15 Chicago Summer Internships for College Students
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 11 min read
As a college student, summer internships offer you a practical bridge between classroom learning and industry experience. They help you develop professional skills, explore potential career paths, and provide opportunities to network. Internships also allow you to understand workplace expectations, improve professional communication, and strengthen your résumés.
Why should you attend an internship in Chicago?
Chicago is a good place for summer internships as it is home to various universities and organizations that offer opportunities to high school students. From finance and marketing to technology, healthcare, and public policy, the city’s professional landscape offers you opportunities to work alongside experts and engage in community-focused projects. Whether at a multinational company, university lab, or a nonprofit, you can find internships that align with your academic interests and career goals.
To help with your search, we’ve curated 15 summer internships for college students in Chicago.
If you are looking for STEM internships in the summer, check out our blog here.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by the program. Financial aid is availableÂ
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies based on the cohort; multiple deadlines throughout the year; you can apply to the program here
Eligibility: Open to high school, undergraduate, and gap year students able to commit 10–20 hours weekly for 8-12 weeks
The Ladder University Internship is an eight-week program that places college students with startups and established companies in sectors such as technology, healthcare, sustainability, and finance. You will work on real-world projects, ranging from market analysis and business strategy to data science and machine learning, while receiving support from both company mentors and Ladder Coaches. This dual mentorship model emphasizes both technical growth and professional development. You will also gain exposure to fast-growing industries, build a strong professional network, and produce tangible work that strengthens your resume. The program’s partnerships with entrepreneurs and leaders from institutions like Harvard Business School and Y Combinator make it a valuable opportunity for students looking to explore career paths in innovation-driven environments.
Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid schedule)
Cost/Stipend: The student will receive a gross stipend of $6,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 8 - July 31
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: Be currently enrolled at an accredited college or university in the United States. Participant must have completed at least two years of their undergraduate study.
The ABF Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship is an eight-week program for students interested in exploring the connections between law and the social sciences. Fellows work closely with ABF Research Professors on projects involving areas such as legal institutions, inequality, and public policy, contributing through literature reviews, data coding, and archival research. The program includes weekly seminars, guest lectures, and site visits that expose participants to sociolegal research methods and professional pathways in law and academia. Each fellow receives structured mentorship and develops a research presentation to share with the ABF community at the program’s conclusion. The fellowship particularly encourages applications from students who are first-generation, low-income, or from underrepresented backgrounds in law and social science.
Location: Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: A stipend will be provided; however, the exact amount is not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 8 weeks starting from May 13
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in an undergraduate program
The Northwestern Memorial HealthCare General Administrative Internship is an eight-week paid program that introduces college students to healthcare administration in a hospital system. You will take on project-based assignments that contribute to daily operations, gaining exposure to areas like patient services, finance, and process improvement. Each student is paired with a preceptor who provides mentorship and guidance throughout the internship. You’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, develop skills in project management, communication, and data analysis, and gain insight into how large healthcare organizations are managed. By the end of the program, you’ll have a deeper understanding of hospital administration and the collaborative systems that sustain patient care.
Location: Various locations nationwide
Cost/Stipend: Paid; typically $15–$24/hr for undergrads; with some benefits
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies; highly competitive and short 1–2 week postings per role
Dates: Varies by internship
Application Deadline: Varies by internship; most summer internship opportunities are advertised in March, April, and May
Eligibility: Students enrolled half-time or more at an accredited college/university who are U.S. citizens
The EPA Pathways Internship Program allows college students to gain paid, practical experience while contributing to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s mission to safeguard human health and the environment. You may work at the EPA headquarters or at regional offices, laboratories, and research centers across the country. Depending on their area of study, participants can take on roles in environmental science, engineering, policy research, or administrative operations. The program provides structured mentorship, opportunities for fieldwork or lab-based projects, and exposure to federal environmental policies and regulations. Interns earn a federal salary based on their grade level and may qualify for conversion to permanent positions within the agency after successful completion.
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $5,600Â
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 15 - August 7
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Undergraduate students
The DSI Summer Lab at the University of Chicago is an eight-week, paid research internship focused on applied, interdisciplinary data science. Open to undergraduates and Chicago-area high school students, the program pairs participants with research mentors working in fields such as computer science, social science, public policy, climate studies, and biomedical research. You will gain hands-on experience with data analysis, visualization, and computational modeling while contributing to ongoing research projects. Collaboration is emphasized, with students working in teams and learning research best practices directly from faculty and graduate mentors. The program concludes with a professional-style video presentation of each student’s project, offering training in both technical communication and scientific presentation.
Location: Internships are available across multiple U.S. locations
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10 to 12 weeks in summer; exact dates may vary based on the internship
Application Deadline: Applications open early September (exact date varies by year); positions close upon fulfillment
Eligibility: Full-time students who are typically in their junior year
The Cardinal Health Undergraduate Internship Program is a 10-12 week paid summer experience that gives college students direct exposure to the business and operational side of healthcare. You can choose opportunities in areas such as finance, supply chain, IT, marketing, HR, or engineering. The program emphasizes professional growth through mentorship, workshops, and leadership sessions with company executives. You’ll also participate in team activities, service projects, and networking events with peers and professionals. By the end of the internship, you’ll have developed core business skills, gained insight into the healthcare industry, and had the opportunity to present your project outcomes to senior leaders.
Location: Interns are placed across five regional campuses, including Northwestern Memorial Hospital (Chicago) and sites in Lake Forest, Palos Heights, McHenry, and Winfield
Cost/Stipend: A stipend will be provided; however, the exact amount is not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 25 - August 19 (tentative based on previous year's program)
Application Deadline: December 26
Eligibility: Students who are enrolled in a four-year university program
The Northwestern Medicine Pre-Med Internship Program is an eight-week paid experience designed for undergraduates preparing for medical school. You will be paired with both clinical and administrative mentors, contributing to faculty-led projects that integrate research and patient care. Weekly shadowing rotations provide exposure to multiple medical specialties, allowing students to observe surgeries, diagnostic procedures, and patient interactions across Northwestern’s healthcare system. In addition to project work, interns attend seminars led by physicians and Feinberg School of Medicine faculty on topics like medical ethics, specialty selection, and the admissions process. The program concludes with a capstone poster session, where students present their research and insights to medical professionals and institutional leaders.
Location: CAIR‑Chicago office in downtown Chicago
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Admissions are highly competitive
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. Summer program dates are May 15 - August 31
Application Deadline: Summer program deadline is April 15. You can check other cohort dates here
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, or graduate students interested in civil rights and advocacy
The CAIR-Chicago Internship Program offers a structured, career-oriented experience rooted in civil rights advocacy and grassroots community engagement. Over a minimum of 12 weeks, you can work in areas such as civil rights law, communications, outreach, government affairs, or operations. Depending on placement, you might assist with legal intake, conduct policy research, draft communications, or support advocacy campaigns. Interns attend orientations, trainings, and regular team meetings to deepen their understanding of Islamic civil rights and public service work. The program emphasizes skill-building in research, writing, communication, and organization, while also providing mentorship from experienced staff and attorneys. Participants who complete the program with distinction may be invited to continue in future sessions.
Location: Governor’s Office (Springfield or Chicago)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Summer program: June 1 -Â August 1 | Fall and spring cohorts also available
Application Deadline: April 14 for the summer cohort. Check other deadlines here.
Eligibility: Applicant must be currently working toward a college/university degree or certification | Must be an Illinois resident | Must have a source of academic credit or funding from their institution | Demonstrate a commitment to DEIA values through community service, activism, advocacy, academic work, or extracurricular activities
The Office of the Illinois Governor – Office of Equity Internship is a part-time program for undergraduate and graduate students interested in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in state government. You will contribute to policy and legislative research, assist with developing training materials, and support outreach and programming efforts. You’ll also attend meetings with state officials, advocates, and community leaders, gaining insight into how DEIA principles are implemented in public policy. Throughout the internship, you’ll build skills in policy analysis, data collection, facilitation, and interagency collaboration. The experience offers a practical understanding of state-level equity work and helps you develop professional competencies for careers in government or public service.
Location: University of Chicago or the University of Illinois at Chicago
Cost/Stipend: A taxable stipend of $3,500 per year ($1,000 during the school year and $2,500 during summer)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Third week of June through the first full week of August
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in November
Eligibility: Applicant must be a college student beginning their junior year during the Fall. Check more details here
The UP on EHS program at the University of Chicago is a two-year environmental health research training opportunity for undergraduates interested in environmental health sciences. Over two consecutive summers, students work full-time in the laboratories of the University of Chicago or the University of Illinois at Chicago with researchers. You will conduct hands-on studies in areas such as toxicology, exposure science, or environmental epidemiology. The research experience is supported by seminars, CACHET workshops, and a summer lecture series focused on key EHS topics. Throughout the academic year, trainees participate in career development and skill-building sessions while receiving ongoing mentorship from faculty and research professionals. Each trainee earns a $3,500 stipend per year and develops technical and analytical skills central to environmental health research.
Location: FBI Chicago Field Office
Cost/Stipend: Participants will receive a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Internships run between June and August
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May
Eligibility: Attending a U.S.-accredited college or university as an undergraduate, graduate, or a post-doctoral student | Minimum GPA ≥ 3.0
The FBI Chicago Division — Honors Internship Program (HIP) is a competitive, paid 10-week summer internship that allows undergraduate and graduate students to work in criminal justice, national security, cybersecurity, and related areas. You’ll be matched to assignments based on your skills and interests, whether it’s legal and policy research, data analysis, forensic science, or cybersecurity initiatives. You will collaborate directly with special agents, intelligence analysts, and professional staff. In this role, you may assist with ongoing investigations, attend intelligence briefings, support casework in specialized squads, and participate in training and field tours designed to deepen your exposure to federal operations. Through this internship, you build skills in critical thinking, investigative methods, professional communication, teamwork, and legal/technical operations. It’s both a rigorous opportunity to engage with real-world law enforcement projects.
Location: Various locations across the state
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipend will be paid based on the opportunity
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 8-10 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: Depends on position
Eligibility: Internships are available to students who are in their penultimate year of study or who have recently graduated
The HSBC Internship and Work Placement Programmes provide university students and recent graduates with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in global banking and financial services. You will engage in live projects and structured training across areas such as investment banking, transaction banking, wealth management, and retail analysis. The program integrates professional development workshops, speaker sessions with senior leaders, and networking events that foster collaboration across teams and regions. Interns receive mentorship from experienced professionals and insight into the operations of a major international bank. Successful participants may be considered for HSBC’s graduate programme, offering a direct entry point into long-term roles within the organization.
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: $5,000 taxable stipend provided annually
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 12 applicants are accepted each year
Dates: 2-year program comprising two eight-week summer research experiences and monthly academic year activities. The summer research experiences generally run from the second full week of June through the first week of August
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: High school sophomore, junior, or senior, OR college freshman or sophomore, aged 16 years or older
Chicago EYES on Cancer is a two-year, research-intensive training program hosted by the University of Chicago for high school and college students from underrepresented backgrounds who are pursuing careers in biomedical science. Funded by the National Cancer Institute, the program provides full-time summer lab placements with faculty conducting cancer research in fields such as molecular biology, clinical research, and population health. Alongside hands-on research, participants attend a summer lecture series, year-round career development workshops, and skill-building sessions. Students receive mentorship from faculty, researchers, and peers while building and presenting an independent research project at the annual EYES Research Symposium. The program provides a $5,000 annual stipend and offers comprehensive exposure to the scientific, clinical, and translational dimensions of cancer research.
Location: Varies based on the internships
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Summer internship is May through September
Application Deadline: Summer deadline is March 15
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and commit 12–20 hours per week. Priority given to those seeking academic credit or career experience in a relevant field.
PAWS Chicago, the city’s largest no-kill animal organization, offers a range of summer internships for students interested in animal welfare and nonprofit operations. As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience in animal care, shelter management, communications, and community engagement while contributing to PAWS’ mission of saving homeless animals. Depending on the placement, students may assist with adoptions, animal enrichment, or clinic operations, or support creative projects in graphic design and social media. Each role provides professional mentorship, structured training, and exposure to the day-to-day functions of a leading nonprofit. The experience combines practical skill-building with public service.
Location: Opportunities are available in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico
Stipend: $3,000Â
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Start and end dates are flexible and determined by the selected student and their mentor
Application Deadline: January 25
Eligibility: Rising college freshmen are eligible
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week, paid summer internship that introduces students to fisheries science, aquatic ecology, and environmental research. You will be paired with professional biologists and gain hands-on experience through activities such as fish population surveys, electrofishing, water quality testing, and specimen identification. Depending on your placement, you may work in labs, streams, hatcheries, or on boats, engaging in both fieldwork and data analysis. The program emphasizes mentorship and scientific training, helping students understand ecological systems and conservation practices. Each intern receives a $3,000 stipend and presents their work at the Hutton Scholars Summit, connecting with peers and professionals in the field.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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