Looking to make the most of your winter break?

The Winter Job Trek offers a unique opportunity for students to dive headfirst into the corporate world and gain invaluable experience with some of the most renowned companies out there.

Curated with your career aspirations in mind, our Winter Trek Program is designed to provide an immersive and hands-on experience like no other. Imagine spending your winter break shadowing industry leaders, witnessing firsthand how they operate, and getting an inside look at their day-to-day operations.   During the job shadowing experience, students have the opportunity to build their resume with industry-specific experience, expand their professional network, and identify the skills necessary to succeed in the industry.

We've carefully selected a diverse range of top companies across various sectors to ensure that you find the perfect fit for your interests. Whether you're passionate about finance, accounting, marketing, or another business related field, we've got you covered.

Want to Participate?

How to Apply

Shadowing opportunities will take place during the Winter Break and students can apply by completing the application process on Handshake with the individual organizations that are of interest to you.  Click on the company names that you are interested in below to learn more about the programs and to access the application.

BDO

Come visit the BDO Offices in Downtown Chicago to learn more about careers in public accounting, meet our professionals, and participate in workshops to improve your soft-skills!

Chamberlain Group

Are you interested in exploring a career in technology? Are you pursuing a degree in finance, accounting, analytics, engineering, computer science, or another STEM field? We invite you to spend the day at our corporate headquarters gaining insight into our company, our exceptional team, and our vibrant culture.

CohnReznick LLP

Spend the day at our firm, located in the Loop, as our professionals begin their busy season. You will spend time with Audit professionals ranging from Partner to Intern as they navigate the busiest time of the year in public accounting!

Grainger -- Finance

Grainger invites Illinois freshman, sophomores, and juniors to apply for a one-day shadowing experience at our corporate headquarters. Students will gain exposure to a “day-in-the-life” of a Financial Analyst in the Financial Development Program.

Grainger -- Supply Chain

Grainger invites Illinois freshman and sophomores to apply for a one-day shadowing experience at our corporate headquarters.  Students will gain exposure to a “day-in-the-life” of a Supply Chain Analyst.

Grant Thornton

Our Job Shadow Program is an exciting opportunity to learn about our mission, our services lines, and our people. We have a great program planned, and we are excited to share our GT culture with you.

Growmark

GROWMARK, Inc. is a regional cooperative providing agronomy, energy, facility planning, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services in more than 40 states and Ontario, Canada. You will have the unique opportunity to shadow an individual in your career area of interest.

Plante Moran

Are you considering a career path in audit, tax, or advisory?  Learn from staff about what a busy season in accounting looks like. Get a better understanding of what a career in audit, tax, advisory services looks like and what makes someone a good fit for each area.

John Deere

Our John Deere Accounting team is thrilled to host UIUC students at our World Headquarters in Moline, IL on Thursday, January 11, 2024 -- hear from a number of speakers, including UIUC alumni, on career path opportunities within Deere, network with employees during lunch, and tour our HQ and a local factory.  Marketing Roles included in job shadow!

Lincoln International -- Investment Banking

Lincoln International invites high-performing, motivated undergraduate sophomores interested in learning more about Investment Banking to apply for our Sophomore Job Shadow Program.  We have designed a one-day program that will expose undergraduate students to the various opportunities available to them through a career in investment banking.

Protiviti

Protiviti's Chicago Office Job Shadow is a one day in-person event on Thursday, January 11th, 2024. Throughout the event you will have the ability to learn more about Protiviti Chicago's solution offerings, culture and people. The event will consist of panel discussions, group activities, client spotlights etc.

True Value -- Supply Chain

If you are pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Business, including Supply Chain or Engineering this is a great opportunity to join us for the day. You will learn more about who we are and what we do. You will also have the opportunity to meet UIUC alumni and some of our leaders. Come spend a day in the life at True Value Company and learn more about our career opportunities, culture, benefits and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who will cover the cost of housing and transportation to and from any job shadowing site?

    Students are responsible for funding housing costs and transportation costs to the job shadowing site. Students should only apply for job shadowing opportunities that they will be able to complete.  When possible, applying for job shadowing opportunities close to your home city can also help with travel and housing costs.

  • Will I be able to put the job shadowing experience on my resume

    Yes, you will! This is best added to your resume in a "Related Experience" section. Please see a Career Adviser to discuss how you can add your job shadowing experience to your resume.

  • I don’t have any experience in my field of interest. Can I still get a job shadowing opportunity?

    That’s no problem! To apply for a job shadowing opportunity, you only need to show sincere interest in the possibility of a career in the field.

  • What should I wear and bring to the shadowing experience?

    Some employers will provide you with attire guidance.  For employers who do not, it's best to dress business casual or business professional.  You may be doing a lot of standing or walking, so select comfortable shoes.   You should bring a notebook/pen and any required personal items.  You may wish to bring a backpack or tote bag to carry your items.