Research Intern Jobs in Illinois

Summary

The Union Benefits Compliance Intern will support the HR, Payroll, and Labor Relations teams by helping research and document benefit requirements across multiple unions and trust funds. This role is ideal for a student interested in human resources, labor relations, business administration, or compliance. The intern will gain hands‑on experience analyzing Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs), and trust agreements while helping build a comprehensive database used across the organization.

Essential Functions

• Research and collect medical and pension benefit information from union CBAs, SPDs, and Trust agreements.
• Summarize eligibility rules, contribution requirements, and administrative processes for each union and trust.
• Identify and document discrepancies between CBA language and trust‑fund requirements.
• Maintain accurate records, spreadsheets, and reference materials to support HR, Payroll, and Labor Relations teams.

Additional Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong analytical and research skills — able to read, interpret, and summarize written documents such as CBAs, SPDs, and trust agreements.
• High attention to detail — ensures accuracy when comparing benefit rules, documenting discrepancies, and maintaining data.
• Organizational skills — able to manage multiple documents, track requirements across unions, and maintain structured records and spreadsheets.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and basic data tools — comfortable organizing information, creating summaries, and working with tables.
• Clear written and verbal communication — able to summarize findings, prepare documentation, and collaborate with HR, Payroll, and Labor Relations teams.
• Ability to work independently — comfortable handling research tasks with minimal supervision while meeting deadlines.
• Problem‑solving mindset — able to identify inconsistencies, flag issues, and think critically about compliance requirements.
• Professionalism and confidentiality — able to handle sensitive employee and union information responsibly.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labor Relations, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to interpret written documents.
• Interest in compliance, labor relations, or benefits administration.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and comfortable working with data.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.

Job Category: Intern

Compensation Information

The compensation offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s relevant experience; education, including relevant degrees or certifications; work location; market data/ranges; internal equity; internal salary ranges; etc. The position may also be eligible to receive an annual bonus, commission, and/or long‑term incentive plan based on the level and/or type. Compensation ranges for the position are below:

Pay Type:

Hourly

Minimum Pay Range:

$18.00

Maximum Pay Range:

$18.00

Benefits Information

For all Full‑time positions only: Ryder offers comprehensive health and welfare benefits, to include medical, prescription, dental, vision, life insurance and disability insurance options, as well as paid time off for vacation, illness, bereavement, family and parental leave, and a tax‑advantaged 401(k) retirement savings plan.

Ryder is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free workplace.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

Important Note:

Some positions require additional screening that may include employment and education verification; motor vehicle records check and a road test; and/or badging or background requirements of the customer to which you are assigned.

Security Notice for Applicants:

Ryder will only communicate with an applicant directly from a [@ryder.com] email address and will never conduct an interview online through a chat type forum, messaging app (such as WhatsApp or Telegram), or via an online questionnaire. During an interview, Ryder will never ask for any form of payment or banking details and will never solicit personal information outside of the formal submitted application through www.ryder.com/careers.

Should you have any questions regarding the application process or to verify the legitimacy of an interview or Ryder representative, please contact Ryder at careers@ryder.com.

Current Employees:

If you are a current employee at Ryder, please click here to log in to Workday to apply using the internal application process.