Internship Program

Group of students sitting in Des Plaines student center.Discover your strengths and areas for growth. Develop an understanding of a professional field. Internships are an opportunity to learn and earn.

Internships, a beneficial part of Oakton’s Work-Based Learning Program, empower students to engage with industry leaders. Students learn to demonstrate essential employability and technical skills crucial for today’s dynamic workforce.

Internships offer part-time, temporary opportunities (typically ranging from 10 to 20 hours per week over 12 to 24 weeks). Through internships, students gain hands-on experience by collaborating with local employers within their respective fields of study.

Explore opportunities in many disciplines, such as accounting, graphic design, marketing/sales, IT, and manufacturing. At Oakton, we are dedicated to nurturing talent and facilitating meaningful connections between students and the local business community.

Please note: We do not place students in direct patient care positions (nursing, substance abuse counseling, physical therapy assistance, etc.); see your department chair for more information on the practicums/clinicals required in your major.

Information for Students

  • Build your professional résumé or portfolio.
  • Transfer classroom learning to “real world” experience.
  • Fulfill learning goals.
  • Earn a competitive wage working in your field of study (typical positions paying over $12/hour).

  • Students currently enrolled full or part-time in credit or noncredit courses at Oakton.
  • Students who have completed credit hours in or directly related to the study of the desired internship. 
  • Students with a 2.0 GPA or higher.
  • Students can commit approximately 5–20 hours per week for 12–24 weeks (actual time determined by employer).

Oakton works with a large number of local employers to list internship opportunities in a variety of fields. This list is updated weekly, as needed. Please complete the application steps below to be considered for any of the positions on this list.

Oakton's Current Internship Opportunities (PDF) (324 KB)

Internship Opportunities 2023

Please complete the following steps to apply to the Internship Program.

1. Complete an online Internship Application form and submit a resume and cover letter (preferably as pdf or word attachments via e-mail to internships@oakton.edu). Please review the following Instructions/Samples to ensure your resume and cover letter are in the proper format:

Resume Instructions/Samples
Download resume tips and sample resume (PDF) (159 KB).

Cover Letter Instructions/Samples
Download cover letter tips and samples (PDF) (22 KB).

Alternatively, you may use our downloadable Internship Student Application form (PDF) (157 KB). Application materials can be sent to the Internship Program via email as a Word or pdf file attachment, to internships@oakton.edu; fax 847.635.1997; or in-person to Des Plaines campus, Room 2801

2. The Internship Program staff Work-based Learning Navigator will be in touch to set up an intake interview to learn more about your interests and skills, answer questions about the Internship Program, and help identify potential internship opportunities.

3. After identifying potential opportunities, the Work-based Learning Navigator will either send your application materials to the company directly or instruct you on how to do so.

4. The company or institution determines which candidates to interview and/or hire. Notify the Work-based Learning Navigator if you receive an interview and/or job offer.

5. If you are hired for an internship, the Work-based Learning Navigator will set up a meeting between you and your employer to discuss the expectations and paperwork that must be completed throughout the internship.

Oakton’s Internship Program assists students receiving college course credit for their paid or unpaid internships via the Internship/Practicum courses that a few Oakton departments offer (see Course Catalog for more information).

Practicum/Internship courses are charged the same tuition as all other credit classes and require consent by your Academic Department Chair or Coordinator.

Getting Started
1. Email the following to Work-based Learning Navigator at internships@oakton.edu:

  • Resume (as a Word or pdf attachment)
  • Major/field of study and home college or university
  • Oakton Student ID number (B#), if known
  • Internship site
  • Brief description of the internship responsibilities
  • Approximate start/end date and hours per week
  • Supervisor’s name and contact information.

2. The Work-based Learning Navigator will let you know if the internship fits with one of the “for credit” options and will forward your information to the Academic Department Chair or Coordinator and/or the assigned faculty advisor.

3. The faculty advisor will give you instructions about registering for the course and a syllabus outlining additional requirements.

4. You must schedule a brief meeting with the Work-based Learning Navigator to pick up the paperwork to be completed throughout the internship.

Micro-internships are short-term, paid, professional assignments that are similar to those given to new hires or interns. These projects allow you to demonstrate skills, explore career paths, and build networks as you seek the right full-time role. Unlike traditional internships, Micro-Internships can occur year-round and typically range from 10 to 40 hours of work. Micro-internships are used by companies ranging from those in the Fortune 100 to emerging start-ups both in Illinois and across the U.S. Micro-internships are facilitated via the Parker Dewey platform, which connects students and recent grads with organizations that need support. For more information and to apply visit parkerdewey.com

Information for Companies

We have students looking for internships in nearly all fields, particularly Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs such as accounting, graphic design, marketing/sales, IT, and manufacturing.

Please Note: We do not place students in direct patient care positions (nursing, substance abuse counseling, etc.) because of the additional liability and supervisor requirements.Please contact the department directly for information on becoming a practicum/clinical site for our nursing or substance abuse counseling department.

Most Oakton internships are 12–24 weeks long, 10–20 hours per week, and pay $12–25 an hour (actual length, hours, and pay determined by Employer in consultation with the Internship Program staff and student intern).

  • The opportunity to hire qualified and pre-screened students seeking "real world" work experience.
  • The potential to identify and supervise future full-time employees.
  • Subsidies may be available for a portion of interns' salaries.

  1. Complete an online Internship Program Employer Application. Alternatively, you may use our downloadable Internship Employer Application form (PDF) (80 KB) and return to the Internship Program via email, fax, or mail to the Internship Specialist via email as a Word or pdf file attachment, to internships@oakton.edu; fax 847.635.1997; or in person to Des Plaines campus, Room 2801 or Skokie campus , Room B206.

  2. Companies listing an Internship for the first time with Oakton may have a site visit from the Internship Program.

  3. The position will appear on Oakton's Internship Program website and be advertised to all interested students. The Internship Program staff (Work-based Learning Navigators) will pre-screen applicants.

  4. The Work-based Learning Navigators will forward the resumes and cover letters of all interested students who meet the pre-screening requirements.

  5. Employers may then interview any potential candidates and notify the Work-based Learning Navigators of their hiring decision.

  6. Employers will receive the Employer Handbook (PDF) (919 KB)and all paperwork required during the Internship period during a meeting between the student, the employer, and the Work-based Learning Navigator.

  7. A Learning Agreement that sets the student’s learning objectives will be agreed to between the student, site supervisor (employer representative), the Oakton Work-based Learning Navigator, and Faculty Advisor (only for credit internships).

  8. The Work-based Learning Navigator or Faculty Advisor (only for credit internships) may visit your company at least once each semester.

  9. The company and student submit mid-year and final evaluations to Oakton.

  10. Employers offering a paid internship who qualify for Oakton’s IBHE ICWS grant may submit a reimbursement form at the completion of the internship and may receive partial reimbursement (of up to 50% for the intern's salary), typically processed in August/September.