Illinois Tollway Internships Provide Real-World Experience for College Students and Recent Grads
2026-03-03
Calling all college students and new graduates ready to gain hands-on experience that will help launch their careers.
Join our team!
The Illinois Tollway is seeking energetic, talented students to join its 2026 Internship Program, which offers paid, practical experience across multiple disciplines, including expanded Information Technology internships and Engineering Cooperative Education opportunities.
Students pursuing IT will gain hands-on experience in coding and process automation, data governance, cybersecurity and analysis, operations and customer support. Engineering students will work alongside Tollway professionals on active and planned roadway projects, building skills in planning, design and construction, including project management, structural drafting, traffic maintenance and construction inspection. Both tracks provide meaningful mentorship and real-world experience in high-demand fields.
“Students joining our innovative internship program will gain crucial skills and real-world experience that will put them on the path to future success in whatever field they choose,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “Our internship program offers motivated students and new graduates a great way to jump-start their careers.”
Students can apply via the Career page of the Tollway website by March 31.
Illinois Tollway interns work on dynamic projects supporting critical transportation programs that affect Northern Illinois and the Midwest. Interns work alongside skilled mentors, taking on assignments that may include inspecting construction sites, analyzing complex financial data or developing new information technology systems.
The program provides a strong foundation that gives interns an edge as they begin their professional careers.
To make internships more accessible to busy students, positions are flexible and part-time (20 to 30 hours per week), allowing participants to gain experience, manage coursework and still enjoy their summer. The internship program is open to students currently enrolled in a college certificate or degree program, as well as anyone who graduated in or after November 2025 from any trade/vocational program, certificate program, two-year, four-year or graduate-level institution.
Professional Services Internships run from June 1, 2026, to August 14, 2026, placing students in departments like administration, communications and finance to gain firsthand knowledge of how a major transportation agency operates.
Students interested in Information Technology internships can select either a summer program running from June to August 2026 or a year-round program from June 2026 through May 2027. Interns will develop skills in technology applications including coding and process automation, data governance, cybersecurity and analysis, as well as operations and customer support. Assignments may include assisting with cybersecurity monitoring and audits, participating in software development and testing and providing technical support.
Engineering students participating in the Engineering Cooperative Education Internship may also choose either a summer program from June to August 2026 or a year-long program from June 2026 to May 2027. These internships focus on three key areas: planning, design and construction. Students will apply their classroom knowledge to fields including project management, structural drafting, traffic maintenance and construction inspection as they work on existing and planned Tollway projects.
Engineering Co-op interns must be enrolled in an accredited trade/vocational program, college or university studying engineering or a related field with an interest in roadway engineering and construction project management.
Most interns will work in a hybrid environment but reliable transportation to the Illinois Tollway’s Downers Grove headquarters is required. Engineering interns will be assigned to construction sites, which require more in-person work.
The Tollway internship program provides real-world experience and strong mentorship to help students launch their careers while earning $18 an hour.
Interested in working with us? Check out our live information session on March 16 from 1 to 2 p.m. Sign up here.