About the Role:
The Business Process team is part of Baird's Operations Department ("Ops"), which is the best kept secret in the financial services industry and plays a critical role to the success and growth of the firm. The Business Process team helps identify opportunities for improvement and drives efficiencies to solve problems.
Business transformation plays an important role in helping Baird improve how work gets done, respond to changing business needs and deliver scalable, sustainable solutions. The Business Transformation intern works directly with Baird's transformation professionals and collaborates with associates across Operations, business areas and technology teams to analyze processes, identify improvement opportunities and support the implementation of process and digital solutions.
Through hands-on project work, the intern will gain exposure to business process management, operational improvement, data analysis, digital transformation, automation and project delivery within the financial services industry. We look for highly motivated individuals who are curious, analytical and interested in understanding how people, processes, data and technology work together to create business value.
This internship requires working full time during the summer, 37.5-40 hours per week, Monday-Friday and is a hybrid internship, working four days per week in our downtown Milwaukee, WI office and one day remote. We are seeking a student who can start in June 2027.
The Impact You'll Make
- Participate in process discovery sessions, stakeholder interviews and working meetings to understand how operational processes function today
- Document current-state processes using process maps, SIPOCs, workflows and other business process management tools
- Analyze operational processes and manual and repetitive activities to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, rework, unclear handoffs and technology-enabled improvement opportunities
- Assist with projects focused on the development of future-state processes, workflow improvements, process digitization, automation and operational modernization that improve efficiency, consistency, scalability and the associate or client experience
- Apply structured problem-solving and continuous improvement techniques to support operational transformation initiatives
- Translate business needs, process findings and stakeholder feedback into clearly documented solution requirements and support testing, issue tracking, implementation planning, documentation and operational readiness activities
- Collect, organize and analyze operational data to establish process baselines, identify trends and performance gaps and support the development of key performance indicators, success measures, dashboards, reports and data visualizations
- Help evaluate the business value and measurable impact of proposed or implemented improvements
- Support project teams with tracking milestones, deliverables, risks, issues, dependencies, action items and preparing status updates, presentations and executive summaries
- Develop process documentation, user guides, training materials and other resources that support the adoption of new processes and solutions
- Collaborate with associates across Operations, Information Technology and other business areas to support transformation initiatives
- Explore responsible applications of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to improve business processes and operational effectiveness
What You'll Bring to Baird
- Pursuing a bachelor's degree in supply chain management, operations and systems management, business analytics, management information systems, operations management, finance, business administration or related degree
- Anticipated graduation date of May 2028 or later
- Completed coursework and prior experience in one or more of the following: operations management, supply chain, business analytics, process improvement, project management, information systems, technology or related disciplines
- Proven analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate information and identify actionable solutions
- Passion for process improvement, operational excellence and business transformation
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to connect clearly and professionally with clients and associates and communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical personnel
- Organizational excellence, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities, demonstrate strong attention to detail and ensure high-quality and on-time delivery
- High level of motivation, proactivity and strategic thinking, with a strong commitment to learning and contributing effectively
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office products
- Experience with Power BI, Tableau, Visio or other data visualization and process mapping tools is a plus
- Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, Agile or other continuous improvement methodologies is a plus
- Experience with process mapping, data analytics, automation or project-based work is a plus
About Our Intern Program
Jumpstart your career with Baird's high-impact summer intern program! You'll gain real-world experience, connect with inspiring leaders and grow through hands-on projects, mentorship and dynamic events. From our Intern Welcome and Baird Gives Back Day to firmwide networking and professional development, you'll be part of a vibrant, collaborative culture that values your voice and fuels your future.
Baird is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status.
Baird is committed to diversity and provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.
