Internship – IT Operations Automation & AI (Year-Round)

Baird•Milwaukee, WI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The IT Operations Automation & AI intern will work across multiple teams that run and protect Baird’s technology environment. This intern will learn how these areas work together, identify processes that could be more efficient and help design and test appropriately scoped automation and AI-enabled solutions. The intern will be paired with subject matter experts, receive regular coaching and technical reviews and increase the complexity and ownership of work as skills grow. Outcomes may include research and recommendations, working prototypes or production-ready automations, depending on the opportunity and its operational risk. This is a hybrid internship, working three days per week in our downtown Milwaukee, WI office and two days remote. The intern must be able to work full time during the summer, 37.5-40 hours per week, and work part time during the school semesters, 15-20 hours per week. We are seeking a local student who can start in June 2027.

Requirements

Pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in information technology, information systems, management information systems, computer science or related degree
Anticipated graduation date of May 2028 or later
Curiosity about infrastructure, automation and practical uses of AI, with a willingness to learn unfamiliar technologies and ask thoughtful questions
Introductory exposure to scripting, programming or low-code tool through coursework, personal project or independent learning; PowerShell, Python or Node.js experience is a plus
Possess a natural curiosity in understanding the application of technology to solve business problems
Organizational excellence, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities, demonstrate strong attention to detail and ensure high-quality and on-time delivery
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
High level of motivation, proactivity and strategic thinking, with a strong commitment to learning and contributing effectively

Nice To Haves

Experimentation with automation, copilots or generative AI is a plus

Responsibilities

Learn how various IT Operations and Infrastructure teams support Baird through rotations, job shadowing and scoped project work
Partner with associates to identify manual, repetitive or high-value work that may benefit from automation
Build and test small automations using approved tools appropriate to the problem
Explore uses of approved AI capabilities to organize information, summarize documentation, extract data, support analysis and improve repeatable workflows
Assist with achievable operational and project tasks while learning the importance of data protection, access controls, testing, change management, auditability and service reliability
Create clear documentation, test evidence and support handoffs so work can be understood and maintained by the team
Communicate progress and blockers, incorporate feedback and present findings, demonstrations and lessons learned to IT Operations associates and leaders
Experience Baird’s collaborative culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives through teamwork and a strong sense of partnership by shadowing and mentorship from experienced team members and leaders