The Illinois Tollway has opened applications for its 2026 Internship Program, inviting college students and recent graduates to apply for positions in engineering, information technology, finance, communications, and related fields. Applications are being accepted online through March 31.
This year, the agency is expanding its internship opportunities in Information Technology. IT interns will gain practical experience in areas such as coding, cybersecurity monitoring, software development and testing, and technical support. The established Engineering Cooperative Education Internship will continue to provide participants with exposure to planning, design, construction inspection, project management, and traffic maintenance on active and planned roadway projects. Both programs include structured mentorship designed to support career growth in high-demand sectors.
“Students joining our intensive internship program will gain new skills and real-world experience that will give them a competitive edge when they begin their careers,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “We’re looking for motivated, energetic students who want to jump in and participate in the work we do. Mentoring these students helps set them on the path to future success and benefits the Tollway by developing the next generation of skilled workers for the transportation industry and other vital fields.”
Those interested can find more details about the program—including an informational video—on the Careers section of the Illinois Tollway’s website. A live online information session is scheduled for Monday, March 16 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Internships are paid positions with flexible part-time schedules ranging from 20 to 30 hours per week. The annual Professional Services Internships run from June 1 through August 14 and place students across various departments including administration, business systems, communications, diversity initiatives, facilities management, fleet operations, finance, internal audit functions, office of the inspector general oversight roles, operations planning efforts as well as security and safety units.
To be eligible for any of these internships or cooperative education placements—including specialized IT roles—applicants must be currently enrolled or have a graduation date no earlier than November 2025 at a trade/vocational program or institution granting certificates or degrees at two-year, four-year or graduate levels.
For those pursuing IT internships specifically, there are options for both summer-only (June-August) or yearlong (June-May) placements focused on technology applications like coding and cybersecurity as well as customer support operations.
Engineering Cooperative Education Internship applicants must be enrolled at an accredited technical/vocational program or college studying civil engineering or a related field with interest in roadway engineering or construction project management. These positions offer both group experiences at Illinois Tollway headquarters in Downers Grove—as well as select remote work—and hands-on fieldwork at active construction sites.
Through these programs, interns gain practical experience across segments of the transportation industry while also receiving professional development opportunities and mentorship from experienced staff members.
The Illinois Tollway operates as a user-fee system without state or federal funding for maintenance or operations. It manages approximately 294 miles of roadways across twelve counties in Northern Illinois including major routes such as Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355), Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90), Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80), and Illinois Route 390 Tollway.
