2026 Annual Internship Program

Overview

The IFACB – also designated as the State’s Climate Bank – is proud to offer an immersive 2026 Annual Internship Program designed for students passionate about public finance, sustainable economic development, and climate-focused policy implementation. Located in the heart of Chicago, IFA plays a critical role in supporting financing across the state — from clean energy projects and climate initiatives to economic development and equitable investment strategies. The Authority created the IFACB-AIP to provide practical, hands-on opportunities for motivated, dedicated, and high-achieving recent graduates from, and current students enrolled in, accredited undergraduate and graduate school programs to gain valuable experience across a broad spectrum of functional areas within the Authority:

Functional Areas

• Public Finance
• Information Technology
• Executive Director’s Office
• Legal
• The Climate Bank
• Finance & Administration
• Commercial Lending
• Economic Development
• Procurement
• Internal Controls and Audit

The IFACB-AIP offers a hands-on, foundational experience for the 2026 cohort:

• Engage in meaningful public finance work: Support efforts tied to climate-focused financing programs, state economic development, and stakeholder coordination.
• Collaborate with internal staff and external resources with current projects and initiatives designed to further advance information technology innovation at the Authority
• Contribute to real projects: Help prepare materials, assist with research and analysis, and take part in the development of presentations and communications used in executive and board settings.
• Develop critical professional skills: Gain experience in research, writing, data analysis, policy interpretation, and cross-department collaboration.
• Participate in professional development: Attend workshops, network with finance and policy professionals, and learn about the broader public finance ecosystem.
• Mentorship from a friendly and experienced team of professionals.
• A forum to build/expand your network.
• Optional: The opportunity to prepare an IFACB-AIP Completion Report and/or presentation summarizing the internship experience.
• Certificate upon successful completion of the IFACB-AIP.

Qualifications for the IFACB-AIP:

The IFACB-AIP is eligible to current undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in accredited academic institutions or other related programs including junior colleges, or occupational and vocational programs with a focus on finance, economics, business administration, or liberal arts along with:

• Exceptional writing skills
• Detail-oriented, with the ability to engage and contribute to multiple activities/tasks
• Excellent analytical skills and research abilities
• Desire to learn and apply the fundamentals of financial analysis
• Work well collaboratively and/or independently on assignments in a complete, accurate, transparent, and ethical manner
• Enthusiasm for public service and environmental policy
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal communication abilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
• Comfortable working independently and collaborating with professionals across sectors
• Interest in state government processes and policy development

We look forward to welcoming the 2026 cohort of talented and motivated interns!

The above is intended to describe the general program content of and qualifications applicable to the IFACB-AIP. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this IFACB-AIP description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to internship role at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application process and to perform the essential functions of the position. Please contact IFACB in writing at hr@il-fa.com to request an accommodation.