In an area known as much for its food as its endless opportunities, where do you begin in Chicago? No, we don’t mean choosing between deep-dish pizza or a Chicago-style hot dog — we’re talking about how to make the most of the windy city if you’re a student or recent grad.
The best way to build experience is through a killer internship, and we have a few that are going to get you full…of excitement (and okay, maybe a good meal if the company decides to cater).
Here’s our list of the best paid internship programs in Chicago for you to check out, apply to, and conquer!
A+E Networks: they feature the best shows and foster a kick ass culture
Photo credit: manciniduffy.com
A+E Networks is probably your second home if you love watching the History channel and can’t get enough of Lifetime movies. At the root of this media company is a passion for telling stories, real and imagined and everything in-between. If you’re as passionate about entertaining and empowering audiences as they are, you’ll fit right in.
Industry: Entertainment | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Programming, Marketing, Production, Finance & Accounting, Legal & Business Affairs, Corporate Outreach, Digital Media, Ad Sales, Distribution, Public Relations, International, Office Services, Creative
Who Can Apply: Junior, Senior, or Graduate Students
Allstate: build your experience while supporting other people’s futures
Photo credit: agents.allstate.com
Allstate is famous for their tagline, but they’re also recognized for the products and services they offer, ranging from retirement plans to college savings program. You don’t need to be a financial whiz to support their money-saving, future-supporting initiatives. Moral of the story here: you’ll be in great hands with these insurance pioneers.
Industry: Insurance | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Marketing, Operations, Training & Development, Human Resources
Who Can Apply: Undergraduates, Recent Graduates
Centro: a central power playing in bringing people together
Photo credit: officesnapshots.com
Centro is all about helping advertisers reach their goals, by connecting audiences to businesses across all kinds of digital channels. Their media management software helps bring people together—so bring yourself one step to working with them, and apply!
Industry: Marketing and Advertising | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Sales, Marketing, Data and Analytics, Strategic Insights, Advertising, Media Services
Dentsu Aegis Network: a home to global brands and badass creatives
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Dentsu Aegis Network may be hard to spell, but their name—and various network brands like Isobar, iProspect, MKTG, and Carat—is easy to recognize, as a global leader in the brand, media and digital communications industry. If you’re bright, highly ambitious, and a natural innovator, you’ll be consistently recognized, challenged, and satisfied in your time with them.
Industry: Marketing and Advertising | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Strategy, Programmatic Media Buying, Data Analytics, Integrated Publishing, Search Engine Marketing, Client Management, Communications Planning
Who Can Apply: Undergraduates
Edelman: experts at empowering business—and their employees!
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Edelman is a firm that specializes in communications and marketing, so you already know that they’re pros at communicating with the many organizations and brands they work with. They’ve built a solid foundation, along with their other asset, United Entertainment Group, so if you’re interested in combining your interests in research, entertainment, sports, and experiential marketing – start your career with them today!
Industry: Public Relations and Communications | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Consumer, Digital, Corporate Communications, Corporate Technology, Financial Communications, Employee Engagement, Healthcare, Media Services, Market Research, and New Business & Marketing
Epsilon: a global marketing arena for ambitious techies
Epsilon is a leader in digital advertising and tech, which makes it the ideal place for you to build your data-driven, creative capacities. If you’re interested in personalized marketing and connecting with consumers across all channels, or just growing in a company that kicks ass at doing so — join their ranks now!
Industry: Marketing and Advertising | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Technology, Product, Client Services, Creative, Strategy & Analytics, Corporate
Who Can Apply: Undergraduates, Recent Graduates
FCB Health: improving healthcare through creative, resourceful means
Photo credit: contractdesign.com
FCB Health is passionate about all kinds of marketing: pharmaceutical, advertising, medical education, digital marketing, video production, media services, and more. If your eyebrows are up and so is your interest, you’ll also be happy to hear that they’ve been named “Agency of the Year” and “Most Creative Agency” by Medical Advertising News. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?
Industry: Marketing and Advertising | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Art Direction, Design, Copy
Who Can Apply: Junior and Senior Students, Recent Graduates
FleishmanHillard: a top communications firm you need to check out
Photo credit: capitolcommunicator.com
FleishmanHillard wasn’t named PRWeek’s inaugural Global Agency of the Year for nothing. They are clients’ go-to for authentic marketing, paid media, public affairs, PR, and social content. Part of Omnicom Group Inc., you’ll never feel bored or under appreciated; they keep their employees engaged and excited to be such an integral part of a long-standing legacy.
Industry: Public Relations and Communications | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Design, Mass Media, Public Relations, Broadcasting
Who Can Apply: Junior and Senior Students, Recent Graduates
Havas: the hot spot for media mavens
Photo credit: officesnapshots.com
Havas has a ring to it, does it not? It’s no wonder why they bring harmony to tons of people and brands through media, digital, and creative means. Fair warning though: once you start at this agency, you’ll never want to leave!
Industry: Marketing and Advertising | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Advertising, Account Service, Creative, Production, Project Management
Who Can Apply: Undergraduates, Recent Graduates, Graduate Students
Haymarket Media Group: the perfect place to build your career in media
Photo credit: instagram.com/haymarket.media
Haymarket Media Group is the prime-time resource of award-winning content. With over 60 brands, they’ve built tons of communities using print, digital, mobile, and live media across the globe! If you’re mapping out your career and want to work with diverse audiences and clients, make this company your next stop.
Industry: Media Production | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Marketing and Communications, Analysis and Optimization, Editorial and Content Creation, Live Events, Sales, Web Development, Programmatic
Who Can Apply: Undergraduates
Impact Networking: make a serious impact inside and outside of your network
Photo credit: impactmybiz.com
Impact Networking is all about customer service, and providing the software and office equipment, preventing the hassle of communicating with various vendors. You’ll get to assist with the education of customer events, explore new territories with Account Managers, and learn how to take a solutions-oriented approach to every aspect of your professional and personal life.
Industry: Business Supplies and Equipment | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Sales
Who Can Apply: Undergraduates
Jack Morton Worldwide: a playground for ambitious creatives
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Jack Morton is like the BFF of brands. They bring stories to life and boast not only an impressive portfolio (with clients like Google, Subway, IBM, Samsung, and more), but an impressive “family” of eclectic workers as well. You’ll be working with marketing pioneers, content gurus, social media masterminds, thought leaders, and more. Fair warning: You’re going to fall in love with them (and we don’t mean in a platonic-friendship way), fast.
Industry: Marketing and Advertising | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Account Management, Creative
Who Can Apply: Undergraduates, Recent Graduates
Jellyvision: you’re going to love this goofy, do-good company
Photo credit: glassdoor.com
Jellyvision is a people-helper, health insurance booster, and the perfect place to not only navigate your career, but have you help others do the same. If you’re interested in writing, tech, behavioral science (and have a killer sense of humor!), you’ve got to check this company out.
Industry: Information Technology Services | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Production, Quality Assurance, Sales
Who Can Apply: Rising Seniors, Recent Graduates, Anyone looking for a short-term opportunity
Ketchum: a leading global firm that’s seriously killing it
Photo credit: ketchum.com
Ketchum is perfect for stellar communicators that want to bulk up their expertise in client relations and strategic programming. Winner of “PR Agency of the Year” and other awards recognizing its excellence as a game-changing power player in the communications industry, its no wonder why you’ll be itching to start your application.
Industry: Public Relations and Communications | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Public Relations, Government Relations, Communications, Brand Marketing, Corporate Communications, Healthcare, Food & Beverage, Technology
Live Nation: a lively company that’ll help you grow and thrive in your career
Photo credit: glassdoor.com
Live Nation wasn’t dubbed the honor of being a top 40 U.S. company by LinkedIn in 2016 for nothing. As a titan of the live entertainment and ticketing industry, they offer an abundance of opportunities to pros (like you!) looking to build a career in finance, hospitality, marketing, operations, and more!
Industry: Entertainment | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Resale Segment Strategy & Analytics, Sponsorship, Marketing, Hospitality
Who Can Apply: Undergraduates
Leo Burnett: a top notch agency that’ll keep you on your feet
Photo credit: leopardo.com
Leo Burnett Worldwide is part of Publicis Communications — and if you’re looking to join an agency that develops brands like Coca-Cola, Kellogg’s, McDonald’s, Nintendo, Samsung and more, it’s guaranteed to become a huge, fulfilling part of your professional life.
Industry: Marketing and Advertising | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Client Services, Digital, Marketing, Client Strategy & Planning
MediaMath: a highly innovative, high-energy marketing company
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MediaMath is the arm of New Marketing Institute (which you’re likely already familiar with if you’ve been attending our recent virtual events). If you’re a techie that loves bringing big ideas to life, and is excited at the prospect of driving revenue for fortune-500 brands and agencies—stop reading and go apply!
Industry: Internet | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Engineering, Business, Account Management
Who Can Apply: Undergraduates, Graduate Students
NBA: score big with this inclusive, charity-giving corporation
Photo credit: nba.com
NBA is composed of three professional sports leagues you probably know by heart if you love basketball: the National Basketball Association, the Women’s National Basketball Association, and the NBA Development League. Aside from treating their employees like human trophies, their program, NBA Cares, demonstrates their commitment to community service. If that’s a passion you share, along with sports, join their team!
Industry: Sports | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Basketball, Sports, Entertainment, Live Events, Programming
Who Can Apply: Undergraduates, Graduate Students (typically MBA)
Performics: perform well with this leading marketing agency
Photo credit: builtinchicago.org
Performics is as its name implies: a top-notch performer in the marketing space! Part of Publicis Media, they’ve not only been recognized as one of RECMA’s Top Digital Agency Networks, but generate revenue for the world’s best brands, making them one of the best companies to build a career with.
Industry: Marketing and Advertising | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Media, SEM, SEO, Performance Marketing, Client Solutions
R/GA: a tech-minded designer’s dream agency
Photo credit: adage.com
R/GA is kind of like a packet of Skittles, meaning, they offer a lot of variety in terms of the areas you can grow in and help grow in turn (from product and brand development, to web and social business properties). Sure, they do a great job of blending design, tech, and marketing into the mix—but if you’re going to really discover what a sweet deal this agency is, you’re just going to have to apply and find out for yourself.
Industry: Marketing and Advertising | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Copywriting, Technology, Creative Technology, Design, Art Direction, Visual Design
Who Can Apply: Undergraduates, Recent Graduates
Rocketmiles: a company rooted in loyalty that’s seriously going places
Photo credit: builtinchicago.org
Rocketmiles is perfect for travelers of all kinds. Even if you don’t have the means yet to book high-quality hotels and earn tons of airline miles, if you want to help people plan awesome vacations, make this company your next destination.
Industry: Leisure, Travel & Tourism | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: E-Commerce, Online Travel, Hotels, Business, Analytics
Superfly: a hub for talented pros that love marketing and music
Superfly is, to put it simply, super cool. The creative company is best known for the iconic festivals that they produce, like Bonnaroo and Outside Lands—but their real cream-of-the-crop is their team of creative, content-driven event junkies, who care as much about delivering kick-ass experiences as they are about creating them. Music to your ears, right?
Industry: Entertainment | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Marketing, Strategy, Production, Entertainment, Social Media/Brand, Graphic Design
Who Can Apply: Undergraduates
TEKsystems: a leading IT provider that works hard, and plays even harder
TEKsystems is rooted in the one thing that every company wants, but doesn’t necessarily have: a kick ass culture. Seriously, there’s a reason they’ve been named Fortune Magazine’s “Top Places to Work For” for the fourth consecutive year and tend to celebrate their wins with piñatas and dance routines. Learn how you can grow your career at this powerhouse and why you’ll love learning from pros who not only love what they do, but have a blast while doing it!
Industry: Information Technology and Services | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Recruiter/Sales Management Trainees
Who Can Apply: Undergraduates, Recent Graduates
Meredith Corporation: the mastermind behind a bounty of brands and stories
Meredith Corporation (formerly Time Inc.) is best defined by its kingdom of over 100+ brands, some of which you likely know, or already love: People, Sports Illustrated, Time, InStyle, Real Simple, Food & Wine, Fortune…oh, you’re still reading? We’d thought you’d be applying by now!
Industry: Publishing | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Advertising Sales, Video, Technology & Product Engineering, Public Relations, Events, Human Resources, Editorial, Marketing
Who Can Apply: Undergraduates, Graduate Students
Viacom: fueled by legendary networks and a world class culture
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Viacom is comprised of networks that you’ve probably spent years obsessing over and getting sucked into. We’re talking about favorites like MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, TV Land, and more—but there’s more behind these digital media and content masterminds. Don’t wait to integrate yourself into an industry of creatives, and getting your start at this creative empire.
Industry: Entertainment | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Advertising Sales, Marketing, Research
Who Can Apply: Undergraduate Students
Via
Photo credit: builtinchicago.org
Via gets around, and is bringing you along for the ride. Their immediate transportation services are being celebrated (and used!) by people across various cities. If you’re obsessed with reliable transit and highly specialized technology, hop aboard their team!
Industry: Internet | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Marketing, Operations, Research, Analytics, Business Development
Who Can Apply: Undergraduates, Recent Graduates
NBCUniversal: a dream company for TV heads and hard workers
Photo credit: corporate.comcast.com
NBCUniversal is probably your dream company if you’re obsessed with shows like This is Us, The Voice, Parks and Recreation, and more. But the world’s leading media company is so much more than what you see onscreen. Behind the scenes, you’ll meet leading pros in development, marketing, entertainment, news, and audience development, before developing into a serious workplace superstar.
Industry: Entertainment | Careers/Internship Page
Types of Roles: Marketing, Operations, Research, Analytics, Business Development
Who Can Apply: Undergraduates
What are you waiting for? Get those applications in!
Is there a company you know that we should add to this list? Had a great internship experience you’re dying to share? Share in the comments!
