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What is an operations internship and how to become one

Updated June 25, 2024
6 min read
Quoted Expert
George Dierberger
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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.

How long does it takes to become an operations internship?

It typically takes 3-4 years to become an Operations Intern:

  • Years 1-3: Obtaining a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or Industrial Engineering.
  • Year 4: Accumulating the necessary work experience in areas such as operations management, project coordination, or supply chain logistics.

ScoreOperations InternshipUS Average
Salary
2.6

Avg. Salary $33,357

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
9.6

Growth Rate 6%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.3
Race

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%

Gender

female 35.34%

male 64.66%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress Level
9.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
9.2

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
3.6

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being an Operations Internship?

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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Operations Internship career paths

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.

Key steps to become an operations internship

  1. Explore operations internship education requirements

    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.

    Most common operations internship degrees

    Bachelor's

    79.0 %

    Master's

    8.4 %

    Associate

    8.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific operations internship skills

    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.

    SkillsPercentages
    Operations Intern18.86%
    Customer Service14.36%
    Work Ethic6.40%
    Patients5.65%
    Project Management5.06%
  3. Research operations internship duties and responsibilities

    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."

    • Manage SharePoint database and spreadsheet for coverage opinion bills.
    • Manage the month-end financial statement reporting process, including journal entry preparation, and account reconciliations.
    • Implement request template, CSS, and JavaScript changes to existing site.
    • Process request through an electronic queue for client's website changes using asp, JavaScript, and HTML languages.
  4. Prepare your operations internship resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your operations internship resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an operations internship resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Operations Internship Resume templates

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    Operations Internship Resume
  5. Apply for operations internship jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an operations internship job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Operations Internship Job

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Average operations internship salary

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.

Average Operations Internship Salary
$33,357 Yearly
$16.04 hourly

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Updated June 25, 2024

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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