We encourage students to get involved to build skills, experience, and develop their professional profile. The iSchool and ILLINOIS campus offers a variety of opportunities for students.
Relevant opportunities are emailed to BS/IS students and interested Illinois students each week. View past emails with opportunities
Registered Student Organizations (RSOs): Illinois offers numerous opportunities for you to get involved on campus. By joining a registered student organization, you have the chance to be a part of or lead great initiatives and clubs. You also will meet new people, explore your interests, and build relevant experience for your resume. Our campus has more than 1000 RSOs. Or you can create your own! A directory of RSOs is available through the Office of Registered Organizations at the Illini Union. Search RSOs
iSchool Related RSOs:
Research Park at the University of Illinois: A leading technology hub that cultivates startups and accelerates corporate innovation. Located on campus, the Research Park has more than 120+ companies and growing, employing 2,100 people in high-technology careers. At any given time more than 800 student interns are gaining valuable experiential learning and work experience while making real contributions to internal corporate R&D and product development programs. (SOURCE: Research Park Census, July 2018). Find Internships, Jobs, Events, Data Science Groups, and much more on the Research Park Website. Subscribe to the Research Park Email List
Design Innovation Illinois: Design Innovation is a student-led design organization at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Our mission is to empower and inspire the design community on campus. We aspire to do this by leading students to create, learn, and share ideas at the intersection of design and technology.
National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA): A hub of transdisciplinary research and digital scholarship where University of Illinois faculty, staff, and students, and collaborators from around the globe, unite to address research grand challenges for the benefit of science and society. Various research opportunities and events, including hackathons http://www.ncsa.illinois.edu/ Subscribe to the NCSA Email List
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- CyberAmbassadors @ NCSA & Illinois: The training offers opportunities to practice professional skills in the context of multidisciplinary research, and is appropriate for graduate students, faculty, staff, and professionals in all STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) fields. Participants will earn a certificate for completing the full training series. Interested individuals will also have the opportunity to apply for the CyberAmbassador Fellows program, which provides additional training to prepare facilitators to deliver this program at their workplace, campus or community. For more information on the CyberAmbassadors project, please visit: http://colbrydi.github.io/cyberambassadors
SPIN (Students Pushing INnovation) NCSA: The National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) needs talented, creative Illinois undergraduate students to participate in hands-on research and development projects in areas including supercomputing, data analytics, visualization, and more. NCSA's SPIN (Students Pushing Innovation) program offers paid internships to Illinois students who can contribute to challenging projects with support from members of NCSA's expert staff who act as mentors.
Siebel Center for Design (SCD): We believe in using Design Thinking as an approach to promote Human-Centered Design (HCD) and mandated quick iterations. We also aim to foster multidisciplinary collaborations across campus. We want to show you that design is EVERYWHERE– not just in products or art. Design thinking and Human-Centered Design allow you, the designer, to better understand who it is you are designing for, regardless of what it is you may be designing. SCD provides a newsletter, employment opportunities, and various events. SDC Website
Illinois Design Consulting: Illinois Design Consulting (IDC) is a new design consulting group housed under the Magelli Office of Experiential Learning in partnership with the Siebel Center of Design at the University of Illinois. Using a human-centered and design thinking approach, IDC provides students with real-world project opportunities while helping clients solve design challenges and identify design opportunities. IDC conducts 20+ projects each year with companies and organizations ranging from Fortune 500 to startups and nonprofits.
Product Management @ Illinois: Any undergraduate or graduate student at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign is welcome to join Product Management @ Illinois. We recruit new members twice annually, once in the fall and then again in the spring. Product Management at Illinois aspires to fulfill the motto of the University of Illinois in providing members with both educational skills and practical opportunities in Product Management.
Illinois Leadership Center: Provides students with opportunities to develop, or enhance, essential leadership skills. Programs and services provide leadership training through both academic coursework (minor), coaching (certificate program), and experiential programming (I-programs and workshops). Students may also take the Illinois Leadership Inventory to understand themselves and their leadership competencies. http://leadership.illinois.edu/
Illinois MakerLab: Offers workshops designed to teach students, staff, faculty and community members how to design, scan, and print 3D objects. In addition to workshops, the MakerLab offers a Digital Maker Certificate and a Digital Maker Badge. https://makerlab.illinois.edu/workshops/
CU Community Fab Lab: The Champaign-Urbana Community Fab Lab is an open and collaborative workshop space for computer-driven innovation, design and fabrication. We enable makers of all kinds to imagine, design and create using open source software and DIWO (do it with others!) methodologies. We do this by working with a local and international network to actively cultivate public engagement through community-focused art-entrepreneurship, research and education. http://cucfablab.org/
Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Open Lab: A creative workshop for all students at the University of Illinois to work on personal projects outside of the classroom. Equipment includes 3D printers, vinyl cutters, and laser cutters. The lab also offers training in these areas. https://openlab.ece.illinois.edu/
Hack4Impact: Hack4Impact exists for both nonprofits and students. We connect student software developers with nonprofits and other socially responsible businesses to develop powerful new tools for social change. This enables nonprofits to further their mission and better engage their clients. We are committed to increasing awareness of technology's potential for good.
Social Research and Technology Innovation Laboratory: The Social Research and Technology Innovation (SRTI) Lab focuses on investigating solutions to problems using computational methods that include statistical computing (e.g., machine learning and deep learning), data analytics, and software development. We also are continuously testing various new technologies to understand their impact on people in society.
Technical Skills (Data, Software, Programming, UX, HCI)
LinkedIn Learning Online Training Library®: Technology: Learn about technical courses available through LinkedIn Learning. Topics range from web development to programming to application servers. More information: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/topics/technology?u=43607124
ILLINOIS Library Guides: R, Text Mining, Stata, Data Cleaning, and many more.
CITL ILLINOIS Data Workshops: We conduct short evening workshops on how to use statistical software, qualitative programs, and questionnaire design each semester. Include topics such as R, SAS, SPSS, STATA, and others. https://citl.illinois.edu/citl-101/data-analytics/workshops
Tableau: When you’re brand new to Tableau, it can be hard to figure out where to begin. We've outlined the best resources below to help you get started and ramp up quickly. If you want even more personalized learning recommendations, we can do that too. Answer a few quick questions and we'll match you with the right learning resources based on how you use (or want to use) Tableau. Free Training Videos | Certification
General Assembly: Today’s complex, global economy requires a skilled workforce that can leverage technology to fuel success. General Assembly’s robust suite of courses includes all the fundamental pillars of innovation to give individuals and teams several options for growth and development. We offer programs in web development, data science and analysis, user experience design, digital marketing, product management, and more. Students can choose from a range of formats and modalities to help them best achieve their goals, including full-time, part-time, and short-form options — on campus, and online.
Tech Roulette: Join Tech Roulette, where you can explore different fields of technology like hardware engineering, game design, or artificial intelligence through building a randomly selected project every week for 8 weeks. With 500 students learning and earning rewards along with you, you'll discover a whole new world of opportunities.
Microsoft Student Developr Resources: Find the resources you need to learn everything from the top programming languages to cloud developer skills that just might help you land your first job. Get empowered to achieve more with tools and programs just for students.
vBrownBag is a community of people who believe in helping other people. Specifically we work in IT infrastructure and we help other people in the IT industry to be better at their jobs by learning about IT. The most frequent activity is producing the vBrownBag podcasts and we also produce TechTalks at conferences.
Research
Undergraduate research may be conducted in many different ways. By engaging in research as an undergraduate, you may: Enrich your educational experience, Have the opportunity to work closely with a faculty mentor, Explore issues and methods in your field of interest, Gain valuable skills for graduate school, professional school and/or future careers, Build confidence, and Improve your communication skills.
The iSchool will provide declared students with undergraduate opportunities. These will be emailed to students when available.
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR): is committed to expanding undergraduate research opportunities. Find ways to get involved with research, training and workshops, and apprenticeship programs. https://undergradresearch.illinois.edu/
Undergraduate Research Certificate: Sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research, the Undergraduate Research Certificate will provide you with an added credential to present to employers and graduate schools. Although the certificate will not appear on your transcript, you can add it to your resume. OUR will provide you with a printed document showing completion of certificate requirements.
The Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP): A gateway to graduate education at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities. The goal of the program is to increase the number of underrepresented students who pursue graduate study and research careers. SROP helps prepare undergraduates for graduate study through intensive research experiences with faculty mentors and enrichment activities.
Pathway to Sciences IBP Summer Research Opportunities: Education and career training opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Search fully funded Summer Research programs, below, by institution and disciplinary categories, or by geography!
Research Experiences for Undergraduate Students (REU): NSF funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program. An REU Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. An REU Site may be at either a US or foreign location.
University Library’s Savvy Researcher workshop series offers workshops relevant to research, academic, professional, and personal success. Undergraduates are invited to participate in these workshops alongside graduate students and faculty. Workshops focus on a variety of topics including: Digital Tools, Data, Sharing Your Work, Visual Literacy, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Digital Humanities, and Information Management.
The Discovery Partners Institute: The Discovery Partners Institute entices people to jumpstart their tech careers or companies in Chicago. Led by the University of Illinois System in partnership with local and global research universities, it does two things: workforce development and applied R&D. DPI prepares students and workers to step into high-demand tech jobs. It also builds research teams and matches them with new funding. With state investment and a new innovation district in development, DPI has the resources to attract, develop and leverage the most ambitious people and companies the region has to offer — and keep them here.
Experiential Learning Trips (Study Abroad/Domestic)
Illinois Abroad & Global Exchange (Study Abroad Office): Illinois Abroad and Global Exchange (IAGE), the campus study abroad office, facilitates education abroad programs in locations around the world. We firmly believe that international education is transformative. Not only does it foster global competencies, but also allows our students to enhance their skill-sets, broaden their perspectives, and gain a deeper understanding of their given fields. As the campus study abroad office, our programs are open to students from all academic fields, backgrounds, and identities. https://www.studyabroad.illinois.edu/
Illinois in Washington: IIW is the Washington, DC-based academic program for the University of Illinois. Participants live in Washington, DC for a semester, where they intern and take classes taught by University faculty. Programs are offered in fall, spring, and summer semesters, and are open to all University undergraduates. IIW offers an exceptional opportunity to gain rewarding work experience while enjoying the political, intellectual, and cultural experiences that only the nation’s capital can offer. Student internships have included positions with members of Congress, think tanks, legal services providers, federal agencies, consulting groups, STEM organizations, real estate and finance, social justice organizations, and media outlets. Come and join us for an unforgettable semester in one of the most exciting cities in the world. https://washington.illinois.edu/
Alternative Seasonal Breaks: (formerly Alternative Spring Break) is a 100% student-run, non-profit volunteer organization of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University YMCA. ASB sends U of I students on domestic and international service trips during university breaks throughout the year. During their winter and spring, ASB participants travel throughout the country and/or abroad to learn about and actively combat social justice and environmental issues. Trips concern issues such as homelessness, poverty, animals, healthcare, environment, and many more. http://www.illinoisasb.org/
Volunteering
Office of Volunteer Programs: The Office of Volunteer Programs (OVP) promotes service by encouraging students to donate their time and volunteer for the university and local communities. OVP pairs students with opportunities where they gain invaluable experience through public engagement. https://union.illinois.edu/get-involved/office-of-volunteer-programs
Service-focused student organizations (RSOs): Explore service-focused Registered Student Organizations in the UofIConnections database of RSOs. Filter with the "service/philanthropy" category.
CUVolunteer: A website dedicated to helping volunteer organizations and residents connect. We're based in Champaign County, Illinois, and welcome any non-profit organizations in search of volunteers and any community members who wish to volunteer their time! Visit Website
Leadership Experience through Academic Development and Service (LEADS) Living-Learning Community (Learning. Leadership. Life): The LEADS program focuses on developing and practicing leadership skills and styles and exploring service opportunities both on campus and in the local Champaign-Urbana community. Visit Website
Alternative Seasonal Breaks
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is the process of designing, launching, and running a new business. There are many different types of entrepreneurship, including small, scalable, and large business and social. Social entrepreneurship refers to applying innovative design and business strategies to community issues (social, cultural, or environmental) to create positive change. Below are some resources and opportunities to explore these areas.
Technology Entrepreneurship Center (TEC): Offers many opportunities for students from all colleges to get experience developing entrepreneurial skills. TEC offers on-campus and online courses and certificate programs and hosts outreach activities for students and alumni. TEC also administers the annual Cozad New Venture Challenge and the Illinois Innovation Prize, among several other programs. View Website View Programs
Cozad New Venture Challenge: Have a startup idea? Want to launch a company? Take the Cozad New Venture Challenge to accelerate your idea with funding, mentoring and more!
ENACTUS: We are a community of student, academic, and business leaders committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world.
Design for America at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: A registered 501(c)3 non-profit that focuses on the human-centered design process. Our studio is part of a larger award-winning national network of passionate creators & innovators revolutionizing the way university students engage with & improve the world around us. We seek to build interdiscplinary teams, which means we are open to students of all majors. Anyone interested in design, innovation, entrepreneurship, or just making a difference can help us tackle a wide variety of challenges. DFA Website
I-Corps at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Faculty and students working on STEM-related technology can participate in the I-Corps program and receive up to $2,000 to participate in the customer discovery process of their innovation. The Illinois I-Corps Site offers 4 cohorts a year (2 per semester) on a rolling submission application cycle. Each team is supported with an I-Corps grant of up to $2,000 to cover travel and prototyping costs. The program consists of 3 workshops over 6 weeks, where teams work to validate the market size, value propositions, and customer segments of their innovations.
iVenture Accelerator: The iVenture Accelerator enables student-led startups to create economic and social value by supporting student entrepreneurs with knowledge, funding, and access to world-class University of Illinois resources and alumni. the iVenture Accelerator supports a class of the universities top student startup teams to spend the summer on campus with the time and support they need find product-market fit, build prototypes, pilot programs, build key partnerships, and scale. Whether you are creating a technological innovation, social venture, or cultural campaign, this accelerator equips you with the time, space, resources, and mentorship necessary to turn your idea into a scalable venture. Associated with the The Origin Ventures Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership.
Illinois Ventures: At Illinois Ventures, our mission is to make the world a better, healthier, and more accessible place through return-focused seed and early investment in healthcare and technology. We work with dedicated partners to create a thriving entrepreneurial community in the University of Illinois system and alumni networks, Illinois and the Midwest, and the national venture capital market.
Entrepreneurs Without Borders: Students work with faculty and staff to address problems in subsistence marketplaces through entrepreneurship. They gain insights through an online learning experience, an international immersion, and marketplace literacy education.
Consulting
There are many organizations focused on consulting. These organizations typically have student recruitment, application, and selection period each semester. Students must be able to work as part of a team, motivated, and responsible, as you are working for a company or organization towards a solution. Most of these consulting groups are student-managed, and the leadership and activity may vary each semester, and some may become inactive.
CONSULTING FOR CHANGE: Student-run consulting organization concerned with the success of social ventures. We strive to shift their focus from short-term sustainability to long- term growth in order to best serve our community.
CUBE CONSULTING: Focuses on technical engineering type projects, for students interested in both engineering and business. Clients include non-profits, start-ups, researchers, as well as other UIUC entities. CUBE Consulting is part of an international network of student-led consulting groups that are already present in Europe and Brazil.
ENTRECORPS: A student-managed consulting organization providing business strategy advice to entrepreneurial start-ups. A multi-disciplinary team of students assist enterprises to survive, scale and succeed. EntreCORPS serves both aspiring entrepreneurs and growing start-ups seeking advice.
FACES CONSULTING: The first international student consulting organization at ILLINOIS, bringing together the finest and the most creative minds with diverse backgrounds. Provides members with opportunities of practice in consulting projects in various industries, helping to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while providing actionable solutions to clients.
GLOBAL BUSINESS BRIGADES: Gain hands-on consulting experience. Each brigade is given an objective, a specific purpose for going into a community. It is their mission to assess a specific need, conduct home interviews, and work together to build a comprehensive solution. Through this hands-on experience, our members gain a valuable insight into real life consulting.
ILLINOIS BUSINESS CONSULTING: Illinois Business Consulting is the largest student ran consulting organization and works very closely with the University of Illinois. Offering over 70 projects annually, including Fortune-100 companies, IBC is able to provide students with real-world experience. On a given project there is one senior manager, one project manager, one senior consultant, and approximately four to five consultants ranging from all disciplines and ages.
INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING NETWORK (ICON): The International Consulting Network, formerly IIP, enhances collaboration between Illinois students and global technology clusters through international consulting projects, networking opportunities, and professional development. ICON students work in international teams to create innovative solutions for clients, culminating in an immersion trip and presentation to tech leaders in countries across the world, ranging from Israel and Sweden, to New York and South Korea.
OTCR CONSULTING: OTCR Consulting is a student-run consulting organization on campus with a dual focus on preparing students for careers in consulting and delivering excellent project work their clients. Started back in 2000, OTCR has maintained a strong association with both the Colleges of Business and Engineering resulting in a good mixture of students from either side of campus. OTCR’s projects tend to focus on three main areas of expertise: Business Strategy, Technology Strategy, and Technology Development.
STUDENTS CONSULTING FOR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS (SCNO): SCNO is a student-led consulting firm at the U of I Campus, focusing on non-profit work, with entirely free services, SCNO uses a professionally inspired consulting framework. SCNO works to build new skills for their consultants in an encouraging environment. Successful applicants to SCNO have leadership potential, passion for building the organization, the ability to think outside the box, and structured problem solving.
ILLINOIS CONSULTING ACADEMY: Illinois Consulting Academy works closely with top consulting RSO’s across the University of Illinois campus. As a result, ICA is able to produce highly skilled consultants that have the resources to solve some of the world’s toughest problems. Vision: To foster a diverse student consulting community collectively focused on developing whole students, that think critically, build authentic relationships, and lead courageously to solve the world’s toughest problems.
Additional
Other Campus Resources
