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An operations intern works in the operations department of a company to gain practical experience and understanding of business operations. These interns assist with various tasks, like managing inventory, processing orders, coordinating shipments, and improving production processes. An operations internship allows interns to develop problem-solving skills and gain exposure to different aspects of business management, ideal for individuals interested in pursuing a career in operations management.
It typically takes 3-4 years to become an Operations Intern:
Avg. Salary $33,357
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 6%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.43%
Asian 8.83%
Black or African American 6.36%
Hispanic or Latino 9.39%
Unknown 4.56%
White 70.43%
Genderfemale 35.34%
male 64.66%
Age - 43American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 43Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Pros
Develop communication, problem-solving, and time management skills
Potential to lead projects and initiatives
Chance to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios
May receive academic credit for the internship
Possibility of receiving a job offer upon completion of the internship
Cons
Unpaid or low-paid internships may create financial strain
May require long hours or irregular schedules
Could involve tedious or repetitive tasks
Could face competition from other interns to lead projects or initiatives
Limited job security beyond the duration of the internship
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An operations internship can lead to various career paths. Some common ones include becoming an office assistant, consultant, or operations manager. It can also lead to roles like account executive, project manager, or supply chain manager. With experience, you might move into positions like controller, senior finance analyst, or manager of finance planning and analysis.
The educational requirements for an operations internship typically include a high school diploma, although a certificate, associate, or bachelor's degree can be beneficial. Some may even require a master's degree. According to Dorothy Zilic, Director of Career Services at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, "Experience continues to be an important factor when entering the workforce in numerous fields. The majority of employers want to see some kind of related experience, such as an internship, part-time employment, volunteer/service and course-related experiences relevant to their major." Relevant majors for an operations internship often include business, finance, and marketing. Top schools for operations internships include the University of Southern California, Western Carolina University, and San Diego State University.
An operations internship requires a diverse set of skills. They need to be proficient in various software like Excel, AutoCAD, and HTML. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are also necessary, as seen in tasks like identifying cost savings opportunities, resolving complex issues, and creating algorithms. Finally, good communication skills are important, as interns may need to present their findings through reports and presentations.
Skills | Percentages |
---|---|
Operations Intern | 18.86% |
Customer Service | 14.36% |
Work Ethic | 6.40% |
Patients | 5.65% |
Project Management | 5.06% |
An operations internship involves a wide range of responsibilities. They may design and develop user-form applications, create knowledge management systems, and analyze performance data using key performance indicators. They may also assist in driving accounting, reporting, and business process simplification and efficiency initiatives. According to George Dierberger, MBA Director and Associate Professor at Augsburg University, "The biggest trend the past 2 years has been the move to business analytics. Companies of all sizes are requiring data analytics for new hires."
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your operations internship resume.
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Now it's time to start searching for an operations internship job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
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The average Operations Internship salary in the United States is $33,357 per year or $16 per hour. Operations internship salaries range between $25,000 and $43,000 per year.
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