Student Employment & Internships

About Synchrony As a consumer financial services company, Synchrony Financial is the largest provider of private-label credit cards in the United States based on volume and receivables. Synchrony provides credit products through programs with a diverse group of national and regional retailers, local merchants, manufacturers, buying groups, industry associations, and healthcare service providers. The Synchrony Emerging Technology Center (ETC) at the University of Illinois Research Park focuses on advancing Synchrony’s internal capabilities in artificial intelligence, data science, and other emerging technology domains to create long-term value for its customers.  Interns at the Synchrony ETC work closely with the Innovation Station and SMEs to deliver projects for business stakeholders. About the Role Do you have a passion for Data Science and Analyics? The Synchrony Internal Data Products Team is seeking an intern to work alongside Data Product Managers, Analytics, Technology and Business stakeholders and Subject Matter experts to build, enhance and support enterprise data products and capabilities. Depending on the background and business priorities the intern will apply their technical and problem-solving skills to one or several data analytics and data science projects. Responsibilities Proof of concept creation using cloud technologies or graph networks Data product monitoring and visualization in using SQL, Python and/or Tableau Building analytics to support a real credit or marketing campaign strategy Enhancing our internal entity resolution algorithms Building analyses and recommendations to improve our existing data products, or to inform enterprise use cases Desired Characteristics Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, computer science, statistics, finance, accounting, marketing or related analytics field Must combine technical expertise with business acumen and teamwork skills to actively listen, seek feedback, and document the needs and asks from the stakeholders, properly articulating problem/ask, constraints of a problem and tradeoffs Attention to detail and strong analytical and problem-solving skills Project management skills such as the ability to share progress, seek support when roadblocks arise, meet deadlines and take self-initiative as they complete tasks Outstanding ability and curiosity to analyze, troubleshoot and solve complex problems Passion for excellence with high integrity, and commitment to quality Comfortable as a member for highly matrixed, cross-functional organization Strong background in Microsoft Excel, SQL, SAS, Python Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, MS Excel – leveraging Formulas, PivotTables, and Building Excel reports) Experience with Tableau Data Visualization preferred but not required Familiarity with graph network technology (neo4j) and Cypher querying preferred but not required Qualifications Must be registered as a full-time student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Excellent academic record – Minimum overall 3.0 GPA or higher (must submit transcript with application) Must be willing to commit to interning with us for at least 2 terms (Summer and fall semester) Must be willing to commit to 40 hours per week during the summer Must be willing to work from the office at Research Park, Champaign, IL during the summer and part-time during the semester Must be authorized to work in the US on a permanent basis without requiring sponsorship Based on performance, interest, and availability, interns would have the opportunity to continue their internship during the school year in a part-time capacity Additional Eligibility Qualifications You must be 18 years or older Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. You must be able to satisfy the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. To apply, send a resume, cover letter, and transcript to etc@syf.com.

About Synchrony As a consumer financial services company, Synchrony Financial is the largest provider of private-label credit cards in the United States based on volume and receivables. Synchrony provides credit products through programs with a diverse group of national and regional retailers, local merchants, manufacturers, buying groups, industry associations, and healthcare service providers. The Synchrony Emerging Technology Center (ETC) at the University of Illinois Research Park focuses on advancing Synchrony’s internal capabilities in artificial intelligence, data science, and other emerging technology domains to create long-term value for its customers.  Interns at the Synchrony ETC work closely with the Innovation Station and SMEs to deliver projects for business stakeholders. About the Role Are you looking to get a critical jump start on a career in business? In the Business, Marketing, and Consulting internship at Synchrony, you’ll work closely with teams to identify and implement breakthrough changes. The internship will be spent working alongside Synchrony teams where you will apply theoretical knowledge to complete challenging projects. Exposure to these real-life projects will accelerate your career and develop your skills in a cutting-edge global environment. Potential Opportunities Mobile App Design (Android & iOS) Development & Project Management Information Security Forensics & Incident Management Innovation & Emerging Technology Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning User Experience Design, User Journey Development and Analysis Leadership, Experiential and Technical Training Work on specialized projects to help Synchrony further our capabilities in Data, Enterprise Operations, Technology, and more. Work within Agile teams to perform discovery, prioritize work, and identify opportunities to make large-scale changes. Provide project support, road-mapping, reporting, and training and development. Provide a flexible, can-do mindset that will adjust to new projects quickly and help execute key initiatives within the organization. Desired Characteristics Passion and aptitude for technology Strong analytical skills, coupled with sharp business acumen Ability to work in teams effectively Strong oral and written communication skills Strong interpersonal skills Attention to detail and strong analytical and problem-solving skills; strong organizational skills Ability to meet deadlines Passion for excellence with high integrity, and commitment to quality Qualifications Must be registered as a full-time student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Excellent academic record – Minimum overall 3.0 GPA or higher (must submit transcript with application) Must be willing to commit to interning with us for at least 2 terms (Summer and fall semester) Must be willing to commit to 40 hours per week during the summer Must be willing to work from the office at Research Park, Champaign, IL during the summer and part-time during the semester Must be authorized to work in the US on a permanent basis without requiring sponsorship Based on performance, interest, and availability, interns would have the opportunity to continue their internship during the school year in a part-time capacity Additional Eligibility Qualifications You must be 18 years or older Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. You must be able to satisfy the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. To apply, send a resume, cover letter, and transcript to etc@syf.com.

About the Research Park The Research Park at the University of Illinois is a leading innovation hub for technology commercialization with a unique environment that cultivates startups and increases capabilities for established companies. The mixed-use composition promotes creative collisions and interdisciplinary collaborations, strengthening the bridge between campus and community. The internal team at Research Park includes a small team of interns that manage communication, marketing, promotion, event planning, recruitment, and more for the Research Park as a University unit and as a whole. About the Role As a Video Intern, you will be responsible for capturing quality photos and videos of Research Park events. You will also be tasked with editing and recapping these events, plus creating videos to promote Research Park and EnterpriseWorks as a whole.  You may also be assigned projects (promotional videos/photoshoots, etc) for start-ups in the EnterpriseWorks incubator. You and a team of interns will meet with the client to discuss the project timeline and expectations. You will be responsible for determining techniques to utilize for the completion of the project.  A storytelling mindset is valuable for an intern in this position to use as a frame of reference when editing footage. Coordinating effectively with EnterpriseWorks staff and clients is essential to execute all projects to their highest potential.  Upon successful performance reviews, this internship can continue through multiple semesters.  Requirements Must be a full-time enrolled undergraduate student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign at the time of employment  Graduation date of December 2025 or later  Ability to start training in March 2025 (5-7 hours per week) Applicants must be available to work full-time hours on-site throughout Summer 2025 (37.5 hours per week) This role has the potential to continue in Fall 2025 (10-15 hours per week)   Qualifications Ability to maintain clear communications with management on project status  Strong photography and videography skills  Strong proficiency with video editing software, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator, etc.)  Experience using a DSLR camera and camcorder  Strong project management and organizational skills  Ability to quickly solve new design problems  Ability to work in fast-paced environments and balance multiple projects  Ability to work on short deadlines  Experience with Microsoft Office suite including Word and Excel  Preferred Qualifications Experience with Zoom  Ability to work in presentation software such as PowerPoint  Experience with recording, and editing videos for RSOs or class projects To apply, please fill out this form. Reach out to bdgoode@illinois.edu with any questions.

About the Research Park The Research Park at the University of Illinois is a leading innovation hub for technology commercialization with a unique environment that cultivates startups and increases capabilities for established companies. The mixed-use composition promotes creative collisions and interdisciplinary collaborations, strengthening the bridge between campus and community. The internal team at Research Park includes a small team of interns that manage communication, marketing, promotion, event planning, recruitment, and more for the Research Park as a University unit and as a whole. About the Role Do you love to write and pride yourself on being creative and good with words? Do you love to use social media? Do you enjoy working with different types of people? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented atmosphere? The Communications and Social Media intern will be part of the University of Illinois Research Park and EnterpriseWorks team to highlight the exciting things happening at the Research Park. The Communications and Social Media Intern will demonstrate their excellent written and verbal communication skills by writing news stories, crafting social media posts, working with graphic designers on promotional materials, and more. They will collaborate and coordinate with Research Park leadership and the EnterpriseWorks intern team to ensure timely marketing/branding and promotions of jobs, events, and news through appropriate platforms. An intern will be able to propose new and innovative ways to increase Research Park’s brand awareness in the community and campus and manage ongoing communications projects such as weekly announcements and monthly student newsletters. In addition, the intern will ensure that information on the Research Park website, calendars, and all social media platforms are up to date and correct. Upon successful performance reviews, this internship can continue through multiple semesters. Requirements Must be a full-time enrolled student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign at the time of employment Graduation date of December 2025 or later Ability to start training in March 2025 (5-7 hours per week) Applicants must be available to work full-time hours on-site throughout summer 2025 (37.5 hours per week) This role has the potential to continue in Fall 2025 (10-15 hours per week) Must be available to begin training immediately after spring break working 5-7 hours/week and during Summer 2024 working up to 40 hours/week. Qualifications Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to tell a great story in multiple formats and lengths (e.g. photos, video clips, and words) Understanding of Internet and social media marketing best practices Experience in multiple social media platforms including Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn Excellent proofreading and editing skills; strong attention to detail Good project management and time management skills/work within structure Ability to work in fast-paced environments and balance multiple projects Ensure all projects are delivered on time and within scope Maintain clear communications with management on project status Preferred Qualifications Experience with Webtools, Canva Ability to edit web content through WordPress Practical writing experience outside of the classroom Seeking at least one candidate who is familiar with Agriculture to adequately communicate the advances in AgTech being produced by many of the companies at Research Park. If applicable, please provide the extent of knowledge you have in this field in either your cover letter or resume. To apply, please fill out this form. Reach out to bdgoode@illinois.edu with any questions.

About Kohler Kohler supplies quality kitchen and bath products internationally. The company strives to enhance the consumer experience through quality design, craftsmanship and innovation. Kohler’s Innovation Center at Research Park supports research and design efforts related to robotics, electro-mechanical systems, machining, and pneumatic and hydraulic functions. The Kohler Innovation Center at Research Park focuses on areas of interest to Kohler including supply chain optimization strategies; investigating and adapting technology for the factory of the future; and developing a pipeline of engineering and data analytics talent for the company tapped from its student intern program. About the Role The intern/co-op/student will support the development of both Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) tools to enhance product development and training. The AR project centers on an interactive modeling tool that overlays color mapping on a physical plaster model or mold, indicating dimensional variance between CAD and physical models. This tool will enable precise real-time adjustments to CAD files, aimed at improving accuracy, reducing development time, and lowering the skill threshold for such tasks.  The VR project involves creating a VR training application for Kohler associates, using Unity software to develop immersive, hands-on training modules on Meta Quest headsets. The intern will contribute to research, design, and technical support across both AR and VR initiatives. The role requires collaboration with a multi-disciplinary engineering team, including software, mechanical, and electrical engineers.  Specific Responsibilities AR (Augmented Reality) Develop and enhance understanding of AR technologies. Program, test, and troubleshoot AR applications. Support the integration of AR technology into physical models and systems to visualize dimensional accuracy. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate AR into broader product development processes. VR (Virtual Reality) Develop and maintain VR training applications for associate training using Unity software. Test VR applications on Meta Quest headsets, troubleshoot issues, and gather user feedback to improve usability. Collaborate with training teams and Kohler associates to identify training needs and translate them into VR modules. Research and integrate new VR functionalities as appropriate to enhance training engagement and effectiveness. Mechanical Engineering Support the design and development of physical plaster models as needed. Assist in troubleshooting mechanical elements within AR and VR setups with engineering guidance. Computer Engineering Develop knowledge of software programming languages and software design principles. Program and troubleshoot applications supporting both AR and VR projects. Contribute to the integration of software programming across AR and VR systems. Relationships and Contacts Supervisory Relationships Reports to the Manager of the University of Illinois Research Park (UIRP). Organization Relationships Collaborates with the Digital Transformation team for project guidance and AR/VR best practices. Works with business stakeholders to gather requirements, provide updates, and receive feedback for AR/VR projects. Coordinates with external hardware/software developers as necessary. Educational and Experience Requirements Currently enrolled in a program for Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Experience with Unity and/or Meta Quest headsets is preferred for VR project support. Proficiency with Microsoft Office is required. Experience using computer vision or AI detection techniques to enhance AR overlays by enabling accurate object recognition is a plus. Experience with Magic Leap 2 and/or Apple Vision pro is a plus Apply now on Kohler’s job site.

About Kohler Kohler supplies quality kitchen and bath products internationally. The company strives to enhance the consumer experience through quality design, craftsmanship and innovation. Kohler’s Innovation Center at Research Park supports research and design efforts related to robotics, electro-mechanical systems, machining, and pneumatic and hydraulic functions. The Kohler Innovation Center at Research Park focuses on areas of interest to Kohler including supply chain optimization strategies; investigating and adapting technology for the factory of the future; and developing a pipeline of engineering and data analytics talent for the company tapped from its student intern program. About the Role The Material Science Intern will contribute to research and development in sustainability, material formulation, and advanced characterization techniques. The intern will play a supportive role in developing materials and processes that drive cost efficiencies, enhance durability, and align with Kohler’s sustainability goals. The role involves learning and applying materials science principles to real-world manufacturing challenges, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and assisting with testing, analysis, and quality control. Specific Responsibilities Sustainability and Waste Reduction Conduct research and provide analytical support to develop materials and processes that align with Kohler’s Zero Waste to Landfill initiatives. Assist with identifying and evaluating recycled materials and sustainable alternatives in product development. Support data collection and analysis to assess sustainability metrics and report on project progress. Composite and Epoxy Formulation Assist in developing, testing, and refining composite materials, focusing on optimizing texture, color, and structural durability. Collaborate on the formulation and characterization of epoxy materials, including testing for properties such as rheology and cure behavior. Contribute to the establishment of quality control standards and testing protocols to ensure consistency in composite materials. Metallurgical Process Support Support process improvement efforts within metal casting and finishing operations by assisting with testing and characterization of metal alloys. Analyze data on metallurgical properties and collaborate on recommendations to enhance product durability and reduce production costs. Participate in design of experiments (DOE) to test variables in metal processing and provide insights on best practices. Advanced Characterization and Data Analytics Learn and apply advanced characterization techniques, including rheology, mechanical testing, and microscopy, to analyze material properties. Support data analysis and visualization for insights on material performance, using tools such as Microsoft Excel and MiniTab. Collaborate with engineering teams to ideate and propose testing solutions that align with industry standards and project goals. Relationships and Contacts Supervisory Relationships Reports to the Manager of the University of Illinois Research Park (UIRP). Organization Relationships Works closely with the Digital Transformation engineering team to receive project guidance. Engages with key business stakeholders to gather project requirements, provide updates, and receive feedback. Maintains professional contact with external vendors and consultants as needed for technical support and material sourcing. Educational and Experience Requirements Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with statistical software such as MiniTab is a plus. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to work independently and within a project team. Preferred knowledge of sustainability practices, materials characterization, and data analysis tools Apply now on Kohler’s job site.

About Motorola Solutions Since 1928, Motorola Solutions has revolutionized public safety. Through creative and innovative mission-critical communication technologies and services, the company helps first responders and commercial customers build safer cities and thriving communities. With a focus on human-centered design, Motorola Solutions works hand in hand with its customers to best support their needs. The Motorola Solutions Innovation Center at Research Park hires interns from various academic backgrounds to develop products, applications, and services that help further the company’s mission to help people be their best in the moments that matter. The office selects talent from the University and boasts a high intern-to-full-time conversion rate. Interns work on unique projects and collaborate with teams from other Motorola Solutions offices. About the Role Motorola Solutions is hiring a full-time software engineering intern for Summer 2025 at its Research Park office at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois. Only University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students are eligible to apply. Job Description  Positions are available for working on a wide range of products, applications, and services such as: Software development for Mission Critical Communication Systems Application development and security solutions for mobile devices on Android and iOS platforms Cyber security threat prevention associated with the deployment of on-premise infrastructure, mobile, and cloud-based technology Customer-facing application development Controller, gateway, and base station software development Motorola Solutions is looking for candidates with strong interests in: Cloud computing Microservices-based application development and container-based software deployment and orchestration. Data analytics, including data lake and machine learning technologies Cybersecurity and secure computing solutions, including best practices, development methodologies, protocols, and key management. Mission-critical feature and application development Candidates are expected to work in a team environment utilizing the latest industry-standard agile practices for planning, implementing, and delivering products and services. Desired Skills Team software development using Agile practices Microservices-based software architecture and containerization Security concepts such as authentication, access control, authorization, cryptography, and least privilege. Cloud-based or embedded-computing software development experience Strong communication and problem-solving skills Basic Requirements Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is required. Must graduate in or after December 2025. Must be a US Citizen, permanent resident or be an MS student with work authorization (F1 Visa on CPT accepted only for masters-level students). Apply now on LinkedIn. 

About Frenzy Ag Frenzy Ag’s proprietary seed-to-harvest system can increase soybean yields by 30% or more. Frenzy works within the soybean lifecycle to produce a biological frenzy that unlocks the true potential of soybeans. About the Role Frenzy Ag is seeking motivated and enthusiastic interns to join its team and assist with research activities this Fall semester (and into the Spring semester). Interns will primarily be responsible for collecting, organizing, and inputting data from field and laboratory experiments, with a significant portion of the role dedicated to measuring plant traits in the lab. This position will provide valuable hands-on experience in research, offering an opportunity to work closely with a multi-disciplinary team while gaining exposure to both laboratory and field-based research in agriculture. Multiple positions are available and hours are flexible (10 hours/week). Interns will be paid a competitive hourly wage. This position is based out of EnterpriseWorks in Champaign, Illinois. Qualifications Passion for research and problem-solving. Excellent attention to detail and ability to follow experimental protocols accurately. Effective communication skills, both verbal and written. Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team. Proficiency in basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). An interest in agriculture and innovative, new solutions is encouraged, but not required. Physical Requirements Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. Ability to carry equipment and materials up to 50 pounds. Interested in Applying? The deadline to apply is November 18, 2024 at 5 p.m. To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position to careers@frenzyag.com. Please include “Frenzy Internship” in the subject line.

About Synchrony As a consumer financial services company, Synchrony Financial is the largest provider of private-label credit cards in the United States based on volume and receivables. Synchrony provides credit products through programs with a diverse group of national and regional retailers, local merchants, manufacturers, buying groups, industry associations, and healthcare service providers. The Synchrony Emerging Technology Center (ETC) at the University of Illinois Research Park focuses on advancing Synchrony’s internal capabilities in artificial intelligence, data science, and other emerging technology domains to create long-term value for its customers.  Interns at the Synchrony ETC work closely with the Innovation Station and SMEs to deliver projects for business stakeholders. About the Role The UI UX Copywriter internship assignment offers various opportunities to gain valuable hands-on experience. You’ll have opportunities across different areas of the Synchrony team, giving you unique perspectives on how Technology fits into the broader business landscape. The UI UX Copywrite intern will work side by side with Agile teams in creating and owning the content/copy on the screens. The UI UX Copywrite intern will also be responsible for copywriting on the screens for our websites and native applications. You will apply your theoretical knowledge to complete challenging technical projects. Exposure to these real-life technical projects will accelerate your career and develop your skills in a cutting-edge global environment. Desired Characteristics Passion and aptitude for technology Strong technical and analytical skills, coupled with sharp business acumen Ability to work in teams effectively Strong oral and written communication skills Strong interpersonal skills Attention to detail and strong analytical and problem-solving skills; strong organizational skills Ability to meet deadlines Passion for excellence with high integrity, and commitment to quality Qualifications Must be registered as a full-time student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Students studying Science in Information Sciences preferred Has experience in UIUX copywriting Excellent academic record – Minimum overall 3.0 GPA or higher (must be added to resume) Must be willing to commit to 40 hours per week during the summer Must be willing to work from the office at Research Park during the summer Must be authorized to work in the US on a permanent basis without requiring sponsorship Additional Eligibility Qualifications You must be 18 years or older Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. You must be able to satisfy the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. To apply, send a resume and cover letter to etc@syf.com.

COUNTRY Financial is seeking a UI/UX intern to be part of the team delivering technical working solutions (web and mobile applications and/or print publications). This position will be at the DigitaLab at the University of Illinois Research Park in Champaign, IL. As a UX/Design intern, you will be working with business partners, designers, and COUNTRY Technology to create designs and test digital experiences for COUNTRY Financial clients, representatives, and employees. Responsibilities Design and develop wireframes, mock-ups, prototypes, use cases, etc., for user interfaces Identify issues in existing web and mobile interfaces from the User-Centered Design (UCD) point of view Communicate findings from user studies and user inspections efficiently to the other teams including development and business Troubleshoot and recommend fixes to problems relating to existing interfaces and applications Design print material for use in the DigitaLab (i.e. brochures, flyers, yearbook) Collaborate with DigitaLab Data Science and Software Developer interns on cross-functional teams Participate in Agile Release Trains Requirements: Must be actively pursuing a college degree at the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign for the duration of the internship Strong collaboration, written and oral communication skills Familiar with: Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign and PhotoShop Online testing tools like Usability Hub, User Zoom, etc. Experience with user-centered design, and creating wireframes and design comps Experience in web content, marketing, e-commerce, digital marketing, graphic arts, usability, social media or gamification (or the equivalent) is preferred Self- motivated learner with leadership capabilities To apply, send your resume to julia.hart@countryfinancial.com.