Internships in Chicago

When you think of Chicago, perhaps one of the best talents in sports history, Michael Jordan, comes to mind. Perhaps you picture another iconic image - deep dish pizza, or maybe even the city’s nickname, the windy city, conjures up images in your mind. Apart from the stereotypes, have you ever wondered what opportunities await for you in Chicago as a student?

What is Chicago like?

Chicago is the third most populous city in the United States, after New York City and Los Angeles. It is also the largest city in the American midwest, with a population of 2.7 million people, with greater Chicago serving as home to 9.5 million people. Culturally, Chicago is known for visual arts, novels, film, theater, improv comedy, and music. The city is also quite diverse, boasting a little Italy, chinatown, little Seoul, little Vietnam, and Polish Patches. 

The city is also a center for food innovation and creativity. It’s waterfront location makes it a picturesque city which attracts visitors from all over the world. Moreover, Chicago has a reputation, as does the greater midwest, of being a very friendly city. Socially, there’s a lot to do, and sports are also huge, with just about every major sport represented by a professional team. College sports are also big in the area.

Chicago is also major transportation hub in the US, making it easy to fly into and out of, and easy to get around. Weather-wise, the city experiences four distinct seasons, ranging from hot and humid summers to mild autumn and spring temperatures, and cold and snowy winters. True to the city’s nickname, high winds, and sometimes tornadoes, are common. 

What kinds of internships are available in Chicago?

For students looking for internship programs in Chicago, there are a range of available opportunities in many fields. Chicago is the third largest economic hub in the US, generating $532 billion in gross metropolitan product. Chicago is also home to the Chicago Stock Exchange, Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, and Chase Bank’s headquarters. There is also a vibrant performing arts environment, as Chicago plays home to many performing arts centers and troupes. The city is also a major media hub and hosts the Chicago International Film Festival yearly. 

Additional major industries include science and engineering, finance and economics, IT, immigration, aerospace, and medical and pharmaceutical, to name a few. Chicago is also a major hub for tourism, meaning that those with interest in that field will have plenty of opportunities in the city as well. In 2012, the city attracted 34.07 million domestic leisure visitors, 10.92 million domestic business visitors and 1.369 million overseas visitors. 

The city has an incredibly balanced economy, meaning that regardless of industry, students should be able to find all kinds of opportunities to fit their specific interests and skillsets. 

How to find internships in Chicago

Chicago is a major center for academia and higher learning. Major institutions include  The University of Chicago; Northwestern University; Loyola University Chicago; Illinois Institute of Technology; DePaul University; and University of Illinois at Chicago, which are all consistently ranked in the top universities in the US and the world according to the US News & World report. 

Additional schools include Chicago State University; the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago; East–West University; National-Louis University; North Park University; Northeastern Illinois University; Columbia College Chicago; Robert Morris University; Roosevelt University; Saint Xavier University; Rush University; and Shimer College. 

Each of these schools offers students an opportunity to find internships and jobs via their various on-campus and online programs. 

Conclusion

Given the city’s incredibly varied offerings, opportunities in just about every conceivable industry, and large amount top of institutions of higher learning, it’s an absolutely excellent option for both domestic and international students who wish to gain some experience while living in one of the friendliest, most entertaining and delicious cities in the world.