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Summer 2026 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Intern
internship

Summary

Type

internship

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About this role

Chicago Transit Authority is the second largest transit system in the country! Our college internship program offers summer and year-long internships that provide students with valuable work experience, professional development, and mentorship. Students receive exposure to the discipline of the workplace and are guided by subject matter experts who assist them in acquiring the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to perform in today’s technically demanding careers. Interns at CTA work in a range of departments across the authority.

Our internships are project-based; therefore, the skills that we seek vary based on the needs of the projects during each term. All majors are welcome to apply, but please see education experience/requirements for specifics about what disciplines each internship project is seeking.

Internships are part-time (15 hours a week) during the school year and full-time (40 hours a week) during the summer.

In this role within the Chief Planning and Innovation Officer department’s Strategic Planning unit, interns will:

  •       Update the static CTA service political maps to include the latest CTA service locations. 
  •        Generate semi-automated reports that can gather information from maps and datasets.
  •        Create a standard operating proceedure for updating maps and reports as new data becomes available.
  •        Create an online web application to showcase census data updates for CTA staff and stakeholders to use.

Primary work location for this role: CTA Headquarters (567 W. Lake Street, Chicago Illinois 60661)



Educational Experience/Requirements:

  •        Preferred Major(s): Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geography, Urban Planning
  •        Preferred Level of Education: College junior and above
  •        Required enrollment status: Full-time (as defined by your academic institution) in a degree program at an accredited college or university

Physical Requirements:

  •        The demands associated with the normal office environment
  •        Must be able to comply with office policy to work on-site twice per week 
  •        Light physical activity, including walking outdoors and climbing stairs

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  •        Strong Microsoft Office and computer skills.
  •        Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  •        Good analytical and critical thinking skills.
  •        Proficient organizational skills with attention to detail.
  •        Good project management skills.
  •        Proficiency in ESRI software - ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online.
  •        Familiarity with census data and policy.
  •        Ability to research and troubleshoot.

Other facts

Tech stack
Microsoft Office,Computer Skills,Verbal Communication,Written Communication,Analytical Skills,Critical Thinking,Organizational Skills,Attention to Detail,Project Management,ESRI Software,ArcGIS Pro,ArcGIS Online,Census Data,Research,Troubleshooting

About Chicago Transit Authority

Our mission is to deliver quality, affordable transit services that link people, jobs and communities.

Chicago Transit Authority employees keep nearly 1.7 million people in Chicago and 35 suburbs moving every weekday. The success of our transit system is a direct result of our skilled and dedicated workforce.

Our employees keep Chicago moving. So can you.

Join the CTA family by visiting our careers page at transitchicago.com/careers! For questions about our career opportunities or your application, email us at [email protected].

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Network at https://transitchicago.jobs.net/join?joinpath=Exportablejoin.

Team size: 10,001+ employees
LinkedIn: Visit
Industry: Urban Transit Services
Founding Year: 1947

What you'll do

  • Interns will update static CTA service political maps and generate semi-automated reports from maps and datasets. They will also create a standard operating procedure for updating maps and reports and develop an online web application for census data updates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Summer 2026 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Intern do at Chicago Transit Authority?

As a Summer 2026 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Intern at Chicago Transit Authority, you will: interns will update static CTA service political maps and generate semi-automated reports from maps and datasets. They will also create a standard operating procedure for updating maps and reports and develop an online web application for census data updates..

Why join Chicago Transit Authority as a Summer 2026 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Intern?

Chicago Transit Authority is a leading Urban Transit Services company.

How do I apply for the Summer 2026 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Intern position at Chicago Transit Authority?

You can apply for the Summer 2026 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Intern position at Chicago Transit Authority directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process. You can also learn more about Chicago Transit Authority on their website.