Illinois Career Discovery Program
Program overview
Want to make the most of your winter break?
The Career Discovery Program 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 Career Discovery 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.
How to Apply
Shadowing opportunities will take place during winter break. Students can apply by completing the application process through Handshake (or another site) with the individual organizations that interest them and are welcome to apply to multiple opportunities.
Examples of past participating companies
Abbott
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 109,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
Archer Lewis
Archer Lewis is one of the fastest growing national. Accounting firms. Archer Lewis provides industry leading accounting and tax services to local clients with an owner’s mindset. Our large network offers boutique accounting firms modern support and tools to grow. With a focus on innovation and a passion for helping businesses thrive, we have become a trusted partner for businesses seeking expert financial guidance and for firms looking for additional resources.
BDO
Our purpose is helping people thrive, every day. Together, we are focused on delivering exceptional and sustainable outcomes and value for our people, our clients and our communities. BDO is proud to be an ESOP company, reflecting a culture that puts people first. BDO professionals provide assurance, tax and advisory services for a diverse range of clients across the US and in over 160 countries.
Deloitte
Deloitte drives progress. Our firms around the world help clients become leaders wherever they choose to compete. Deloitte invests in outstanding people of diverse talents and backgrounds and empowers them to achieve more than they could elsewhere. Our work combines advice with action and integrity. We believe that when our clients and society are stronger, so are we. Deloitte is recognized as a leader of top talent and strives to be an organization where you can thrive.
Grainger FACS Group
Grainger is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan, and the United Kingdom. We achieve our purpose, We Keep the World Working®, by serving more than 4.5 million customers with a wide range of products that keep their operations running and their people safe. Grainger also delivers services and solutions, such as technical support and inventory management, to save customers time and money. We're looking for passionate people who can move our company forward. As one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, we have a welcoming workplace where you can build a career for yourself while fulfilling our purpose to keep the world working.
Grant Thornton
Grant Thornton is the brand for two professional services entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC, which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services. Grant Thornton represents a community of more than 9,000 problem solvers, relationship builders, and industry specialists who know that how we serve matters as much as what we do.
Growmark
GROWMARK is an agricultural 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. GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by affiliated member cooperatives to serve more than 250,000 customers.
Miller Cooper
For over 100 years, Miller Cooper has been achieving success in the middle-market by helping our clients, and our employees, win. As the largest independently owned and operated firm in the Chicagoland area, we are large enough to develop your passion; small enough to care. If you are looking for a firm that fosters an exceptional environment where employees can enjoy a unique blend of top-tier client interaction with a fun, friendly work atmosphere, then take a closer look at Miller Cooper.
Plante Moran
At Plante Moran, business is never “just business” — it’s personal. It’s personal to our clients, and it’s personal to us. Our clients count on us to advance their businesses, chart new territories, build stronger strategies, and help support those who count on them. And with over 3,800 professionals in 23 locations across the Midwest, Rocky Mountain Region, and internationally — and a legacy that’s 100 years strong — we deliver. We’re proud to be one of the nation’s largest audit, tax, consulting, and wealth management firms.
PwC
At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. We’re a network of firms in 152 countries with over 327,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, advisory and tax services. At PwC we're inspiring and empowering our people to change the world. If you join us, you can help organizations meet the challenges and opportunities of the US marketplace in the areas of audit, tax and advisory.
West Monroe
West Monroe is a national business and technology consulting firm partnering with dynamic organizations to optimize their businesses. Our team of over 1,000 professionals is comprised of an uncommon blend business consultants and deep technologists, enabling us to design, implement, and run strategic solutions that significantly impact clients' profitability and performance.
WW Grainger
Grainger is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan, and the United Kingdom. We achieve our purpose, We Keep the World Working®, by serving more than 4.5 million customers with a wide range of products that keep their operations running and their people safe. Grainger also delivers services and solutions, such as technical support and inventory management, to save customers time and money.
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 Advisor 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.
What is the time commitment?
It varies by company. Some offer one-day experiences, while others provide multi-day job shadow opportunities. Check Handshake for details by searching for the company you’re interested in.