The AbbVie EXCEL Externship is a two-day, unpaid, immersive experience for 2nd year undergraduate (sophomore) students interested in future internships with AbbVie. Students will join us at AbbVie's Headquarters in Lake County, IL during August 2026 to: 

• Get immersed in AbbVie’s culture 
• Gain hands-on experience in a variety of key business areas 
• Build an extended network of AbbVie representatives, senior leaders, and students from across the country 
• Participate in cross-functional professional development opportunities
• Learn more about AbbVie’s career opportunities 
• Be considered for an internship for the following summer

AbbVie will provide travel, transportation, and lodging for eligible students. 

Clinical Trial Operations Overview 

The AbbVie Excel Externship in Clinical Trial Operations serves as a key talent pipeline for our Clinical Trial Operations Internship Program. Externship participants are strongly considered for internship opportunities within Clinical Trial Operations for the following year. 

Clinical Trials are required before a new compound can be available for use by patients.  A clinical study in human volunteers is conducted to answer specific health questions: Is it safe? Does it work?  Is it better than what is currently offered to patients? At AbbVie, the Clinical Operations group conducts/manages clinical trials and provides therapeutically aligned, scientific strategy and operations management for the planning, execution and reporting of clinical development programs to enable successful global registration and commercialization of drug development projects.

The following functional areas will be highlighted during the Externship experience:

• Clinical Data Strategy & Operations (CDSO)
• Study Management Associate Organization (SMAO)
• Clinical Acceleration and Performance (CAP)