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Graduate Student Internship Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Student Internship information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$18

$33

How much do graduate student internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate student internship in Illinois is $18.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $18.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate student internship?

A graduate student internship is a temporary position offered to students enrolled in a graduate program, such as a master's or doctoral degree. These internships provide hands-on experience in a professional setting related to the student's field of study. The aim is to help students apply theoretical knowledge, develop new skills, and build professional networks that can benefit their careers after graduation. Graduate student internships can be paid or unpaid, and may be part-time or full-time, depending on the employer and academic requirements.

What kinds of projects and responsibilities can I expect during a graduate student internship?

As a graduate student intern, you can expect to work on projects that align with your academic background and the organization's goals, such as conducting research, analyzing data, or supporting ongoing departmental initiatives. Responsibilities often include collaborating with full-time staff, attending team meetings, and presenting your findings or progress. While tasks may vary depending on the field and company, interns are typically given meaningful assignments that contribute to real business outcomes and provide professional development opportunities. You may also receive mentorship from experienced professionals and have the chance to network with other interns and employees.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate student intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Student Intern, you need a solid academic background in your field of study, critical thinking, and research or analytical skills relevant to the internship focus. Familiarity with industry-specific software, data analysis tools, or laboratory equipment is often expected, depending on the internship discipline. Strong communication, adaptability, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are crucial soft skills. These skills are essential for contributing effectively to projects, learning from real-world experiences, and building a foundation for future professional success.

What is the difference between Graduate Student Internship vs Research Assistant?

AspectGraduate Student InternshipResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsEnrolled graduate student, relevant courseworkUndergraduate or graduate student, relevant field experience
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, often in industry or academiaResearch labs, academic or research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageCompanies, universities, research organizationsUniversities, research institutes, labs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve research and academic engagement, a Graduate Student Internship typically offers practical industry experience aligned with a student's coursework, often in corporate or applied settings. A Research Assistant primarily supports academic research projects within universities or research institutions, focusing on scholarly work. The internship is more industry-oriented, whereas the research assistant role is academic-focused.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Student jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Graduate Student jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Student Internship jobs in Illinois?

For Graduate Student Internship jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Graduate Student Internship jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Graduate Student Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Student Internship job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,979 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Student Internship / Prevention

Chestnut Health Systems

Bloomington, IL • On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Internship

Re-posted 13 days ago


Chestnut Health Systems rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview
Full or Part-time, unpaid internship for an active undergraduate or graduate level student for the Fall 2026 school semester. The successful candidate will work in-person at the Bloomington, IL office and in the Bloomington-Normal community.
Responsibilities
The intern will assist the McLean County Prevention Coordinator with: coordination of training events for the coalition and community, collecting and analyzing data, maintaining social media efforts (Facebook and website updates), newsletter development, community outreach, material prep and production, and research on evidence-based practices. Projects that may be supported include: Narcan education and distribution, BN Parents, and ROSC (Recovery Oriented Systems of Care).
Qualifications
Applicants must be self-directed and willing to engage community stakeholders in prevention efforts aimed at reducing underage drinking and other drug use in our community.
Chestnut welcomes applications from qualified individuals with recovery experience.
EOE - Minorities/Females/Vets/Disabled

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