Chicago Internships: Real Programs, Deadlines, and Where to Apply
Chicago is one of the easiest places to build experience because every major field has companies based here. You can find internships in finance, tech, healthcare, design, and dozens of smaller specialties without leaving the city. The city’s economy is also one of the most balanced in the country, with no single industry making up more than 13% of total regional output. This gives you access to a wider range of employers, projects, and learning environments.
The list below brings together real Chicago internships you can apply for, what each one offers, and how their timelines work. This helps you compare options quickly and plan ahead for 2025 and 2026 programs.
Best Chicago Internships to Apply For
Below are real programs in Chicago you can apply for in 2025 and 2026. Each listing tells you what the internship is, who it fits, what you’ll do, and how the application timeline works.
1. CME Group: Summer Internship Program (Chicago Headquarters)
With CME Group you get a paid internship at one of the largest financial exchanges in the world. Roles usually cover data, finance, software engineering, risk, compliance, and research.
Who it’s for:
Undergraduate or graduate students studying finance, computer science, mathematics, economics, engineering, or related fields.
What you’ll do:
You’ll work with real market data, run analysis, support team projects, help identify risks, or assist with software development tasks depending on your department.
Application timing or program notes:
Summer roles typically open in September or October and fill early. Chicago-based positions publish directly on CME Group’s careers page.
2. Morningstar: Equity Research and Data Internships
This is a well-known Chicago program focused on investment research, data analysis, and product development for a global financial research company.
Who it’s for:
Students studying finance, business, statistics, computer science, or economics. Strong writers and communicators also do well here.
What you’ll do:
You’ll analyze financial data, contribute to research reports, review market trends, help test product improvements, or support analytics teams.
Application timing or program notes:
Listings for summer often go live in late August through early fall. Morningstar hires in batches, so early applications help.
3. Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago: Summer Internship Program
This summer program offers a paid internship at the Sixth District Fed branch. Roles cover economics, financial analysis, IT, audit, HR, communications, and data roles.
Who it’s for:
Undergraduate and graduate students interested in economics, policy, data, banking, or government work.
What you’ll do:
You’ll help analyze economic trends, support research projects, assist with data cleaning, or work on internal operations depending on your placement.
Application timing or program notes:
Summer positions are posted each fall and run full-time. This is one of Chicago’s most competitive government internships, so apply early.
4. Salesforce Chicago: Futureforce Internship Program
This internship is a competitive tech program for students interested in software engineering, product management, data, or business operations.
Who it’s for:
Computer science, engineering, business, marketing, or analytics majors. Salesforce also hires design interns.
What you’ll do:
Engineering interns work on real development tasks, code reviews, debugging, and testing. Business interns support research, campaign planning, or customer insights.
Application timing or program notes:
Futureforce opens applications in August and September. Chicago roles fill quickly due to limited slots.
5. Motorola Solutions: Engineering and Technology Internships
Motorola Solutions offers hands-on internships in hardware engineering, software engineering, cybersecurity, UX research, and product operations.
Who it’s for:
Engineering, computer science, IT, cybersecurity, or UX students.
What you’ll do:
You’ll test hardware, help write code, support product teams, review system performance, analyze bugs, or contribute to design and research tasks.
Application timing or program notes:
Most summer internships go live in September. Motorola Solutions also offers part-time internships during the school year.
6. Grubhub: Technology, Operations, and Marketing Internships
Grubhub hires interns in software engineering, data science, UX, marketing, and operations at its Chicago office.
Who it’s for:
Students studying computer science, engineering, analytics, marketing, design, or business operations.
What you’ll do:
You’ll help build and test product features, analyze user data, assist with marketing campaigns, support logistics teams, or contribute to design research.
Application timing or program notes:
Most summer listings open between September and November. Technical roles tend to fill fastest.
7. Northwestern Medicine: Research, Clinical, and Administrative Internships
Northwestern Medicine offers internships across research labs, clinical departments, hospital operations, communications, and data teams.
Who it’s for:
Students in biology, public health, healthcare administration, psychology, data analytics, communications, or related fields.
What you’ll do:
You’ll assist research teams with data collection, support clinical projects, help with patient experience tasks, or work on internal operations.
Application timing or program notes:
Programs run year-round, but summer internships typically post from January to March.
8. AbbVie: Science, Engineering, and Corporate Internships
AbbVie provides paid internships in biomedical research, chemistry, engineering, regulatory affairs, marketing, and corporate operations.
Who it’s for:
STEM majors, engineering students, business students, and anyone interested in healthcare or biotech careers.
What you’ll do:
You’ll support lab studies, analyze research data, help test products, review regulatory documents, or contribute to marketing and strategy projects.
Application timing or program notes:
Most summer positions post in August through October. AbbVie hires in large batches, so early applications help.
9. City of Chicago: Citywide Internship Program
The City of Chicago offers structured internships across public policy, planning, communications, public health, sustainability, finance, and community programs.
Who it’s for:
Students studying public policy, urban planning, communications, political science, economics, social work, or related fields.
What you’ll do:
You’ll work on community projects, assist with research, help draft internal documents, support city events, or contribute to program coordination.
Application timing or program notes:
Summer postings usually go live in January and February. Some roles are paid, depending on the department.
10. Chicago Transit Authority (CTA): College Internship Program
CTA’s internship program covers engineering, operations, safety, communications, HR, design, IT, and finance.
Who it’s for:
Students interested in transportation, engineering, business, communications, HR, or public-sector work.
What you’ll do:
You’ll support project teams, analyze transit data, assist with planning, help with communications tasks, or observe field operations.
Application timing or program notes:
Listings for summer typically open in February. CTA also offers fall and spring internships.
11. Field Museum: Internship Programs
The Field Museum offers internships in research, conservation science, education, digital media, and guest experience.
Who it’s for:
Students studying anthropology, biology, ecology, museum studies, education, communications, or digital media.
What you’ll do:
You’ll assist researchers, help catalog collections, support education programs, or work on digital content projects.
Application timing or program notes:
Summer internships post in January and remain open until mid-February. Academic-year internships post in June.
12. Art Institute of Chicago: Museum Internships
The Art Institute offers internships in curation, conservation, design, communications, visitor engagement, and museum operations.
Who it’s for:
Students studying art history, studio art, design, communications, museum studies, or related fields.
What you’ll do:
You’ll support curators, help with research, assist conservation teams, work on exhibitions, or contribute to public programming.
Application timing or program notes:
Summer roles post in January and close in mid-February. Academic-year roles post in June.
Where to Find More Chicago Internships
Chicago has thousands of internships each year, and most of them never make it onto a single platform. Companies post on different timelines and use different job boards, so checking one site isn’t enough. The places below help you track new openings faster and find roles that match your major or interests.
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 (2025–2026)
Some Chicago internship programs publish their dates early, and many of them fill fast. Looking at timelines now helps you plan ahead, especially for summer roles that open months before the start date. The programs below have confirmed or consistent seasonal schedules for 2025 and 2026, so you know when to check their listings and when applications close.
| 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 Studio Pod 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 Studio Pod can be that subtle finishing touch that helps your application feel complete. Book your session now to get professional headshots that match your ambitions.
Chicago Resources:
Joseph West
Photographer, CEO of Studio Pod
Joseph is a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the intersection of technology and creativity. He has initiated and expanded multiple ventures, leveraging AI for multiple photography applications.
