Chicago Internships: Where to Apply, What to Expect, and How to Get Started

Chicago is one of the best cities in the U.S. to launch your career. With major companies, research hubs, and nonprofits spread across the city, students can find internships in nearly every industry from finance and design to biotech and sustainability. Whether you’re still in college or just starting out, these programs can help you build skills, make connections, and discover what kind of work really excites you.

Below, you’ll find some of the top areas hiring interns in Chicago right now, plus a few quick tips to help you stand out when applying.

1. Finance & FinTech

Chicago’s long history as a financial hub makes it a prime spot for students studying business, economics, or math. Interns often assist with research, data modeling, and client reporting at firms like the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), Morningstar, or growing fintech startups such as M1 Finance and Enova.

Emphasize your analytical skills and comfort with tools like Excel or SQL. Many finance internships also value communication, since presenting data clearly is a big part of the role.

2. Marketing, Communications & Media

With its blend of creative agencies and corporate marketing teams, Chicago offers endless opportunities for communication students. You’ll find positions at Edelman, Leo Burnett, or social media startups that need fresh content ideas and campaign support.

Build a small digital portfolio. Include writing samples, campaign ideas, or social posts you’ve designed. A visual record of your work helps recruiters remember you.

3. Healthcare & Biotech

If you’re interested in science, data, or helping others, Chicago’s healthcare and biotech sectors are expanding fast. Hospitals, research centers, and pharmaceutical companies regularly hire interns for lab work, data entry, or communications support. The Illinois Medical District, AbbVie, and Northwestern Medicine are major starting points.

Highlight teamwork and attention to detail as both are key in lab and clinical settings.

4. Technology & Engineering

From cloud computing to AI, Chicago’s tech scene rivals that of coastal cities. Interns can join companies like Motorola Solutions, Grubhub, or Salesforce, helping with software testing, product development, or data analytics.

Include specific programming languages or tech tools on your résumé. Recruiters love to see real project experience and even class assignments count.

5. Government & Nonprofit Programs

Many city offices and nonprofits welcome student interns to work on community projects, research, and communications. The City of Chicago Internship Program, Chicago Transit Authority, and organizations like Chicago Global Affairs Council or United Way regularly open listings each semester.

These roles often value initiative and adaptability more than specific majors. Emphasize problem-solving and any volunteer experience you’ve had.

6. Architecture, Design & Urban Planning

Chicago’s skyline says it all. This city is built on design. Firms such as Perkins&Will, Gensler, and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill offer competitive internships for architecture and interior design students.

Keep your portfolio concise and visual. Show your process, not just the finished designs.

7. Education & Social Impact

If your passion lies in teaching or community development, Chicago’s schools and outreach programs are full of internship opportunities. Many universities, libraries, and nonprofits collaborate on youth initiatives and literacy projects.

Highlight communication and leadership skills as many of these positions require working directly with students or the public.

How to Find Internship Listings in Chicago

Knowing where to look is half the battle. Chicago has so many opportunities that it’s easy to miss great ones if you rely on just one platform. Here are the most effective places to find current internship openings across industries:

1. Built In Chicago

A go-to site for tech, startup, and creative internships. You’ll find roles in software development, marketing, and design from companies like Sprout Social, ActiveCampaign, and Grubhub. New listings are added almost daily.

2. LinkedIn & Indeed

Most large employers (from Deloitte to the Chicago Cubs) post internship openings here first. Use filters like “Chicago, IL” and “Internship”, then set up alerts so you get notified as soon as something new appears.

3. University Career Portals

 If you’re enrolled at schools like DePaul, Loyola, UIC, or Northwestern, check their career boards regularly. Many Chicago employers list directly through these portals before opening roles to the public.

4. City & Public Sector Programs

Government offices and public organizations like the City of Chicago, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), and Chicago Park District run structured internship programs each year. These often include paid positions with set training tracks which is ideal for anyone exploring public administration or city planning.

5. Networking & Career Fairs

Keep an eye out for local events hosted by the Chicago Job and Career Fair, 1871, or neighborhood chambers of commerce. Bringing printed résumés and a polished elevator pitch can lead to on-the-spot interviews.

6. Company Websites

Don’t forget to go straight to the source. Many Chicago companies, especially in finance, law, and design, post internship applications only on their own websites. A quick browse through the “Careers” or “Students” sections can uncover hidden gems.

Upcoming Chicago Internship Deadlines & Programs

If you’re planning ahead for 2026, it’s smart to keep an eye on application timelines now. Many of Chicago’s most popular internship programs open their listings months before summer starts and some fill up quickly. Whether you’re interested in finance, hospitality, or the arts, these upcoming opportunities are based right here in the city and offer a strong starting point for hands-on experience.

Program	Term & Deadline Info	Why It’s Worth Knowing
Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants: “The Lettuce Intern Experience”	Summer 2026: Applications open Mon Sept 15, 2025 and will be accepted until Fri April 10, 2026.	Perfect for students interested in hospitality, restaurant management or culinary tracks right in Chicago.
Field Museum: Internships	Based in Chicago; Summer internships posted in January and stay open through mid-February; academic-year internships posted June through mid-July.	Great choice if your audience is studying museology, science, conservation or design.
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago: Paid Summer Internship Program	Chicago-based; the listing shows paid summer internship for undergrad/graduate students.	Excellent for students interested in finance, economics, data or research roles.
Chicago Business Institute: Summer 2026 Internship Program	Designed for high-school sophomores and juniors who live in Chicago; Summer 2026 program details listed.	Good for younger students (high school) looking to start early with Chicago internships.
The Art Institute of Chicago: Internships	Chicago museum internships – Summer internships posted in January and open through mid-February; academic year internships posted June and open through mid-July.	Ideal for students in arts, design, curation, museum work or related fields.

Quick Ways to Stand Out When Applying

Landing an internship often comes down to presentation. Strong résumés and polished LinkedIn profiles make a huge difference, as does having a professional photo that conveys confidence and approachability.

That’s where a quick session at The StudioPod Chicago can help. Our automated photo booths deliver professional-quality headshots in minutes, giving you the kind of first impression that fits right in on LinkedIn or your university’s career portal.

FAQs

1. When should I start applying for internships in Chicago?
Most summer internships open between December and March, with interviews in early spring. Larger companies like Deloitte or Morningstar often post listings months earlier, sometimes in October or November. If you’re looking for fall or winter roles, expect openings about three to four months before the start date.

2. Are Chicago internships paid?
Many are. Corporate, finance, and tech internships in Chicago typically pay $18–$28 per hour, while creative or nonprofit roles might offer smaller stipends or course credit. Paid or not, every experience adds value to your résumé and network.

3. Can I get an internship in Chicago if I’m not from the city?
Absolutely. Many programs welcome applicants from across the U.S. Some even offer remote or hybrid options so you can participate without relocating. If you’re coming from out of town, look for housing partnerships through your university or the program itself.

4. How do I know if an internship is legitimate?
Stick to verified listings on reputable sites like LinkedIn, Built In Chicago, or university career boards. Be cautious of unpaid roles that require upfront fees or promise “guaranteed” positions whereas legitimate internships don’t operate that way.

5. Do I need prior experience to get an internship?
Not necessarily. Many programs are designed for first- or second-year students who are just getting started. Strong grades, relevant coursework, and a clear interest in the field often matter more than previous jobs.

6. What documents should I prepare before applying?
Most employers ask for a résumé, cover letter, and transcript. Some may request writing samples, portfolios, or recommendation letters. Make sure your documents are polished, proofread, and tailored to each listing.

Final Thoughts

Chicago’s internship scene is one of the most dynamic in the country. Whether you’re leaning toward finance, healthcare, or creative work, there’s an entry point waiting for you. Start browsing university boards, LinkedIn listings, or city programs early as many close applications months in advance.

And once you’ve lined up your interviews, take a moment to update your photo and profile. A clear, confident image from The StudioPod can be that subtle finishing touch that helps your application feel complete. Book your session now to get professional headshots that match your ambitions.