Illinois Tollway Internships Offer Hands-On Experience for College Students and Recent Grads
2025-03-03
College students and recent grads: Ready to turn your knowledge and skills into real-world experience?
The Illinois Tollway is looking for motivated students to join its 2025 Internship Program, where you’ll gain hands-on experience in the transportation world through internships in engineering, IT, finance, communications and more.
Students can apply via the Careers page of the Tollway website by March 30.
This is not your typical internship.
As an Illinois Tollway intern, you’ll work on real projects that make an impact on major transportation initiatives across Northern Illinois. Whether you’re out in the field inspecting construction sites, developing cutting-edge technology or analyzing financial data, you’ll be gaining experiences that set you apart in the job market.
“Our internship program is designed to give students the skills and experiences they need to launch successful careers,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “Illinois Tollway interns do more than just observe – they contribute.”
The Tollway understands that students have busy schedules. That’s why these internships offer flexible, part-time positions (20 to 30 hours per week), so you can gain experience while managing your coursework and still enjoy summer!
The Professional Services Internship runs from June 2, 2025, to August 8, 2025, placing students in departments like finance, operations, IT and stakeholder engagement. Interns work closely with mentors, gaining insight into how a major transportation agency operates.
Engineering students can take part in the Engineering Cooperative Education Internship, with two options: A summer program from June to August 2025 or a year-long program from June 2025 to May 2026. These roles allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects, including project management, structural drafting, 3D modeling and construction inspections.
You’re eligible to apply if you’re currently enrolled in a college certificate or degree program or graduated in or after November 2024 or later, in any trade/vocational program, certificate program, 2-year, 4-year or graduate-level institution.
Engineering Co-Op interns must be enrolled at an accredited trade/vocational program, college or university studying engineering or a related program with an interest in learning about 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 and should expect more in-person work.
If you’re looking for hands-on experience, mentorship while earning $17 an hour, don’t miss out on this opportunity to kick start your career.
Want to learn more? Check out our virtual information session on March 14 from 10 to 11 a.m. Sign up here.