We're proud to offer paid internships to high-performing undergraduate and graduate students like you! CTA internships allow students to gain hands-on, real-world experience at the nation's second largest public transportation system. Interns will gain the skills, knowledge and experience needed to excel in today’s demanding workplace.
Interns work on a wide range of projects and special assignments based on the needs and goals of their department. Interns are paid from $17 to $22 per hour, depending on their education level. Interns can work up to 15 hours per week during the school year and up to 40 hours per week during summer and school breaks. Interns receive free CTA and Pace transportation throughout the duration of their employment.
While we have many general administration internships, we're placing particular emphasis on interns who have—or would like to gain—technical skills in logistics, transportation, engineering, technology management, planning and scheduling, and purchasing.
Eligibility requirements
College Undergraduate & Graduate Students must:
- Be enrolled full-time (minimum 12 credit hours for undergraduate and 6 credit hours for graduate-level) in a degree program at an accredited college or university
- Be eligible to work in the United States
- Possess the skills and minimum requirements outlined in the nature of the project, primary responsibilities, and level of educational requirements
How to apply
Please refer to the following table for the recruitment schedule. To receive program updates and notices on specific dates to apply, text CTACollege to 81411.
| Project Type |
Term |
Dates |
Employment Type |
| Summer Only |
Summer |
May 19, 2025 –
August 1, 2025 |
Full-time
40 hours |
| Yearlong |
Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring |
May 19, 2025 –
April 10, 2026 |
Summer: Full-time (40 hours)
Fall & Winter/Spring: Part-time (15 hours) |
CTA offers paid, full-time internships during the Summer term and paid, part-time internships during Fall and Winter/Spring terms. Full-time college and graduate level students from all majors are encouraged to apply. Our projects change every year, so even if you have applied before, we encourage you to apply again!
The application period for the summer term and yearlong opportunities will open in January and the interviewing process will begin early February. Applicants from across the country are eligible to apply!
To apply to an internship, review the list of departments below to find where you would be a best fit, then apply online. Select “Internship” from the Professional Area menu and find the Job Posting that most closely matches your area of study. You may apply to as many positions for which you feel eligible.
Departments
Administration
Frequently Requested Majors: Human Resources, Business Management, Data Analytics, Psychology, Sociology, Information Technology, Library Science, Political Science, Public Policy, Education
Communications
Frequently Requested Majors: Communications, Graphic Design, Public Relations, Journalism
Finance
Frequently Requested Majors: Finance, Accounting, Economics
Infrastructure
Frequently Requested Majors: Mechanical, Civil, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Law
Frequently Requested Majors: Law, Pre-Law
Planning
Frequently Requested Majors: Urban Planning, Geography, Transportation
Transit Operations
Frequently Requested Majors: Management Information Systems, Computer Science, Information Technology, Supply Chain and Logistics
Frequently asked questions
Internships can last from 11-17 weeks, depending on the term.
Yes, each term has set start and end dates. However, some interns work summer only internships, while others work yearlong positions.
Positions are initially posted in January. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, depending on availability.
Interns are paid from $17 to $22 per hour, depending on their education level.
Interns can work up to 15 hours per week during the school year and up to 40 hours per week during summer and school breaks.
Interns are selected based on their skills and the minimum requirements outlined in the nature of the project, primary responsibilities, and level of education. The selection process is very competitive.
Employees receive free transportation on the CTA. Although the CTA doesn’t provide housing, see information below on housing options that may be available to you.
Yes, but all international students must have student visas, a Social Security Number, and a Social Security Card.
Please apply using our Careers site and look for internship opportunities.
Yes. Interviews can be conducted via Skype or Zoom.
Yes. We love to welcome back exceptional interns.
Questions?
Send us an e-mail at [email protected] if you have any questions! (Please do not mail resumes here, as we won't be able to accept them. Apply online here during the application periods.)