Telecommunications Real Estate & Operations Intern

TDS Telecom • Chicago, IL

9d • $16 - $26 • Hybrid

About The Position

This paid internship offers hands-on experience supporting a national portfolio of telecommunications real estate assets, including ground towers, and related infrastructure. Interns will gain exposure across asset management, leasing operations, data analytics, and process improvement, working alongside experienced professionals in a fast-paced infrastructure environment.
This role is ideal for students interested in real estate, telecommunications, analytics, or business operations who want a broad, practical understanding of how large-scale infrastructure portfolios are managed and optimized.
Ideal Candidate Traits
Detail-oriented, organized, and dependable
Curious and eager to learn how systems and processes connect
Comfortable working with data and imperfect information
Able to communicate insights to both technical and non-technical audiences
Professional, proactive, and collaborative
Interested in building a career in infrastructure, real estate, analytics, or operations
What You’ll Gain
Exposure to the full lifecycle of telecommunications real estate assets
Practical experience with real-world data, leases, and operational workflows
Opportunity to work cross-functionally in a mission-critical infrastructure business
Mentorship from industry professionals and career development opportunities
This position will be hybrid based out of our headquarters located in Chicago, IL.
Intern Resources:
As an intern at TDS, you'll have the opportunity to partner with seasoned professionals on high-priority company projects and day-to-day operations. During your internship, TDS offers you:
Access to our Intern Associate Resource Group (ARG): This group provides extra resources for your development, opportunities for internal advancement, and forums to connect with other interns across the company. Our ARG meets monthly, where you can hear about other interns’ projects and engage with leaders from various teams. The group also hosts networking events to help you build valuable connections, with the goal of helping you secure full-time employment upon graduation.
Prioritization of Your Professional Development: TDS offers in-depth training to ensure you are continuously growing and developing your skills.
Focus on Ethics and a Healthy Work-Life Balance: We emphasize ethical practices and offer a business casual work environment to promote a balanced, supportive culture.
Encouragement to Volunteer: Interns are encouraged to engage in local charities, university activities, and community events, fostering personal and professional growth through meaningful contributions.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in one of the following or a related field: Real Estate, Finance, Business Administration, Data Analytics, Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, Operations, Industrial Engineering, Urban Planning, Legal Studies
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (formulas, pivots, data organization)
• 20 hours per week required. At minimum 8-10 hours per week required to be in office (Mon – Wed)
• Ability to work the duration of this 12 month internship

Nice To Haves

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail
• Interest in telecommunications infrastructure, real estate, or asset-based businesses
• Exposure to one or more of the following areas: Commercial real estate leasing or contract review
• Asset performance, revenue tracking, or portfolio analysis
• Data visualization or business intelligence tools (Power BI, Tableau)
• SQL, Python, R, or similar analytical tools
• Process mapping, SOP creation, or operational improvement initiatives
• Familiarity with enterprise or workflow systems (e.g., SiteTracker, Salesforce)
• Understanding of basic real estate or infrastructure concepts (leases, escalators, amendments)

Responsibilities

• Support analysis of telecommunications real estate assets, leases, and portfolio performance
• Assist with lease tracking, abstraction, documentation, and data accuracy
• Analyze operational, asset, or financial data and prepare clear summaries or dashboards
• Help document business processes, workflows, and improvement opportunities
• Prepare reports, presentations, and insights for cross-functional teams
• Collaborate with asset management, leasing, finance, construction, and operations teams
• Maintain organized records in internal systems and Excel-based tools
• Additional tasks related to data organization and analytics as business needs arise

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Health Savings Accounts
• 401(k) plan (if 18 or older)
• Sick leave (10 days accrued per year for full-time and pro-rated for all other associates)
• Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs
• Opportunity to participate in our Associate Resource Groups

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed