Graduate Internship, Business Development and Foreign Direct Investment

About the Job: Graduate Internship, Business Development and Foreign Direct Investment

World Business Chicago (WBC) is a public-private, non-profit partnership that drives inclusive economic growth and job creation, supports business, and promotes Chicago as a leading global city.

Position Summary

World Business Chicago is seeking a graduate intern for its Business Development and Foreign Direct Investment team.  The BD/FDI team is responsible for driving inclusive economic development across key sectors that result in Pro-Chicago decisions. Key sectors include manufacturing; transportation, distribution and logistics; life sciences and healthcare innovation; fintech; and food and AgTech. We assist businesses with all aspects of location and expansion support, including site selection and government relations. The team is also charged with attracting foreign investment and facilitating joint ventures, partnerships, and intergovernmental agreements; hosting international delegations and sponsoring cultural and corporate events; and convening government, civic and business leaders on issues of global importance.

Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of the Business Development and Foreign Direct Investment intern include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting in the development and implementation of proactive promotion strategy designed to strengthen Chicago’s brand as a leader in food and agriculture innovation
• Supporting the Chicago Food Stop initiative to ensure its success
• Providing support for special events and industry convenings as opportunities present
• Promote Chicago as the ideal location for corporate expansion needs by planning, participating at business events, participating in networking events, and other convenings
• Work with fellow staff to develop, implement, and improve targeted industry marketing and outreach efforts across our key verticals, including Logistics Tech, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing, Food and AgTech, and FinTech

Desired knowledge, skills & abilities

• Detailed oriented, with strong analytical, organizational and communication skills
• Understanding of economic development and planning concepts is desired
• Willingness to work in a deadline oriented, fast-paced environment is critical
• Ability to operate with discretion, recognizing confidential nature of work

Qualifications

• Current graduate student with studies in marketing, agriculture, urban planning, public policy, economics, business or related filed.
• Internship candidate is able to obtain class credit or school funding.
• Full COVID-19 vaccination is required by the first day of work unless there is an exemption due to medical or religious reasons

This is a paid internship position paid at $18.00 per hour with up to 29 hours per week for graduate students. Send resume to HR@worldbusinesschicago.com