Operations (Rotational) Intern | Summer 2027

Posted 4 Days Ago
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Cedar Rapids, IA, USA
In-Office
Internship
Industrial • Automation • Manufacturing • Solar
The Role
Operations intern supporting warehouse and distribution center activities, including receiving, picking, shipping, inventory management, process analysis, procedure improvement, and operational projects. The rotational program provides exposure to multiple departments, business processes, customer-facing functions, and cross-functional collaboration. Interns complete and present a capstone project while developing professional, technical, analytical, and leadership skills in a primarily on-site warehouse and office environment.
Summary Generated by Built In

Description

Role Summary 

If you’re looking to see the full life cycle of a sale within the world of electrical distribution, this internship is for you. As an Operations (Rotational) Intern, you will gain hands-on, real-world experience in warehouse and distribution center operations, including receiving, shipping, inventory management, and process improvement. Throughout the summer, you will contribute to meaningful work that supports daily operations while building skills that translate directly to your future career. Interns partner with leaders and team members across the organization, work alongside a dedicated coach and mentor for guidance and development, and complete a project that creates lasting value for the business. This experience provides insight into how operations drive business success while helping you strengthen your professional, technical, and leadership capabilities.

What sets this internship experience apart is the opportunity to be part of our Rotational Internship Program. In addition to developing expertise in Operations, you will rotate through other departments to gain a broader understanding of the business and customer journey. You'll collaborate with fellow interns, engage directly with executive leadership, participate in Place P volunteer events that give back to the communities we serve, and take part in an interactive onboarding and professional development program designed to help you learn more about yourself, your strengths, and your career interests. Through these experiences, you'll build meaningful connections, expand your network, and gain a well-rounded view of what it means to be part of an employee-owned organization.

Company Overview 

At Van Meter, our purpose is to Create Lasting Value for Those We Serve while fostering a high-performing, employee-owned organization. The company’s culture is built around being “All-In,” meaning employee-owners are encouraged to be the best in their roles, live the company’s values, and actively support and protect a strong, people-centered culture. Employees are empowered through open communication, accountability, collaboration, and a shared commitment to delivering an exceptional employee and customer experience. 

Key Responsibilities 

The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to: 

Support daily warehouse operations, including receiving, picking, shipping, and inventory management.

Analyze processes and identify opportunities for efficiency and continuous improvement.

Assist with documenting and improving operational procedures.

Collaborate on projects that support operational excellence and business goals.

Participate in departmental rotations to gain exposure to multiple areas of the organization.

Complete and present a capstone project highlighting key learnings and recommendations.

Internship Structure 

As part of Van Meter's Hybrid Rotational Internship Program, interns spend half of each day building expertise in their core Operations role and half of each day gaining exposure to another department.

Daily Schedule | M-TH

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Core Operations Role

1:00 PM - 4:30 PM | Department Rotation

Interns will participate in:

Department rotation assignments

Job shadowing opportunities

Hands-on learning experiences

Exposure to business processes and customer-facing functions

Cross-functional collaboration and networking

Learning how departments work together to serve customers

Fridays may be dedicated to:

Internship projects, professional development activities, and community impact initiatives

Requirements

Qualifications 

Education: Current Sophomore or Junior pursuing an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Warehouse Operations, or a related field. 

Technical Skills:

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Ability to learn new systems, processes, and technologies.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions 

Ability to move throughout a warehouse environment and use standard equipment as needed.

Ability to lift and move materials as required for the role.

Primarily on-site position with a mixture of office and warehouse distribution environment.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Other duties may be assigned, changed, or removed at any time, with or without notice, based on business needs and consistent with applicable law. Nothing in this job description alters the at-will employment relationship, where applicable. 

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities 

Van Meter is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants and employee-owners who require reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other employment benefits and privileges should contact Human Resources. Reasonable accommodation will be provided in accordance with applicable laws. 

Skills Required

  • Current sophomore or junior pursuing an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Warehouse Operations, or a related field
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to learn new systems, processes, and technologies
  • Ability to move throughout a warehouse environment and use standard equipment as needed
  • Ability to lift and move materials as required for the role
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The Company
624 Employees
Year Founded: 1928

What We Do

Van Meter Inc. is a 100% employee-owned wholesale electrical supply distributor committed to delivering essential supplies, effective automation solutions, and expert support, offering products like automation, electrical, data communications, lighting, and solar energy.

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