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Graduation Internship Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Unpaid Internship - Respite

Warrenville, IL ยท On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Do you want to gain real life career experience AND earn college credit towards graduation? Little ... Interns will become valued members of our team and will take on projects to support and enhance the ...

Unpaid Internship - Respite

Warrenville, IL ยท On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Do you want to gain real life career experience AND earn college credit towards graduation? Little ... Interns will become valued members of our team and will take on projects to support and enhance the ...

Unpaid Internship - Respite

Warrenville, IL ยท On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Do you want to gain real life career experience AND earn college credit towards graduation? Little ... Interns will become valued members of our team and will take on projects to support and enhance the ...

$22 - $24/hr

  • Retirement

The internship program is designed to identify top candidates for the full-time rotational Finance Leadership Development Program upon graduation. Who Should Apply: We're looking for people who are ...

New

$22 - $24/hr

  • Retirement

The internship program is designed to identify top candidates for the full-time rotational Finance Leadership Development Program upon graduation. Who Should Apply: We're looking for people who are ...

New

$22 - $24/hr

  • Retirement

The internship program is designed to identify top candidates for the full-time rotational Finance Leadership Development Program upon graduation. Who Should Apply: We're looking for people who are ...

New

$22 - $24/hr

  • Retirement

The internship program is designed to identify top candidates for the full-time rotational Finance Leadership Development Program upon graduation. Who Should Apply: We're looking for people who are ...

New

Accounting Internship Paid Internship - Summer 2027 Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive ... Earn competitive pay over summer and the potential to join Uline full-time upon graduation. Intern ...

Marketing Internship - Summer 2027

Glenview, IL

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Marketing Internship Paid Internship - Summer 2027 Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive ... Earn competitive pay over summer and the potential to join Uline full-time upon graduation. Intern ...

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Showing results 1-20

Graduation Internship information

What is a graduation internship?

A graduation internship is a practical work experience undertaken by students, typically in their final year of study, as part of their academic requirements for graduation. It allows students to apply theoretical knowledge gained during their studies to real-world projects within a professional environment. Graduation internships help students develop industry-relevant skills, build professional networks, and often serve as a stepping stone to full-time employment after graduation.

How do graduation interns typically contribute to team projects, and what support can they expect during their internship?

Graduation interns often work on assigned projects that align with their academic background and the organization's current needs. They are usually integrated into a team, collaborating closely with both peers and experienced professionals. Support is commonly provided through mentorship, regular check-ins, and access to training resources, ensuring interns can grow their skills and meet project goals. Interns are encouraged to seek feedback, which helps them adapt to workplace expectations and prepare for potential full-time opportunities.

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

To thrive as a Graduation Intern, you typically need foundational knowledge in your field of study, strong academic performance, and enrollment in a relevant degree program. Familiarity with standard office software, industry-specific tools, or research platforms is often expected. Initiative, eagerness to learn, effective communication, and teamwork are vital soft skills that help interns stand out. These skills and qualifications are important because they enable interns to contribute meaningfully, adapt quickly, and maximize their professional development during the internship.

What is the difference between Graduation Internship vs Entry-Level Job?

AspectGraduation InternshipEntry-Level Job
Required CredentialsTypically enrolled students or recent graduatesCompleted degree or diploma, some experience preferred
Work EnvironmentTemporary, training-focused, often in a learning settingFull-time, professional environment with defined responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies to train and evaluate potential future employeesHired for ongoing roles after internship completion

In summary, a Graduation Internship is a temporary, training-focused position aimed at students or recent graduates to gain experience, while an Entry-Level Job is a permanent role requiring some degree of qualification, offering ongoing employment and responsibilities.

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

The most popular types of Graduation jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Graduation Internship jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Graduation Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduation Internship job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Financial Planning Internship

Northwestern Mutual - Central Illinois

Springfield, IL โ€ข On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Company parties
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Training & development
  • Vision insurance

Financial Planning Internship Program
The Northwestern Mutual College Financial Planning internship offers hands-on experience in building a financial planning practice with the support of a Fortune 500 company. Interns gain guidance, connections, and tools to develop their skills while engaging with experts and learning how financial strategies and solutions are introduced to clients. Key benefits include:
  • Flexible schedules to balance with classes.
  • Real-world experience in prospecting, networking, and business strategy.
  • Training in proprietary planning software and licensing (Life, Accident, Health insurance).
  • Opportunities for certifications (Series 6 & 63, CFP®).
  • Weekly coaching and professional development.
  • Access to leadership programs and recognition events.
This program prepares interns for future opportunities, including a full-time Financial Representative or Advisor role upon graduation, while fostering personal and professional growth.
Follow this link to learn more about our internship: https://youtu.be/zYwzixA9SdM
At Northwestern Mutual – Central Illinois, we are guided by the core values of Courage, Passion, and Growth. These principles shape everything we do, from how we support our clients to how we build our team. Our culture strikes the balance between professionalism and approachability, creating a collaborative and supportive environment where new Financial Representatives are set up to succeed. 
Our commitment to impact extends beyond financial services. We take pride in giving back to our community through support of local organizations such as HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital, Contact Ministries, the James Project, and Alex’s Lemonade Stand. If you're looking for a career where you can make a difference, both in your clients’ lives and in your community, while building a business with unlimited potential, we’d love to talk with you.
Meet Our Intern Alumni:

Eli Cook:
  • Current role and time with NM: Growth & Development Director & Financial Advisor; 12 years
  • University attended: University of Illinois Springfield
  • Graduation year: December 2017
  • Brief description of their college experience: Eli began his Northwestern Mutual journey as a college freshman, gaining hands-on experience, earning his securities licenses, and building a client base before graduating from UIS. Now a successful full-time advisor and Growth & Development Director, he leads the internship program and is passionate about helping students turn the internship into a long-term career.
Hunter Newbold:
  • Current role and time with NM: College Unit Director & Financial Advisor; 2.5 years
  • University attended: Illinois College
  • Graduation year: December 2024
  • Brief description of their college experience: Hunter studied Finance and Economics at Illinois College and held multiple leadership roles in the Investment Club before being recruited into the Northwestern Mutual internship. After earning his securities licenses and gaining experience while still in school, he transitioned into a full-time advisor role and now serves as College Unit Director, helping lead and support the internship program.
Gabby Njapa:
  • Current role and time with NM: Internship Coordinator; 2.5 years
  • University attended: Illinois State University
  • Graduation year: December 2023
  • Brief description of their college experience: Gabby began her Northwestern Mutual internship in the summer of 2023 and continued through her final semester, graduating with a degree in Business Administration. While she ultimately chose a different career path than advising, she loved her experience and now serves as Internship Coordinator, working alongside Eli and Hunter to support and run the internship program.
Are you a fit for this internship? 
  • Full-time students (juniors and seniors preferred)
  • Ambitious, with a curiosity for business development
  • Highly involved on campus (leader, athlete, campus orgs, student government, etc.) 
  • Excellent time-management skills 
  • Business savvy and desire to increase critical thinking abilities
  • Professional: Coachable, responds well to accountability, strong communication skills, articulate
  • Financial service interest: Financially motivated, capacity for hard work, interest in making an impact with others
  • Key characteristics: Motivated, competitive, willingness to overcome obstacles/deal with adversity
Compensation & Benefits 
  • Strong Earnings Potential
  • Learning and Development Financial Incentives 
  • Productivity Bonuses 
  • Exposure to the financial services industry, including optional licensing education for students who qualify and are interested. Licensing is not required to begin the internship.
Launch your internship with hands-on experience, impactful training, and the opportunity to build a foundation for your future in business!
Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) and its subsidiaries in Milwaukee, WI. Patrick Scheina is a General Agent of NM and not in legal partnership with NM, or its subsidiaries.