Research Associate Intern Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

This paid internship offers hands-on experience supporting a national portfolio of telecommunications real estate assets, including ground towers, and related infrastructure. Interns will gain exposure across asset management, leasing operations, data analytics, and process improvement, working alongside experienced professionals in a fast-paced infrastructure environment.

This role is ideal for students interested in real estate, telecommunications, analytics, or business operations who want a broad, practical understanding of how large-scale infrastructure portfolios are managed and optimized.

Ideal Candidate Traits

• Detail-oriented, organized, and dependable
• Curious and eager to learn how systems and processes connect
• Comfortable working with data and imperfect information
• Able to communicate insights to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Professional, proactive, and collaborative
• Interested in building a career in infrastructure, real estate, analytics, or operations

What You'll Gain

• Exposure to the full lifecycle of telecommunications real estate assets
• Practical experience with real-world data, leases, and operational workflows
• Opportunity to work cross-functionally in a mission-critical infrastructure business
• Mentorship from industry professionals and career development opportunities

This position will be hybrid based out of our headquarters located in Chicago, IL.   

Intern Resources:

As an intern at TDS, you'll have the opportunity to partner with seasoned professionals on high-priority company projects and day-to-day operations. During your internship, TDS offers you:

• Access to our Intern Associate Resource Group (ARG): This group provides extra resources for your development, opportunities for internal advancement, and forums to connect with other interns across the company. Our ARG meets monthly, where you can hear about other interns' projects and engage with leaders from various teams. The group also hosts networking events to help you build valuable connections, with the goal of helping you secure full-time employment upon graduation.
• Prioritization of Your Professional Development: TDS offers in-depth training to ensure you are continuously growing and developing your skills.
• Focus on Ethics and a Healthy Work-Life Balance: We emphasize ethical practices and offer a business casual work environment to promote a balanced, supportive culture.
• Encouragement to Volunteer: Interns are encouraged to engage in local charities, university activities, and community events, fostering personal and professional growth through meaningful contributions.

• Support analysis of telecommunications real estate assets, leases, and portfolio performance
• Assist with lease tracking, abstraction, documentation, and data accuracy
• Analyze operational, asset, or financial data and prepare clear summaries or dashboards
• Help document business processes, workflows, and improvement opportunities
• Prepare reports, presentations, and insights for cross-functional teams
• Collaborate with asset management, leasing, finance, construction, and operations teams
• Maintain organized records in internal systems and Excel-based tools
• Additional tasks related to data organization and analytics as business needs arise

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in one of the following or a related field: Real Estate, Finance, Business Administration, Data Analytics, Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, Operations, Industrial Engineering, Urban Planning, Legal Studies
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (formulas, pivots, data organization)
• 20 hours per week required. At minimum 8-10 hours per week required to be in office (Mon - Wed)
• Ability to work the duration of this 12 month internship

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Clear written and verbal communication skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities with attention to detailInterest in telecommunications infrastructure, real estate, or asset-based businesses
• Exposure to one or more of the following areas:
  • Commercial real estate leasing or contract review
  • Asset performance, revenue tracking, or portfolio analysis
  • Data visualization or business intelligence tools (Power BI, Tableau)
  • SQL, Python, R, or similar analytical tools
  • Process mapping, SOP creation, or operational improvement initiatives
• Familiarity with enterprise or workflow systems (e.g., SiteTracker, Salesforce)
• Understanding of basic real estate or infrastructure concepts (leases, escalators, amendments)

Do you meet the Required Qualifications but are unsure if your experience aligns with the Other Qualifications? We encourage you to apply! Research shows that many candidates hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the qualifications, even when they possess the skills and experience needed to succeed in the role. Experience and skills come in many forms, and they may not always match exactly what's listed on paper, but they can still lead to success. If you meet the Required Qualifications and believe you have the potential to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply today!

Benefits

We believe in taking care of our team, which is why we offer comprehensive benefits to support your health, financial well-being, and overall happiness. Join us and experience a work environment where your well-being is a top priority!

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to:

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Generous Vacation & Paid Sick Leave
• Seven Paid National Holidays & One Floating Holiday
• Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment)
• Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs 
• Commuter Program Benefit

Associates working 30 or more hours per week additionally have access to:

• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Education Assistance
• Paid Volunteer Time 

In addition to these benefits, all associates will have the opportunity to participate in our Associate Resource Groups, which are designed to encourage community and facilitate professional development. 

Who is Array Digital Infrastructure?

Array Digital Infrastructure, Inc. is a leading owner and operator of shared wireless communications infrastructure in the United States. With over 4,400 cell towers in locations from coast to coast, Array enables the deployment of 5G and other wireless technologies throughout the country. 

Headquartered in Chicago, Array is an approximately 81% owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. and was formerly known as United States Cellular Corporation (UScellular). Founded in 1969, Telephone and Data Systems provides wireless infrastructure and broadband services through its businesses including Array and TDS Telecom. Visit tdsinc.com.

At Array Digital Infrastructure, we are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and value the difference of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives in our workforce. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.

Pay Transparency

The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role-specific competencies. Some positions may also offer additional compensation, such as bonuses or equity awards.