Research Park employs over 800 interns every year. University of Illinois students from multiple disciplines, including engineering, graphic design, marketing, chemistry, and more, contribute to growth at companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 corporations. Research Park would not be the innovative hub it is today without the students’ insights, hard work, and creativity.
Office spaces are student-oriented, many including amenities such as table tennis, kitchen spaceareas, and free coffee and snacks. Site Directors are open to employee feedback, so offices tend to be flexible in design to accommodate collaboration while respecting personal privacy.
Research Park hosts frequent student-focused events to thank students for their dedication. From the annual Intern Awards to a park-wide table tennis tournament, these casual, social events allow students to meet people from other companies and startups. The Research Park is more than a physical place; it’s a community that works together to see success across the board.
To keep up-to-date with Research Park Intern Events or Research Park events in general, sign up for the Research Park Newsletter or check our Events Calendar:
JOIN A RESEARCH PARK NEWSLETTER LIST
RESEARCH PARK EVENTS CALENDAR
Summer Intern Professional Development Series
One way the Research Park supports interns as young professionals is by offering workshops every Tuesday from 12:00 to 1:00 PM that allow students to learn about key life and professional skills. Research Park requests that attendees register in advance for the workshops they will attend. Staying for the entire event is highly recommended.
Previous workshop topics have included LinkedIn branding, business etiquette, financial fitness, elevator pitches, conflict management, and more.
Annual Intern Awards Ceremony
This ceremony celebrates students’ hard work on company and startup projects. Managers nominate interns for awards like “Most Outstanding Undergraduate Student Intern” and “Best Entrepreneurial Leadership in a Startup.” For more information about the event and past winners, visit our Summer Intern Awards page.
Intern Networking Social
The Intern Networking Social is an evening social held for Research Park interns with a complementary dinner. This is a great opportunity for students to play games, eat, and get to know each other at the beginning of the summer.
Research Park’s Table Tennis Tournament
Are you prepared to win The Golden Paddle? Research Park holds an annual Table Tennis Tournament in June, open to all employees. Competitors are split between Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced to accommodate all experience levels.
Fire @ Five (May to October)
Fire @ Five is a social event that allows employees of Research Park time to de-stress and celebrate the end of the month. Bring your coworkers, family, and friends to enjoy complimentary refreshments, community, and games on the Atkins building patio from 5:00 to 6:30 PM on the fourth Thursday of the month.