2027 Return to Work Fellowship Event and Exhibit Service: Chicago, IL

VetJobs; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid hands-on experience

Rotational exposure

Professional development

Career guidance and ongoing support

Networking with leaders

Opportunities for long-term career

Job summary

The Freeman Company in Chicago is offering the Return to Work Fellowship for military veterans transitioning to civilian careers in live events. The 15-week paid fellowship provides hands-on experience across event operations, logistics, and leadership, with rotational exposure and mentorship.

As an Event & Exhibit Services Fellow, you will learn how teams, equipment, freight, and schedules come together to deliver memorable experiences for clients, while building professional relationships

Qualifications

• Veterans with honorable military service; transitioned within past 5 years or less than 1 year of corporate experience.
• Strong communicators with demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working across warehouse and show-site environments.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and open to learning new systems, tools, and industry practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate teams across multiple lines of business while gaining hands-on experience in show-site and branch operations.
• Build operations, electrical, and freight leadership skills while maintaining safety, quality, and service standards.
• Coordinate with customers, The Freeman Company (TFC) teams, and partners to deliver successful events.
• Support labor and equipment planning, scheduling, and show-site execution.
• Gain hands-on experience in freight, logistics, equipment, safety, and event operations.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Strong communication

Fast-paced environment

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About Us

The Freeman Company is a global leader in events, on a mission to redefine live for a new era. With a data-driven approach and the industry’s largest network of experts, The Freeman Company's insights shape exhibitions, exhibits, and events that drive audiences to action. The integrated full-service solutions leverage a 99-year legacy in event management as well as new technologies to deliver moments that matter.

Job Description

The Freeman Company is a global leader in events, on a mission to redefine live for a new era. With a data-driven approach and the industry’s largest network of experts, The Freeman Company's insights shape exhibitions, exhibits, and events that drive audiences to action. The integrated full-service solutions leverage a 99-year legacy in event management as well as new technologies to deliver moments that matter.

Summary

TFC Return to Work Fellowship - February 2nd to May 15th

Are you a military veteran ready to translate your leadership, logistics, operations, and problem-solving experience into a civilian career in the live events industry? Join Freeman for a 15-week paid fellowship experience designed to support veterans transitioning into civilian careers. Fellows gain structured, hands‑on experience, professional development, industry exposure, and opportunities to build relationships with Freeman leaders and professionals. As an Event & Exhibit Services (E&ES) Fellow, you'll experience the operational side of bringing live events to life while learning how people, equipment, freight, and logistics come together to deliver experiences for our customers. The fellowship provides rotational exposure across the business and prepares participants to apply their military experience within a civilian operations environment.

This position will support our Event & Exhibit Services team. The position follows an in-person schedule working full-time in-office and/or show-site based out of any of the following locations:

• Chicago, IL


• Las Vegas, NV


• Nashville, TN


• San Antonio, TX


• Washington, DC

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

A Day in the Life in E&ES

Your Experience May Include

• Lead and coordinate teams across multiple lines of business while gaining hands‑on experience in show‑site and branch operations


• Build operations, electrical, and freight leadership skills while maintaining safety, quality, and service standards


• Coordinate with customers, The Freeman Company (TFC) teams, and partners to deliver successful events


• Support labor and equipment planning, scheduling, and show‑site execution


• Gain hands‑on experience in freight, logistics, equipment, safety, and event operations

Education & Experience

What We're Looking For

• Veterans with honorable military service, including Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard; transitioned from military service within the past 5 years or have less than 1 year of corporate experience


• Strong communicators with demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and problem‑solving skills


• Comfortable working across warehouse and show‑site environments


• Able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment


• Proficient in Microsoft Office and open to learning new systems, tools, and industry practices


• Previous experience in squad leadership, operations, supply chain, project management, logistics, or carpentry is a plus

What We Offer

Program Benefits

• Paid, hands‑on experience supporting real event operations


• Rotational exposure to multiple areas of the business


• Professional development and specialized industry training


• Career guidance and ongoing support


• Opportunities to network with TFC leaders and industry professionals


• Exposure to potential long‑term career opportunities at TFC


• Pay Rate: $25 - $35 per hour, depending on role

Diversity Commitment

At The Freeman Company, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is helping us to create not only a great place to work, but also an environment where our employees, our customers and our communities around the world can reach their goals and connect with each other. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status and other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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