Workforce Transformation Intern - Summer 2027

Grant Thornton (US); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 43,000 - 59,000; Part time

Job summary

Grant Thornton (US) in Chicago offers a Workforce Transformation Intern role that gives you front-row exposure to large‑scale change initiatives across HR, payroll, and organizational change.

You’ll support project teams, conduct research, prepare presentations, plan meetings, and help identify trends and opportunities while developing consulting and problem‑solving skills. The hybrid program requires in‑person work several days a week at GT offices or client sites.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Human Capital Management, Business Administration, Industrial Organizational Psychology or a related field
• Minimum overall GPA of 3.0/4.0
• Demonstrated digital fluency through the effective use of technology, data, and basic AI technologies to enhance productivity and decision‑making
• Demonstrated ability to work in teams and deliver against tight deadlines in dynamic environments; this may be demonstrated via university projects, internships, self‑study, community building, or work experience
• Effectively communicate complex ideas and concepts both in written and verbal formats
• Intellectual curiosity, and motivation to develop professionally, including industry recognized professional certifications
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
• Critical thinkers that are ready to learn and strategically solve problems on a variety of projects across different functional areas
• Ability to remain agile, work in ambiguous environments, “can‑do” attitude
• Positive, client‑focused mindset
• The willingness and ability to work additional hours, as needed
• Ability to travel to various client sites as needed
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment‑based visa sponsorship now or in the future. No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Responsibilities

• Supporting project teams on workforce transformation, HR, payroll, and organizational change initiatives
• Conducting research and gathering information to help teams solve client challenges
• Helping create presentations, communications, and other project materials
• Assisting with meeting planning, notes, action items, and project coordination activities
• Reviewing and organizing data to identify trends, insights, and opportunities
• Learning how organizations manage change and support employees through transformation
• Collaborating with colleagues across teams to support client deliverables and project goals
• Contributing ideas and bringing a fresh perspective to client and internal initiatives
• Building consulting, communication, and problem-solving skills through hands‑on experience

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Digital fluency

Independent work

Critical thinking

Adaptability

Client focus

Travel readiness

Curiosity

Certifications interest

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business

Job description

Job Description

Why become a Workforce Transformation Intern at Grant Thornton

Ever wonder how companies navigate major change, launch new technologies, or create better experiences for their employees? That’s where we come in.

At Grant Thornton, our Advisory professionals don’t just solve problems, they help organizations transform how they operate, grow and succeed. We challenge the status quo, bring bold ideas to the table, and help clients navigate some of their most complex business transformations.

As a Workforce Transformation Intern, you’ll get a front-row seat to large-scale transformation initiatives that impact how people work every day. From organizational change and employee experience to HR and payroll transformations, you’ll help lead organizations aligning their people processes, and technology for lasting success.

If you’re curious, collaborative, and excited about helping organizations and the people within them navigate transformation, this is the place for you. Bring your curiosity. We’ll help you build the rest.

• Supporting project teams on workforce transformation, HR, payroll, and organizational change initiatives
• Conducting research and gathering information to help teams solve client challenges
• Helping create presentations, communications, and other project materials
• Assisting with meeting planning, notes, action items, and project coordination activities
• Reviewing and organizing data to identify trends, insights, and opportunities
• Learning how organizations manage change and support employees through transformation
• Collaborating with colleagues across teams to support client deliverables and project goals
• Contributing ideas and bringing a fresh perspective to client and internal initiatives
• Building consulting, communication, and problem-solving skills through hands‑on experience

You have the following technical skills, qualifications, and abilities:

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Human Capital Management, Business Administration, Industrial Organizational Psychology or a related field
• Minimum overall GPA of 3.0/4.0
• Demonstrated digital fluency through the effective use of technology, data, and basic AI technologies to enhance productivity and decision‑making
• Demonstrated ability to work in teams and deliver against tight deadlines in dynamic environments; this may be demonstrated via university projects, internships, self‑study, community building, or work experience
• Effectively communicate complex ideas and concepts both in written and verbal formats
• Intellectual curiosity, and motivation to develop professionally, including industry recognized professional certifications
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
• Critical thinkers that are ready to learn and strategically solve problems on a variety of projects across different functional areas
• Ability to remain agile, work in ambiguous environments, “can‑do” attitude
• Positive, client‑focused mindset
• The willingness and ability to work additional hours, as needed
• Ability to travel to various client sites as needed
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment‑based visa sponsorship now or in the future. No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

The pay rate for this position in the firm’s Chicago, Illinois office is $37 per hour

About Us

At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result – for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It’s what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better.

In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non‑attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.

In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans‑Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality‑driven professionals enjoying exceptional career‑growth opportunities and a distinctive cross‑border culture.

Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.

About The Team

The team you’re about to join is ready to help you thrive. Here’s how:

• Whether it's your work location, weekly schedule, or flex time off, we empower you with the options to work the way that it best serves your clients and your life. Consistent with the firm's hybrid work model, this position will require in-person attendance at least three days per week, either at a GT office or client site.
• Here, you are supported to prioritize your overall well‑being through work‑life integration options that work best for you and those in your household.
• We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different — and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. See how at www.gt.com/careers
• When it comes to inclusion, we are committed to doing more than checking boxes. Explore all the ways we’re taking action for diversity, equity & inclusion at www.gt.com/careers

Benefits

We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different, and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit: https://www.grantthornton.com/careers/rewards-and-benefits

• Benefits for internship positions: Grant Thornton interns are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Interns also receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave, and are paid for firm holidays that fall within their internship period.
• Benefits for seasonal employee positions: Grant Thornton seasonal employees are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Seasonal employees may also be eligible to participate in the firm’s 401(k) savings plan and employee retirement plan in accordance with applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements. Seasonal employees receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave.

Grant Thornton employees may be eligible for a discretionary, annual bonus based on individual and firm performance, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility criteria of the applicable bonus plan or program. Interns and seasonal employees are not eligible for bonus compensation.

Additional Details

It is the policy of Grant Thornton to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions (including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, working conditions, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, evaluations, and termination) are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital or civil union status, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic predisposition or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws, it is the policy of Grant Thornton LLP to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. To make an accommodation request, please contact [e-mail].

For Los Angeles Applicants only: We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

For Massachusetts Applicants only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Gran Thornton does not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employments or continued employment.