Intern - Internal Audit & Enterprise Risk Management (Summer 2026)

At United, we offer internships, co-ops, and full-time opportunities for early career professionals. In any role, you’re a key member of our team, contributing to real projects that help move the business forward while gaining hands-on experience, growing your professional skill set, and connecting with industry leaders. You’ll also have a chance to build community through our employee-run Business Resource Groups, participate in industry conferences, and enjoy unlimited standby travel anywhere we fly.

We believe that inclusion helps us thrive and grow at United across our collaborative Finance teams consisting of Financial Planning & Analysis, Internal Audit, Treasury, Global Procurement, Controllership, Investor Relations and more. These teams provide the financial fuel that keeps our operation running from providing detailed analyses of financial planning, performance, and forecasts to managing our investments and financial strategies. Our Finance team plays an integral role in making our airline profitable and successful by meeting our financial goals.

Overview

The Internal Audit department at United Airlines plays a critical role in strengthening the organization by providing audit, risk, and advisory services across the business. Our collaborative team works on a wide-range of projects, including operational audits, enterprise risk management related initiatives, data analytics and cybersecurity.

We help the organization achieve its strategic objectives through a systematic, principled approach to evaluating and enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of risk management, control and governance processes. Internal Audit also serves as a key monitoring activity within the Company’s control environment, offering management and the Board of Directors clear insight(s) into control strengths, areas for improvement, and opportunities to increase efficiency.

As an intern, you will contribute to meaningful projects and gain exposure to senior leadership, with opportunities to share your work and insights directly.

About the Role

The Intern role provides broad exposure to internal audits, enterprise risk management (ERM), data analytics, and cybersecurity assurance - helping you build both technical expertise and business acumen. Interns will work alongside audit and risk professionals on meaningful projects that strengthen the organization’s control environments, support informed decision-making, and enhance operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

As an Intern, you may contribute to projects across the following areas:

Internal Audit

Support in audit planning, walkthroughs, and testing procedures to achieve audit objectives

Prepare detailed workpapers in line with departmental procedures and audit standards

Provide objective assessments and recommendations to improve operational controls and business processes.

Participate in closing meetings with stakeholders to discuss audit results and management action plans

Participate in onsite field visits (e.g. cycle counts, airport audits)

Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)

Assist in supporting the development, implementation, and on-going maintenance of the ERM framework

Contribute to enterprise risk monitoring and reporting by gathering data supporting dashboards, KPIs, and meeting with key leaders on ERM process(es)

Help prepare ERM reporting packages and presentation materials for executive leadership and the Board of Directors

Analyze risk events, deficiencies, and emerging trends to support lessons learned and root cause analyses

Technology, Cybersecurity, and Data Analytics

Use data analytics tools to identify trends, anomalies, and insights that inform audit results and enhance efficiency

Build dashboards and visualizations to support risk and audit reporting

Assess the impact of emerging technologies and risks on the Company’s business and control environment

Support cybersecurity risk assessments and reviews of IT controls

This internship may be eligible for full-time conversion based on performance in role, position availability and overall operational need, potentially offering a direct pathway to a career with us.

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

Applicant must be a current student and within one year of graduation at either of the following levels: BS, BA (preferably major in Accounting or Internal Audit, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Information Systems, Data Analytics/Science, Cybersecurity or a similar/related field)

Strong analytical skills with some experience working with data analysis tools such as Excel, SQL, Alteryx, Tableau, Power BI, Python or SAS

Solid written and verbal communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Strong interpersonal skills with focus on teamwork and ability to maintain professional relationships across all levels of staff and management

Ability to manage multiple priorities/projects and adapt to a fast-paced, changing environment

This role will be based in Chicago and follow a hybrid scheduling model

Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

Internship duration is 12 weeks during Summer 2026

Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship

Willingness to travel up to 25%

What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):

Intermediate to advanced proficiency with data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., SQL, Python, Tableau, Power BI, SAS, Alteryx)

Demonstrated leadership experience through campus involvement, student organizations, or community initiatives

Prior internship or project experience in audit, risk management, data analytics, or cybersecurity