Internship Program connects you with startups and organizations where you’ll work on structured, project-based tasks. The internships range in fields from telehealth to finance to education. You’ll be assigned to a team and guided through deliverables that can involve research, data analysis, or operational problem-solving. You’ll be expected to manage timelines and contribute to team outcomes. The program includes mentorship components, where experienced professionals provide feedback on your work and help refine your approach. 

3. Argonne National Laboratory Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI)

Location: Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL
Stipend: $650/week + $250/week housing allowance
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June – August (summer) or 16 weeks (fall/spring)
Application Deadline: January (summer), May (fall), October (spring)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (sophomores and up) with a 3.0+ GPA with at least 6 credit hours in STEM fields

The SULI internship at Argonne National Laboratory engages college students in Illinois in hands-on STEM research under the guidance of scientists or engineers. You’ll begin by developing a research plan and completing safety training before moving into active project work aligned with Department of Energy priorities. Over the course of the internship, you’ll conduct experiments or analyses, document your findings, and contribute to ongoing research efforts. The program also requires you to present your work through a report, a peer review, and an oral or poster presentation. In addition to research, you’ll attend seminars and facility tours that provide a broader context for current scientific developments. 

4. Quantum Computing Internship for Physics Undergraduates Program (QCIPU)

Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL
Stipend: $20/hour
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June 8 – June 26
Application Deadline: January 17
Eligibility: Undergraduate physics students with basic proficiency in Python and Qiskit

This short-term internship introduces you to quantum computing through a combination of programming and theoretical learning. You’ll work with Python and Qiskit to build and test code, gradually developing a personal codebase tied to physics simulations. Daily lectures cover core concepts in quantum mechanics and computing, providing the foundation needed for your project work. As the program progresses, you’ll apply these concepts by running your code on an IBM quantum computer. The structure emphasizes both technical skill-building and conceptual understanding within a condensed timeframe.

5. United Airlines Internships

Location: United Airlines, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: 12 weeks (summer), 5 months (fall and spring co-op)
Application Deadline: January (fall), September (spring/summer)
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students with at least one semester remaining

United Airlines offers a range of internships where you’ll work on projects across areas such as digital technology, commercial strategy, finance, and technical operations. Depending on your role, you might analyze data, contribute to software development, support financial planning, or assist with engineering processes tied to airline operations. The program includes structured mentorship, allowing you to learn directly from professionals while receiving feedback on your work. You’ll also take part in intern-specific programming and networking sessions that provide insight into how different business units operate.

6. Art Institute of Chicago Internships

Location: Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June – mid-August (summer) and September – late April (academic year)
Application Deadline: Mid-February (summer), mid-July (academic year)
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students

This internship provides exposure to both the museum and academic sides of a major art institution, with opportunities to work across departments. You may assist with gallery tours, contribute to marketing or financial analysis projects, or support technical and research initiatives. Daily responsibilities often include participating in departmental activities, assisting with ongoing projects, and collaborating with staff on specialized tasks. The experience highlights how different functional areas contribute to the operations of a cultural institution. You’ll also engage with professionals across disciplines, gaining insight into roles that support both creative and administrative work. 

7. CME Group Internships

Location: CME Group, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $21.68 – $36.10
Cohort size: Over 100 internships annually
Dates: 12 weeks (some internships last 3 – 12 months)
Application Deadline: Fall for summer internships, early winter/early spring for other opportunities
Eligibility: College students 

CME Group offers internships across a wide range of business and technical areas, including finance, technology, operations, and market regulation. You’ll work on assigned projects within a specific department, often collaborating with professionals in financial services and related fields. The internship typically involves analyzing data, supporting business processes, or contributing to technology-driven initiatives. Over the course of the program, you’ll gain familiarity with how financial markets operate and how different teams support those systems. Many internships follow a structured timeline, allowing you to develop skills through consistent, project-based work.

8. Fermilab Advancing Scholars in Physics and Innovative Research in Engineering (ASPIRE)

Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL
Stipend: $23/hour (juniors), $25/hour (seniors)
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: May 18 – August 7
Application Deadline: April 7
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate engineering students with a 3.0+ GPA

The ASPIRE program at Fermilab focuses on engineering research related to particle accelerators and associated technologies. You’ll work under the guidance of a mentor to design, develop, or analyze components used in accelerator systems. The program involves long-term engagement, allowing you to build technical skills through sustained research and project development. As part of your work, you’ll prepare formal deliverables such as written reports, presentation abstracts, and seminars that communicate your findings. 

9. Caterpillar Inc. Manufacturing Supply Chain Internship

Location: Caterpillar Inc., Pontiac, IL
Stipend: $25 – $43/hour
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Late spring or early summer, with the opportunity to continue through the school year
Application Deadline: April 22
Eligibility: College students with a minimum 3.0 GPA who live within a commutable distance to Pontiac, IL

This manufacturing internship for college students in Illinois involves working with engineering and operations teams to support supply chain and production processes. You’ll contribute to projects aimed at improving efficiency, quality, and safety by analyzing data and identifying areas for process improvement. Your tasks may include using tools like Excel or statistical software to evaluate performance, updating technical documentation, and assisting with equipment or system changes. You’ll also collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering and maintenance, to implement continuous improvement initiatives. 

10. Philadelphia Insurance Companies Summer Associates

Location: Philadelphia Insurance Companies, Naperville, IL
Stipend: $21 – $22/hour
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors pursuing a bachelor's degree with a 3.0+ GPA

In this internship, you’ll support day-to-day operations within a specific business unit while contributing to reports, administrative tasks, and project work. Your responsibilities may include assisting with business processing, maintaining weekly reports, and participating in team and cross-functional meetings. The program also involves a group project where you’ll collaborate with other interns to develop and present findings to leadership. You’ll attend regular sessions led by senior professionals to build an understanding of the insurance industry and organizational structure. You’ll also have ongoing mentorship and on-the-job training as you work through assigned tasks.

11. McDonald’s Internships

Location: McDonald’s Corporation, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Typically in February
Eligibility: Rising college seniors

This internship program is structured around hands-on project work within corporate teams, where you’ll contribute to initiatives tied to business operations. Over the course of the program, you’ll engage with real-world challenges that require both analytical thinking and collaboration. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, gaining insight into how large-scale organizations manage strategy, operations, and internal processes. The experience also includes opportunities to develop technical and professional skills through day-to-day responsibilities. 

12. Citadel & Citadel Securities Internship

Location: Several locations, including Chicago, IL
Stipend: Varies by role
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: 11 weeks starting in June
Application Deadline: Varies by internship
Eligibility: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students in STEM or finance

This internship places you in a fast-paced environment where you’ll contribute to real projects across trading, quantitative research, or engineering teams. You’ll analyze market signals, conduct research, or build technical systems depending on your role, often collaborating closely with traders, engineers, and other interns. The program emphasizes applying insights in real time, giving you exposure to how financial strategies are developed and executed. You’ll also participate in structured learning sessions and on-the-desk training that build both technical and analytical skills. Throughout your internship, you’ll have a dedicated mentor to help support your work.

13. Abbott University Internship Program

Location: Several locations, including Abbott Park, IL
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Varies by internship
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students pursuing a relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (sophomores and up) with a 3.0+ GPA

This internship places you in a project-based role aligned with your skills, where you’ll work on assignments connected to the healthcare industry. You’ll contribute to projects designed to reflect real business challenges, often culminating in a final presentation to senior leaders and team members. Throughout the program, you’ll interact with professionals across functions, gaining insight into how different areas of the organization operate. Structured development opportunities focus on building foundational workplace skills such as communication, problem-solving, and professional collaboration. You also engage in networking activities that connect you with peers and experienced professionals.

14. McKinsey & Company Business Analyst Intern

Location: Several locations, including Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: 8 – 10 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate students

In this internship, you’ll join a client-facing team and contribute to specific workstreams focused on solving complex organizational problems. Your work will involve a mix of research, data analysis, interviews, and structured problem-solving to identify key challenges and develop actionable recommendations. You’ll collaborate closely with both colleagues and clients, gaining insight into how strategies are shaped and implemented. The role also requires you to communicate findings clearly and support the execution of proposed solutions. Throughout the internship, you’ll receive continuous feedback and mentorship within a structured learning environment.

15. AbbVie Internships

Location: Several locations, including Lake County, IL
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: 10-12 weeks from May to August
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Third-year undergraduate college students or graduate college students pursuing a master’s, MBA, PhD, or PharmD degree

AbbVie offers internships across multiple functional areas, including research and development, operations, finance, and corporate roles. You’ll work on assigned projects that align with your area, contributing to ongoing initiatives while developing technical or business-specific skills. The program includes opportunities to interact with organizational leaders and participate in structured skill-building sessions. You’ll also get to work with teams across different functions to complete project tasks. At the end of the internship, you’ll typically present your work to peers and leadership, emphasizing communication and analytical skills. 

Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs

1. There are two different Fermilab programs on this list (QCIPU and ASPIRE). What's the difference between them?

QCIPU is a short, three-week program focused specifically on quantum computing, where you'll use Python and Qiskit to build and run code on an actual IBM quantum computer, making it a good fit if you want a quick, focused introduction to quantum programming. ASPIRE is a much longer summer program centered on engineering work related to particle accelerators, involving sustained research and formal deliverables like written reports and presentations. If you're a physics student curious about quantum computing specifically, QCIPU is the better starting point; if you're an engineering student looking for a deeper, longer-term research experience, ASPIRE is the stronger choice.

2. Citadel, McKinsey, and CME Group are all extremely competitive. What can I do to make my application stronger if I'm interested in one of these?

These three are genuinely among the most selective internships on this list, so building relevant experience beforehand matters. For Citadel, strong quantitative or technical coursework and any prior experience with data analysis or coding will help your application stand out. For McKinsey, demonstrated problem-solving ability and leadership experience, even outside of formal internships, are valued highly. For CME Group, some familiarity with financial markets or economics coursework can strengthen your candidacy. If you're not quite ready to apply to these directly, gaining experience at a slightly less competitive finance or technical internship first, then applying to these in a later year, is a reasonable strategy.

3. How do the two national lab internships (Argonne's SULI and Fermilab's programs) compare for someone interested in research?

Argonne's SULI is broader, covering a wide range of STEM research areas under the Department of Energy, and includes a structured safety training period before you begin active project work. Fermilab's ASPIRE is more narrowly focused on physics and engineering tied to particle accelerator technology specifically. If you want flexibility across STEM fields, Argonne's SULI gives you more room to explore; if you already know you want to focus on physics or accelerator engineering, Fermilab's ASPIRE offers a more specialized, sustained research experience.