Strategy Intern

tms; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

tms in Chicago is seeking a Strategy Intern to join the McDonald’s team. You will immerse yourself in research, trend tracking, and the creation of client-facing and internal briefing documents.

You will support the strategy group with research, analytics, insights, and developing a strategic marketing perspective for our clients.

This role offers hands-on experience with cross-functional teams, exposure to industry leaders, and mentorship as you learn storytelling and dot-connecting.

Qualifications

• Rising junior, senior, or recent graduate expected.
• GPA 3.0+ required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong problem solving and time management.

Responsibilities

• Support the strategy team with research and analytics.
• Create client-facing and internal briefing documents.
• Help develop a strategic marketing perspective for key clients.

Skills

Student status

GPA 3.0+

Solutions-oriented

Interpersonal skills

MS Office

Organizational skills

Time management

Oral and written communication

Proactive self-starter

Tools

MS Office

Job description

PROGRAM DATES June 2, 2027 – August 5, 2027

About Us

tms unites technology, marketing, and sourcing to drive transformational change for the world’s leading brands. With 1,200+ employees across 26 countries, we offer an impressive range of solutions – from inspiration and innovation to category management and delivery.
Operating as a creative agency, a strategic consultancy, a sourcing business, and a technology provider, we engage with over 110 million customers every single day for our clients, including McDonald’s, T‑Mobile, O2, Starbucks, and adidas.
Most importantly, we’re a place where you can achieve great things, and be recognized as the best.

What Matters The Most

Breakthrough, business‑driving ideas come from extraordinary people with the freedom to be their most authentic selves at work. Authenticity and diversity are critical elements of our business. They can only be realized when we create access and equity for all. We foster a culture of inclusion and belonging and aspire to be ever‑evolving. tms is a place where brilliant people are better together. If you want your ideas to be heard and to contribute to a culture of inclusion and authenticity, bring us your voice! Visit us at tmsw.com.

LIFE OF A TMS SUMMER INTERN

Here at tms, we care about our people, and we want to help foster their skills into the best they can be. The tms Summer Internship Program aims to do just that. Each year, we seek to build an inclusive program that not only offers hands‑on experience working with clients and cross‑functional teams alike but also promotes numerous networking and relationship building opportunities with industry leaders, mentors, and peers across the business.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Strategy Intern

As a member of the Strategy team dedicated to the McDonald’s business, you will be immersing yourself in the world of food, culture and retail. We take the essence of “research” and “trend tracking” to a whole new level. As part of your role you will spend time questing at quick‑service restaurants and other retail establishments, tasting delicious foods and analyzing real‑world customer experiences for the world’s most influential brands. Your day‑to‑day will be supporting the overall strategy team with research, analytics analysis, insights generation, as well as developing client‑facing and internal briefing documents, and crafting a strategic marketing perspective for our key clients. You also will help monitor developments within the client’s industry while analyzing competitive insights. This individual should be naturally curious with a desire to learn the craft of storytelling and eager to connect any dots that come their way!

Skills And Experience

• Rising Junior, Senior, or Recent Graduate
• GPA: 3.0 or higher
• Solutions‑oriented with critical thinking and problem‑solving skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, enjoys building relationships and working with others
• Proficient in MS Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong time and project management skills, comfortable juggling multiple tasks
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Resourceful and a proactive self‑starter

Hourly Rate: $20/hr

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

RECRUITING AGENCIES

tms does not accept agency resumes submitted by third‑party vendors unless a valid agreement has been signed and the tms Talent Acquisition Team has granted authorization for submissions for a specified position. Please do not submit or forward resumes to our site, tms employees, or any other company location. tms is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.