If you’re serious about landing the job of your dreams a university degree is no longer enough. There’s just too much competition for that. Instead, you’ve got to have on the job experience and there isn’t really any better way to do that (unless your family is very well connected) than an internship. It gives you hand on experience, a chance to meet movers and shakers and it looks fantastic on your resume.

Remember, however, that you’ve got a lot of competition for many of these, so make certain your CV is up to scratch and your cover letter is well written when you do apply. Otherwise, you might just have to kiss that dream internship goodbye. Got all that in order? Great, here are 5 internships in the city of Chicago for you to consider. 

Digital Marketing intern (Chicago)

This is a remote internship at the Centre for Sustainability and Excellence. They say they’re an “international advisory and training organisation, specialised on sustainable development solutions.”

They’re looking for an intern specialized in Digital Marketing to support its promotional activities. The intern will have the opportunity to be involved in a diverse set of activities, ranging from marketing/communication of CSE executive trainings and other activities and they expect you to work for them for 10 months remotely, for 20 hours per week. 

Content Creator for Social Media App

The 20 strong Nativ team is looking for an intern. What do they do? They build mobile products for the top online influencers.

You’ll be creating requested cards from users while you’re there and you’re expected to come in for three days a week to learn and work in a professional environment.  You do need your own laptop and mad skills with social media as well. Experience with Photoshop and Graphic Design is a definite plus.

Intern at Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley, one of the biggest investment banks in the world, is looking for people. Does anybody want a foot in the door? They want you to get a grip on their business through their job assignments, develop business, financial and analytical skills, provide marketing and sales support and do marketing research.

Basically, they want you to do everything. There can’t be any better way to train than that, right?   

And you don’t even need to have finished your university or college yet! Just a desire to understand the wealth market and strong analytical skills are required.

Social Media Content Design and Web Development

Bobbibows, a two-person company dedicated to fashion, is looking for a Social Media person!

Your tasks would include what you would expect, such as using social media, engaging with followers and building up a network. But it doesn’t end there: “Until the company is large enough that I can hire a 3rd employee, ideally I would also need this candidate to help out with inventory and shipping when orders are placed and other unglamorous tasks that are part of the behind the scenes in a retail e-commerce business.”

Hey, if you make a positive impression, you just might be that third person.

Volunteer/Intern Film & Video Internship

Hasana, Inc. needs help with their film and video. They’re looking for somebody working towards a degree who has a passion for both video as well as equal opportunities for women and who can get school credit. Tasks will include editing, filming, lighting, transportation, post production and more.

They’re a non-profit, who has this to say about themselves: “Guiltless Luxury for the Charitable Life. Purveyors of Fine Jewellery, Designer Fashion, Designer Clothes, Shoes, Bags, Accessories, Bespoke Items & More For Men and Women. Hasana, Inc., a commerce-driven, online and pop-up retailing initiative. 100% of the net proceeds directly benefits The Apareció Foundation. The foundation is a registered, nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity that raises funds for educational grants and programs for low-income, high-potential women in public high schools. Every Penny. Every Dollar. Benefiting Education.”

Sounds pretty inspiring to me!

Tip of the iceberg

That’s all just the tip of the iceberg. There’s so much out there in Chicago that you could make an internship of just sending in application letters, though admittedly that wouldn’t look quite as good on your CV. Do go for it, though. This is one of the greatest opportunities in your life to do something different. Later on, people are far more likely to say ‘you don’t have the experience’ or ‘that doesn’t seem to fit in your skill package’. And where will you be then?