Innovation Intern

Position Summary:

The Innovation Intern is a part-time, hourly role designed to support the organization’s innovation initiatives while providing meaningful, hands-on experience for a student pursuing a business-related degree. Working closely with the Innovation Professional, Director of Innovation, and Vice President of Innovation, the intern will assist with research, market analysis, project execution, and stakeholder engagement activities. This non-traditional internship offers exposure to real-world innovation projects, structured innovation management systems, and collaboration with senior leaders across the organization.

The ideal candidate is a junior or senior business major with a strong interest in innovation, strategy, and emerging market trends, who enjoys research, analysis, and written deliverables.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead Innovation Projects:

o   Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams to plan, develop, and execute innovation initiatives from ideation through implementation, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy and governance requirements.

o   Oversee the end-to-end innovation lifecycle, including opportunity definition, business case development, testing, and delivery, while ensuring adherence to established timelines and quality standards.

o   Ensure timely completion of required innovation documentation, including Concept Summary Documents (CSD), Business Proposal Documents (BPD), Test Plans, and Minimum Deliverable Packages (MDP), in accordance with defined business-day targets.

o   Monitor project progress, risks, and dependencies, escalating issues as needed to maintain momentum and delivery commitments.

o   Facilitate collaboration and decision-making across functional teams to remove barriers and drive successful outcomes.

Market Analysis:

o   Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for innovative projects, including documentation timeliness and stakeholder satisfaction.

o   Design, administer, and analyze internal and external satisfaction surveys for each innovation initiative to assess effectiveness, capture insights, and identify improvement opportunities.

o   Incorporate stakeholder feedback into project reviews and continuous improvement efforts

Stakeholder Engagement:

o   Serve as a primary point of coordination between innovation teams, functional leaders, and stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

o   Communicate project objectives, progress, and outcomes clearly and consistently to internal and external stakeholders.

o   Build strong working relationships that support alignment, engagement, and shared accountability for innovation outcomes.

Research & Reporting:

o   Perform targeted research to support innovation initiatives and strategic decision making.

o   Prepare clear, concise reports summarizing findings, insights and recommendations.

Foster Innovation Culture:

o   Keep abreast of the latest methodologies, tools and best practices, (e.g., design thinking, agile, lean startup) and apply them to enhance organizational innovation.

o   Measure 1: Attain the Certified Innovation Professional (CInP)® credential by the conclusion of 2026.

o   Measure 2: Conduct at least one knowledge-sharing session per quarter to share insights and best practices (LLD, Viva Engage Post, training, etc.).

o   Promote creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement to build a workplace that embraces innovation.

o   Measure 1: Submit Innovation Participation Log each week.

Required Qualifications:

Education & Experience

·        Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Innovation, Engineering, Economics or a related field.

Skills:

·        Strong qualitative and research skills including market, customer and competitive analysis skills.

·        Ability to translate insights into clear business opportunities and actionable recommendations.

·        Proficiency in preparing structured documentation and reports (e.g., concept briefs, business cases, test plans).

·        Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present ideas to diverse audiences.

·        Effective time management and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives concurrently.

·        Working knowledge of project management methodologies and tools (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, Jira, Smartsheet, MS Project, or similar).

·        Data literacy, including the ability to interpret trends and insights from market research platforms and internal data sources.

Attributes:

·        Willingness to travel to various facilities as needed.

·        Curious, creative, and solutions-oriented mindset.

·        Comfortable working in ambiguity and navigating early-stage ideas.

·        Strong collaboration skills and the ability to influence without direct authority.

·        High level of initiative, accountability, and attention to detail.

·        Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to team-based initiatives.

·        Enjoys research, documentation, and report writing.

Professional Development Opportunities:

·        Certification or progress toward innovation, project management, or strategy credentials (e.g., CInP®, PMP, Agile certifications).

·        Experience working within an ISO-based management system, preferably ISO 56000 or similar frameworks.

·        Experience conducting stakeholder workshops, ideation sessions, or knowledge-sharing events.

·        Exposure to portfolio management, governance processes, or stage-gate reviews.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

·        Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office setting. The role may require occasional travel.

·        Physical Demands: This role requires the ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer. Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 20 pounds.

EEOC Statement:

GIS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.